Methamphetamine (or meth) use disorder continues to pose significant challenges for numerous individuals globally. It is a potent stimulant. It gives you a big energy boost and keeps you awake and active for long periods without needing much sleep.
In the United States, doctors can prescribe meth on rare occasions for conditions like narcolepsy, ADHD, and severe obesity. However, people often misuse it just for the “high” feeling it gives.
It’s important to get a prescription for these medications. However, it’s also crucial to understand how quickly they can take over someone’s life. This can make it hard to get back on track.
You can find meth in various forms, like pills, powder, or hard, shiny crystals known as ice. Ice, which is the crystal form of meth, is particularly popular with young people and those who frequent nightclubs.
Addiction occurs when someone continues to use a substance, like drugs or alcohol. They do this even when they know it harms their body and minds. It can damage their health, affect their relationships, and cause trouble at work or school. Despite all these issues, they feel like they can’t stop.
Even though meth has many well-known side effects, it’s essential to understand why it’s such an addictive stimulant. When you take meth, it hits you quickly, filling your bloodstream and giving you that intense rush almost right away.
At first, the high feels terrific, like a burst of happiness and energy. But what comes next is a crash, making you desperate for the next dose to escape the bad feelings that follow.
When it goes away, it leaves you feeling empty, anxious, and very depressed. These uncomfortable feelings become so strong that you start using meth again, trying to get back that short-lived high. Your body and mind start wanting more, not just to feel that same rush again, sinking you deeper into addiction.
Methamphetamine is (largely) illegal in the United States. The Controlled Substances Act classifies it as a Schedule II drug, which means it has a high risk of abuse. Drugs in this group, such as cocaine and PCP (phencyclidine), can cause severe psychological or physical addiction if misused. You can only get it with a prescription, and you can’t get it refilled.
Currently, the only legal form of meth is Desoxyn®. This medicine comes in 5, 10, and 15-milligram tablets in immediate and extended-release versions. Doctors use it very carefully, mainly for treating obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Doctors usually do not prescribe Desoxyn®, the prescription form of methamphetamine approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Doctors only use it as a last resort when other treatment options have failed. However, in case your doctor puts you on this prescription, do not break, crush, or chew the pill; swallow it whole. Follow your doctor’s advice on how many times a day to take it (and whether to take it with food or not).
Methamphetamine comes in various forms, and each form affects the body differently:
No matter how you take it, methamphetamine is very harmful to your brain and body. Using it often can lead to serious problems.
People use meth for many reasons. Some are curious, bored, or feel pressure from friends.
Others want to lose weight or feel empty inside. However, many people who have used methamphetamine say it’s best not to try it at all. Just stay away.
It’s not worth the risk of getting addicted after just one use. The first time you use it, it can lead to severe problems. Let’s look at some of the main reasons people start using meth.
Some people can use drugs just for fun, but others might feel a strong urge to use too much. Neuroscience shows that people have different abilities and brain functions to control these urges. If families pass down these traits, relatives can be more likely to have addiction issues.
Also, if a family member has an addiction, it increases the risk for others in the family. This is especially true for close relatives like parents. However, just having these genes doesn’t guarantee someone will become addicted. Other things, like stress or seeing others use drugs, can also play a big role.
Yes, trauma can significantly influence the development of addiction. If someone has experienced trauma, like physical or sexual abuse in childhood, they may use drugs to cope with their pain. The emotional pain from these experiences can cause a person to use substances to feel better. This can quickly lead to addiction.
Several other factors can make it more likely for someone to develop a problem with meth:
Other factors include:
Each of these factors can increase the risk of addiction, making it harder for someone to stop using drugs.
If you think someone you care about, or even yourself, might be using meth, it’s important to recognize the signs. Methamphetamine can cause serious harm to both mental and physical health.
Meth has a strong effect on the brain. It changes how the brain works and how you see things. It enters your bloodstream quickly and reaches the brain, staying there for a few hours. Once there, it disrupts the brain’s communication with the rest of the body.
Meth is a stimulant. It makes the brain release a lot of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These chemicals are important for feeling pleasure and reward. This can make you feel extremely good for a short time.
However, the effects don’t end there. Meth impairs several important areas of the brain, including:
It’s pretty easy to spot the telltale signs of addiction, and they tend to stand out, especially as things start to spiral over time. If you are worried about someone, like a friend or family member, it helps to know the signs of meth addiction.
These signs can be physical, mental, or behavioral. Recognizing them early can help you address the problem. Let’s check out some of the usual signs you might come across.
Behavioral Signs of Meth Addiction
Meth addiction isn’t just about how someone appears or thinks; it can alter their behavior in significant ways. Friends, family, and coworkers usually pick up on these changes in behavior pretty quickly.
Key behavioral signs include:
Physical Signs of Meth Addiction
The physical signs of methamphetamine addiction can be very alarming. They are often the first things that grab people’s attention. Using meth over a long time can really change how someone looks, as the drug takes a toll on both their body and face.
Key physical signs include:
Psychological Signs of Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine affects the brain, causing significant psychological changes that might be hard to see but are just as damaging. Over time, meth changes how the brain works. This can lead to mental health problems. These issues may last a long time, even after a person stops using the drug.
Key psychological signs include:
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Getting hooked on meth has serious risks. It doesn’t just hit you right away. It can stay with you and affect you for years.
When you smoke or inject meth, it quickly enters your bloodstream, causing a rush of happiness and extra energy. But these feelings don’t last long, and the drop can be just as strong afterward. Here are the main short-term effects of using and abusing meth, both in your body and mind, that you might feel right away.
Short-Term Physical Effects Include:
Short-Term Psychological Effects Include:
Short-Term Behavioral Effects Include:
Using meth for a long time can harm you, affecting not only your brain but your entire body. When stress starts piling up, various organs and systems can take a hit, leading to:
The longer a person stays hooked on meth, the more challenging it becomes to shake off its grip.
Overcoming a meth use disorder can sometimes seem like a big challenge. But many people have succeeded, and you or your loved one can do it. With the proper support and an effective treatment strategy, achieving success is possible.
Remember, recovery isn’t an overnight thing; it’s a long journey that takes time, patience, and a lot of commitment. But every step you take brings you closer to that healthier, drug-free life you aim for. You don’t have to go through this alone; with the right support, you can get through it.
The best addiction treatment type depends on how severe your situation is. Here are some standard options:
Behavioral therapy:
This method usually works well. It helps you understand why you’re addicted and teaches you how to deal with cravings and situations that make you want to use.
Inpatient rehab programs:
For more personal attention, inpatient programs provide much support in a controlled setting. They usually last from 30 to 90 days, sometimes even longer. Inpatient programs, also known as residential rehab, require you to stay at the treatment center all day and night. You will remain there for the whole treatment period.
Outpatient rehab programs:
If you prefer something that doesn’t need constant supervision, outpatient rehab could be a good fit. It gives you more freedom (you sleep at home) while offering the counseling and support you need to help you on your journey.
Support groups:
Narcotics Anonymous, or NA, is the most well-known support group for people facing drug-related issues. NA is different from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It is open to anyone who struggles with a substance use disorder, not just alcohol.
Group therapy with peers is a great way to bond with others facing similar challenges, share your stories, and lift each other. You’ll find a warm and welcoming space every time you attend. Members celebrate each other’s progress and encourage everyone to keep moving forward.
The best part is that members keep you motivated. They won’t let you slide back. They hold you accountable for sticking to your recovery plan.
Life doesn’t offer any guarantees. This is true for treatment programs as well. This includes programs for cancer, STIs, or meth addiction. Drug rehab programs can differ in how successful they are, and there are a bunch of factors that influence their effectiveness.
Studies show that success rates can vary a lot. They can be as low as 30% or as high as 70%. In some cases, they can even reach 100%. It comes down to how dedicated someone is to the process and how well the program works.
Several things can affect how well a methamphetamine rehab program works. The length of the treatment is essential. Research shows that programs lasting at least 90 days usually have much better success rates than shorter ones.
The type of therapy used also matters a lot. Proven therapies can help people a lot. These include the matrix model, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, family therapy, group therapy, and motivational interviewing.
The results improve even more when therapists use behavioral therapies alongside holistic therapies. These include equine therapy, yoga, meditation, and art therapy. These therapies help with cravings and deeper issues. They also help change bad habits and build skills to stay sober.
At Novara Recovery Center, we know that substance abuse is hard. We are here to help you overcome it.
With the right support, you can regain control and begin building a future without meth. We’ve seen our trusted programs help many people in our community turn their lives around and live happy, drug-free lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with meth, we have the tools, resources, and caring support to guide you toward lasting recovery.
Give us a call at 703-705-7870 or reach us toll-free at (866) 607-4959. You can also visit us at 2815 Old Lee Highway Floor 2, Fairfax, VA 22031. Moreover, you can also email us anytime at info@novararecovery.com.
Remember, hope and recovery begin with one step. Let us support you as you take that step toward a brighter, meth-free future.
Written By:
Mental Health Writer
Geoffrey Andaria is a seasoned writer and editor specializing in mental health content. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, he possesses a solid foundation in crafting freelance articles and conducting research. Geoffrey has also completed courses in social work. He dedicates himself to providing valuable and informative content for individuals impacted by mental health challenges and addiction.
Medically Reviewed By:
Expert Contributor
Dr. Williams is currently a board member for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He possesses a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a license to offer addiction counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut. Additionally, he has submitted an application to become a licensed psychologist in New Jersey.
