Top Meth Addiction Symptoms

Meth began as a way to keep troops in Germany, America, and Britain awake and ready for combat day and night during World War II. This process was repeated during the Vietnam War also. Since then, this drug has been administered in some form to treat allergies and colds. All amphetamines were categorized as Schedule II restricted narcotics by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA) in 1971 due to the risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction.

These days it is a common drug found on the streets. Its usage is so widespread because of its comparatively inexpensive cost and extremely strong feelings of invincibility and alertness. It is also extremely addicting and risky. There are many people who struggle with severe substance dependency. However, meth can be one of the more addictive chemicals, making it far more difficult to stop using it on your own.

If you or a loved one could benefit from 12 Steps to Recovery, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn about our comfortable residential setting.

What is Meth?

Meth is a chemically related stimulant to amphetamine, which is also used to treat sleep disorders including narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pharmaceutical formulations. Despite the continued manufacturing of medicinal methamphetamine, the majority of the street supply is produced illegally and is frequently found in powdered form, as glittering glass shards, or as white crystalline stones (crystal meth).

There are several ways that methamphetamine can be used. Meth users describe a euphoric high or an intensely enjoyable feeling that only lasts a few minutes. This rush contributes to meth’s addictive potential since users may continually use more meth to try to prolong the high.

Why Meth is Risky?

Users of meth put themselves at risk in many ways, especially with their health and relationships. For example, those who inject meth are more likely to get HIV and hepatitis B and C, as well as other bloodborne illnesses. According to studies, meth use may also accelerate the spread of HIV/AIDS and aggravate its health effects. Additionally, studies point to a possible connection between prior meth usage and Parkinson’s disease.

Below we outline some of the many consequences someone using meth may experience:

  • Persistent brain changes that hinder language learning and cause disorientation, memory loss, and other symptoms.
  • Severe cardiac issues
  • Insomnia.
  • Variations in mood.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Significant oral issues
  • Fear.
  • A decline in coordination.
  • Violence.
  • Abscesses on the skin.
  • Paranoia.
  • Extreme loss of weight.

Is Meth Addictive?

Meth’s rapid release of large amounts of dopamine from reward areas in our brains supports drug-taking behavior. Several neurotransmitters, including dopamine, a substance in the brain crucial for motivation and the reinforcement of rewarding actions, become more active when one uses.

Furthermore, many people use meth in a “binge-and-crash pattern,” which refers to their attempt to prolong the high by ingesting more of the substance. In other situations, people could consume meth for many days straight without eating or sleeping. This is referred to as a “run.” All of this and more leads to addiction to the drug. 

Meth Addiction Symptoms

The pursuit of and use of meth will start to take precedence over interests, relationships, and professional aspirations. Many people may first try to conceal their drug use, but the more time someone spends using Meth, the more noticeable it becomes in their lives. Chemical changes caused by methamphetamine cause users to experience a variety of behavioral and physical symptoms. Below we have outlined a few of these for reference:

  • Quick and significant weight reduction
  • Paranoia
  • Anger
  • Skin ulcers
  • Irregular sleeping habits
  • Face tics
  • Decayed teeth
  • Dilated pupils
  • Agitation
  • Hyperactivity

What Is Tweaking?

One important symptom to note is called tweaking. After a drug addict has binged on the substance for a prolonged length of time (usually to avoid a comedown), this condition develops. Crystal meth addicts who are tweaking experience a complicated condition that affects both their physical and emotional health. 

Strong cravings and a sense of desperation to get back to a euphoric state are characteristics of tweaking. Due to the severity of these symptoms, many meth addicts experience paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and altered reality perceptions. Because the user won’t be able to experience the same “high” they had at the start of the binge after consuming meth for hours or days on end the cycle may persist.  

Methamphetamine addicts frequently fall asleep for extended lengths of time after the tweaking is over. Recovery periods might last for a few weeks, during which time users will contend with symptoms of withdrawal, exhaustion, as well as what seems like constant hunger and thirst.

Get Help Today with Myrtle Beach Recovery 

If you or a loved one are struggling with meth addiction, let Myrtle Beach Recovery help you with our 12-step immersion program. Our experienced staff will help you work through the steps to help you regain control of your life.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you on your journey to sobriety.

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