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Associating addiction with immorality or weakness is an outdated notion. It is a mental health disorder that affects not only the user but also the people around them and impairs every aspect of their well-being.
According to the 2023 World Drug Report by UNODC, one in every 17 people worldwide had used a drug in 2021 and drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, and opioids are the most used. Methamphetamine addiction is a growing concern in India too. Therefore, it is essential to get the correct treatments.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a medication that is usually prescribed to treat obesity and mental health conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methamphetamine is illegal in many nations, but those prescribed should only be used under professional supervision. They are not recommended for treating the above conditions without their advice. It is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before use.
It is a stimulant that alters certain brain chemistry and helps increase an individual's ability to pay attention, stay focused, and control some behaviours.
It is highly addictive if left unsupervised and comes as a pill or powder that can be sniffed, smoked, injected, or swallowed. Methamphetamine is sometimes called meth, crystal, chalk, crank, or ice.
Effects of Methamphetamine Addiction on the Body
Methamphetamine produces a rush or euphoric sensation in a user’s body that leads to severe effects on their body, both short-term and long-term. It can affect every individual differently, but there are a few common effects on a person’s body.
Short-Term Effects of Methamphetamine Addiction
Since methamphetamine gives users quick energy, it also comes with short-term effects of Methamphetamine addiction:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- More talking
- Dry mouth
- Reduce appetite
- Lack of sleep
Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine Addiction
When used over a long period of time, individuals develop high tolerance causing long-term effects of Methamphetamine addiction on their body:
- Extremely tense body and decreased motor skills
- Unreliable memory
- Weight loss and risks of health problems
- Severe dental problems
- Aggressive behaviours
Risks of Methamphetamine Use
Every drug presents itself with risks to an individual’s health, and methamphetamine is no exception. It may be difficult for addicts to stay happy without taking any methamphetamine, and withdrawal symptoms start to appear slowly.
Physical Risks of Methamphetamine Use
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Hyperthermia
- Muscle deteriorations
- Circulation problems
- Bleeding and bloodborne diseases like Hepatitis or HIV
- Sore skins
- Tooth decay
Mental and Emotional Risks of Methamphetamine Use
- Hallucinations (visual and auditory) and paranoia
- Uncontrollable emotions and trouble focusing
- Decrease learning ability
- Chronically suspicious
How Methamphetamine Addiction Develops
What makes methamphetamine addictive is that it produces dopamine, which is also known as the feel-good hormone. It is responsible for feelings of pleasure, focus and satisfaction.
When an individual is under the influence of methamphetamine, the resulting dopamine surge is so intense and high that it creates a feeling of enhanced senses and increased daily productivity.
However, that dopamine level exceeds the natural amount of dopamine produced in the brain, making it difficult to stop using it. Achieving the same pleasurable feelings becomes challenging without methamphetamine, leading to a continued cycle of addiction.
Even the prescribed one can be dangerous and pose great physical and mental health risks if it's overdose or left without supervision.
How is Methamphetamine Addiction Diagnosed
A mental health expert, usually a licenced alcohol and drug counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist, will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose methamphetamine addiction. Typically, this assessment consists of:
- The expert will inquire about your meth use history, including how long you've been using, how much you use, and how you use it. They will also ask about your mental and physical health and your family's history of addiction.
- The professional will perform a physical examination to look for indications of meth use and any associated health issues.
- The professional may do a psychiatric evaluation to examine your mental health and rule out any coexisting mental health conditions.
- Even though there is no tool kit available that can diagnose methamphetamine addiction, mental health professionals might use screening tests to recognise drug usage.
When to Seek Help for Methamphetamine Addiction?
Methamphetamine addiction varies for each individual; some may show severe symptoms while others display different signs entirely. Nonetheless, there are a few indicators for seeking help for methamphetamine addiction:
- If an individual is neglecting their responsibilities at work or school, withdraw from social activities.
- Impaired daily functioning and damaged relationships.
- Decline physical and mental health.
- Unable to quit despite being aware of the negative consequences.
- Engaging in risky behaviours while under the influence of substances or while trying to acquire them.
Treatment Options for Methamphetamine Addiction
While effects of Methamphetamine addiction have many aspects of an individual's well-being, fortunately there are several treatment options available to support individuals to be methamphetamine-free and improve overall health.
Detoxification
Stopping methamphetamine abruptly without the help of professionals can result in extreme withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, depending on the individual level of consumption.
Anxiety, intense cravings, extreme mood swings, difficulty sleeping, lack of energy, red eyes, or paranoia are a few common ones. Therefore, it is crucial to remove all the substances from the individual body in healthy ways.
That is where detox or detoxification comes in. It is the initial phase of a treatment that aims to clear all the substances from the system and ease withdrawal syndrome under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Therapy and Counseling
Counselling and therapy such as behavioural therapy and psychotherapy are proven to be highly effective treatments available for methamphetamine addiction.
Therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), family counselling, and group therapy are recommended by mental health professionals.
- CBT not only navigates individual thought processes, especially negative ones that fuel cravings and harmful behaviours, but it also modifies them into healthier thinking patterns and acquire effective coping skills when one faced with triggers.
Through CBT, individuals will understand the relationship between their thoughts and behaviours.
- MET is for those who lack motivation to start or continue their treatment. MET aims to foster a desire to swap out unhealthy behaviours for better ones. Individuals will be more confident and willing and have a positive view of change through MET.
- Family counselling gives opportunities to incorporate family members in the recovery process. A therapist will help them understand the nature of the addiction, the associated challenges and its negative consequences on an individual's overall well-being.
- Group therapy is a therapy session in a group setting where individuals have the chance to interact with other like-minded people, share each other's experiences, and gain practical tips about symptom management under the guidance of therapists. It fosters connection and reduces loneliness and social withdrawal significantly in a safe and non-judgmental space.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically designed to treat methamphetamine addiction, but there are a few drugs that can ease the symptoms.
Professionals might prescribe antidepressants to improve mood, stimulants to reduce cravings and anticonvulsants to control seizures or abnormal brain activity.
Some studies suggest the use of anti-methamphetamine monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to slow down and reduce the amount of methamphetamine reaching the brain.
Nonetheless, medications are rarely the first line of treatment for methamphetamine addiction. It is essential to seek out an addiction specialist to identify the most appropriate treatment approach for their conditions.
Rehabilitation
Irrespective of whether residential or outpatient, drug addiction rehabilitation offers a safe and secure space for people with methamphetamine addiction to recover at their own pace.
While an individual's progress is monitored 24/7 to prevent any self-harm in residential rehab, outpatient rehab allows an individual to attend treatment sessions and manage their daily responsibilities without the need to reside at the facility.
Both aim to provide personalised treatment plans designed by experienced mental health professionals that align with each of their unique needs. It will equip individuals with effective coping skills when faced with triggers.
The severity of addiction, personal responsibilities, support system, overall health condition, or personal goals are factors that may influence individuals in making their choices.
What Type of Doctors Can Treat Methamphetamine Addiction?
Methamphetamine addiction needs licenced healthcare professionals to treat it. Such as a primary physician, who plays a crucial role in the identification of addiction signs. They provide initial assessments and can refer to an addiction specialist.
Addiction psychiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating substance use disorders and provide comprehensive treatments, including therapy and medications.
Clinical psychologists, therapists, and counsellors can offer behavioural therapies in one-to-one, family, and group settings, necessary interventions, and provide helpful and healthy skills that boost confidence and manage symptoms.
What are the Effects of Methamphetamine Withdrawal?
While methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can bring a certain level of discomfort and pain physically and mentally, it is often short-lived.
It can include anxiety and depression, severe cravings, decreased sexual pleasure, extreme mood swings, sleeping disorders, increased appetite, lack of energy and constant fatigue, lack of motivation and mobility, bright red and itchy eyes, paranoia, or psychosis.
Receiving professional support, regardless of the chosen treatment approach, can significantly ease the withdrawal process.
How Cadabams Rehabilitation Center Can Help
With over three decades of experience in mental health, Cadabams offers comprehensive mental health services and care. Our team of experts, along with the latest infrastructure at the Cadabams Rehabilitation Center, is well-equipped to provide personalized treatment for methamphetamine addiction.
Our evidence-based treatments are both effective and safe. Under the guidance of our experienced professionals, our deaddiction programs allow each individual to recover at their own pace in a supportive and judgment-free environment.
If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabams Anunitha’s De-Addiction Centre can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively treat Methamphetamine addiction. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 96111 94949.
