Methamphetamine is an illegal and highly addictive stimulant drug. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies methamphetamine as a Schedule II stimulant, meaning it has an extremely high potential for misuse and can be obtained legally through a non-refillable prescription. The 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that “among people aged 12 or older in 2021, 0.9% (or about 2.5 million people) reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months.” In 2021, approximately 32,537 people died from an overdose involving psychostimulants like methamphetamine. The risk of meth overdose is exceptionally high.
If you or someone you love has been struggling with methamphetamine addiction and is at risk of experiencing a meth overdose, seeking professional help is extremely important. At Spirit Mountain Recovery, we offer meth addiction treatment in Utah. Our comprehensive program helps people of all ages overcome meth addiction and go on to lead the happy, fulfilling lives they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about the dangers of meth overdose and addiction, or to begin your journey of meth addiction recovery.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. The illegal drug is chemically similar to amphetamine, which is often prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. As a psychoactive stimulant, methamphetamine (meth) is cheaper and often more readily available than cocaine. Meth has quickly become the drug of choice for individuals in lower income brackets because of its affordability.
How is Meth Taken?
Methamphetamine is typically ingested by swallowing it in pill form, snorting, or injecting it intravenously after it is dissolved in water or alcohol. The “high” from the drug both starts and fades quickly. Individuals often take repeated doses of meth in a “binge and crash” pattern, foregoing food and sleep while taking the drug, sometimes for days at a time.
Meth rapidly releases a high level of dopamine in reward areas of the brain, strongly reinforcing drug-taking behavior. This leads to intense and overwhelming meth cravings. Individuals who use meth even once are at risk of developing a physical dependence on the drug.
Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine can be smoked, snorted, injected, or orally ingested. Individuals who use the drug intravenously have a higher risk of developing physical and psychological dependence. However, meth addiction develops rapidly regardless of the method of ingestion.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Signs and symptoms of meth addiction include:
- Extreme weight loss
- Intense itching, leading to skin sores from scratching
- Abnormal non-purposeful physical activity, anxiety, confusion, and memory loss
- Sleeping problems – either no sleep for extended periods or oversleeping
- Irritability, manic mood swings, and possible violent behavior
- Paranoia and hallucinations
Short and Long-Term Effects of Meth Use
Meth abuse and addiction cause severe short and long-term physical and psychological damage. Individuals who use meth regularly are also at risk of meth overdose. The earlier an individual begins using methamphetamine, the more severe and permanent physical and psychological harm will be. Meth-induced psychosis and permanent mental impairment often go hand-in-hand with long-term meth use.
Short-Term Effects of Meth Use
The most common short-term effects of meth use are increased wakefulness and energy levels, decreased appetite, and increased heart rate and body temperature. Additional short-term effects of meth use include:
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Decreased fatigue
- Increased ability to pay attention/focus
- Paranoia
- Severe mood swings
- Hyperthermia
- Increased heart rate and cardiovascular issues
- Increased respiration
- Meth overdose, which can result in death
Long-Term Effects of Meth Use
Long-term meth use results in severe and persistent psychological issues, which often require dual diagnosis treatment and ongoing psychiatric care once treatment concludes. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports, “Long-term methamphetamine abuse has many negative consequences, including addiction. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use and accompanied by functional and molecular changes in the brain.” Additional consequences of long-term meth use include:
- Psychosis, including paranoia and hallucinations
- Changes to cognitive function
- Motor skill deficits
- Long-term memory loss
- Severe dental problems
- Significant weight loss and malnutrition
- Cardiovascular disease
- Aggressive behavior and other mood disturbances
Meth Overdose
A meth overdose can be acute or chronic, meaning it can happen quickly or slowly, over time. An acute meth overdose occurs when someone takes the drug and experiences life-threatening side effects. A chronic meth overdose refers to the health-related consequences that develop in someone who uses the drug on a regular basis.
The most common signs of a meth overdose include:
- Enlarged pupils
- Labored breathing and chest pains
- Irregular heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Agitation and paranoia
- Disorientation and confusion
Meth overdose can be fatal if it is not immediately addressed. The best way to prevent meth overdose from occurring is by treating meth addiction as soon as possible. At Spirit Mountain Recovery, we treat meth addiction at the source, addressing the root cause and all related consequences.
Treating Meth Overdose
In the case of a suspected meth overdose, emergency medical help should be sought immediately. If a person is experiencing a seizure as a result of excessive meth use, their head should be propped up and turned to the side to prevent injury. Symptoms of meth overdose will be carefully treated as appropriate.
Treatment Options for Meth Addiction
The best treatment options for meth addiction depend on the individual being treated. However, entering into a medical detoxification program is generally an important initial step. The symptoms of meth withdrawal are largely psychological in nature and can result in serious complications when unaddressed in a designated setting.
Once meth withdrawal symptoms subside and the individual has been physically stabilized, they should immediately transition into an inpatient treatment center. Because meth is highly addictive and cravings are severe, entering a structured residential program that allows for 24/7 monitoring is always best. At Spirit Mountain Recovery, we offer a men’s residential treatment program in Utah, as well as a co-ed day program and intensive outpatient treatment program.
Contact Us Today to Heal from Meth Addiction
If you or someone you love has been suffering from meth addiction or has recently experienced a meth overdose, Spirit Mountain Recovery is available to help. We offer effective and personalized meth addiction treatment in Utah. Our multi-staged recovery program takes the whole person into consideration, treating the body, mind, and spirit simultaneously. Contact us today to learn more about our Utah meth addiction treatment program or to begin your personal journey of recovery.
