What Are the Causes and Effects of Meth Abuse?
If you or a loved one have an addiction to meth you should know the causes and effects of meth abuse. How did you become addicted?
In terms of addictions, methamphetamine is one of the hardest to overcome. It is called Meth, crystal meth, speed, crank, ice, glass, uppers, and many other names. In addition to being a stimulant drug, methamphetamine releases massive amounts of dopamine into the brain, which is what causes the sensation of pleasure.
A person’s dopamine levels rise when they eat delicious food, experience a beautiful sunset, have sex, or fall in love. Meth ignites a much greater amount of dopamine, which is why it is so addictive. Meth creates a feeling of euphoria, and whether a person becomes addicted to it and how fast they do, is often related to how they use it. Meth can be snorted, swallowed, smoked, or injected.
Injecting and smoking Meth is how most addicts use Meth and these routes are the most dangerous and the most addictive.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a type of amphetamine that is a chemical in many cold and flu medications and inhalers. Amphetamines will excite cellular reactions, which is why it is an effective medication against sinus problems, runny nose, breathing problems, and other medical conditions that cause congestion. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has classified methamphetamine as a Schedule II stimulant that causes addiction. The NIH references methamphetamine as a medicine for ADHD and other diagnoses.
Methamphetamine is one of the powerful stimulants of the central nervous system (CNS). It is sometimes used as a second-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity; however, methamphetamine is better known as a recreational drug. (NIH)
Where Does Meth Come From?
We now know that Meth is made in Mexico with chemicals from China and other underground criminal organizations. Remote meth labs are also problematic inside the United States. Many drug dealers will purchase vast amounts of pseudoephedrine or ‘Sudafed’ and modify the pseudoephedrine to become methamphetamine. Meth labs are extremely dangerous and unpredictable about the safety of the chemical processes, and the product could be poisonous. Still, the primary source for methamphetamine is Mexican drug cartels.
Most methamphetamine in the U. S. is produced by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in Mexico. This methamphetamine is highly pure, potent, and low in price. (NIDA)
Why Do People Use Meth?
Abuse and addiction to Meth occur when a person is at risk for developing an addiction to any type of drug or alcohol. Today the research has confirmed that addiction is less about the substance and more about the person’s mental health. Still, the type of person who will enjoy Meth and likely get addicted to it will prefer stimulants and being awake and wired. Also, many meth addicts use alcohol and benzodiazepines to come down or balance the speedy effects of Meth. People addicted to Meth will be skinny, and their overall health won’t be very good because of the toxic ingredients in most Meth.
Meth Abuse: What Are the Causes and Effects?
The causes of meth addiction are complex. Meth addiction, like other drug addictions, is a result of someone trying to self-medicate and is what the purpose of drugs is; to change how someone feels. Therefore, the cause of meth use is related to the mental and emotional wellbeing of the individual.
The effects of meth addiction are devastating. Most people develop a mental health illness, as paranoia and hallucinations are effects of the drug. Meth addicts also have bad teeth and skin problems from picking and lack self-care. Other effects of meth use include criminal activity, homelessness, depression, and suicide.
On Call Treatment Can Connect You to Rehab Today
We have been helping meth addicts get and remain clean from Meth for decades. We provide immediate support by howling you get to detox, then into a treatment center in one day. Our expert resources and evidence-based rehab programs will help you end the nightmare of meth use and addiction. So call to change your life and free your life today.
