Methamphetamine is usually called Meth or Crystal Meth. Methamphetamine is a stimulant type of drug that will make someone feel hyper and awake and unable to sleep. When a person uses Meth, they will experience euphoria followed by high energy and decreased appetite, and then feel aggravated, paranoid, and tired. Usually, the first rush from Meth is what gets people started on weeks-long meth intake. Meth highs only last a few minutes, but the sensations of feeling wired last all day. Meth addicts take repeated doses to maintain the rush and pleasant effects, which is known as “binging.” 
Why Do People Get Addicted to Meth?
The stimulant meth is highly addictive, and it can cause addiction after just one use. People get addicted to Meth so fast because of the immense rush of dopamine it produces. Dopamine is a brain chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and memory, inspiration, and mental acuity and is what motivates our behaviors. Since Meth produces a lot more dopamine than the brain can naturally produce, people get addicted to the effects and continue using it to maintain those heightened pleasurable feelings. In addition, meth addiction will lead to emotional and mental health disorders, as this drug causes delirium and depression.
How to Identify Methamphetamine Addiction
If you suspect that a loved one is using Meth, behavioral and physical appearance signs will be present. A person on Meth will be actively alert or physically active for long periods. They will have a loss of appetite and lose weight. Mood swings or outbursts are prevalent for meth addicts. As well, Meth causes hallucinations and paranoia. Other signs of meth addiction or use will be when the individual engages in Tweaking. This behavior results from coming down from Meth, and the person will be aggravated and restless and be searching their room or house for more Meth. They are essentially having intense cravings for methamphetamine, and they will start tweaking out in search of more Meth. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 1.5 million people reported using Meth in the past year. (NSDUH)
What Do Medical Experts Say About Methamphetamine?
The National Institutes of Health identify what Meth looks like and how it is ingested and the dangers of using it. In addition, they reference the most severe physical problems that occur from meth addiction.
“Methamphetamine, or Meth for short, is a very addictive stimulant drug. It is a powder made into a pill or a shiny rock (called a crystal). The powder can be eaten or snorted up the nose. It can also be mixed with liquid and injected into your body with a needle. Crystal meth is also smoked in a small glass pipe. Meth use can quickly lead to addiction. It causes medical problems, including making your body temperature so high that you pass out, severe itching, Meth-mouth (broken teeth, tooth decay, dry mouth, mouth infections). It causes severe mental and emotional problems.” (NIH)
What are Methamphetamine Withdrawals?
During methamphetamine withdrawal, an individual may experience numerous adverse effects, usually the opposite of how the drug affects them. The severity of withdrawal depends on the person, how long, and how much they used. Medically supervised methamphetamine detoxification is recommended for anyone who is addicted to Meth. It is also possible to experience withdrawal symptoms from meth for several days up to several weeks. Meth withdrawals can cause many symptoms, including:
- Exhaustion and extreme fatigue
- Loss of energy
- Sleeping for long periods
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritation
- Lack of motivation
- Having trouble concentrating
- An increase in appetite
- Disorientation
- Poor psychomotor function (having trouble with physical movements)
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
Evoke Wellness Provides Medically Supervised Methamphetamine Detox
At Evoke Wellness, we help people addicted to methamphetamine leave the nightmare of being awake for weeks on end and feeling paranoid behind. Our meth detox program provides safe medications to promote sleep, minimize depression and anxiety, and provide them regular psychiatric assessments and around-the-clock emotional support. Our medical detox unit is comfortable, and full-time staff members are present at all times to help our patients get through detox cravings and other mental or emotional withdrawal symptoms. Call now to be admitted in one day or less. Our team of professional practitioners will help you overcome meth addiction and get through detox quickly, safely, and comfortably.
