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Methamphetamine: Addiction and Abuse

Addiction and Abuse

Methamphetamine is a potent CNS(Central Nervous System) stimulant.  Also, it is highly addictive and hazardous to human health. It is recognizable by the white crystalline, odorless, and bitter-tasting powder that rapidly dissolves in water and alcohol.

Methamphetamine was derived from a nasal and bronchial decongestant called amphetamine. It acts by stimulating, increasing activity, and decreasing appetite. It delivers a very pleasurable sense of well-being or what we call euphoria. 

The only difference between methamphetamine and amphetamine is that this addictive drug is long-lasting. Moreover, it can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and get into the brain, making it more potential and harmful.

Rare Prescription:

Methamphetamine is rarely prescribed as the second and third-line treatment of ADHD( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and also for obesity. However, the doses prescribed are less as compared to the dose that causes addiction. 

What are the dangerous side effects of meth? Although there is no known cause of the effects of meth, several possible side effects of this drug include hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, irritability, aggression and suicidal attempts. In addition, there is an increased chance of heart attack, stroke and death. You are also more likely to suffer from psychosis if you have used meth regularly. While the physical symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal are usually manageable, the mental symptoms can cause panic and insomnia.

How to treat Methamphetamine addiction?

Before treating, consider how long is Meth in my system? The chronic use of Meth can cause activation of microglia in the nervous system. It can be blocked by the intake of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibudilast. Moreover,  the use of antibiotics like minocycline can help.

Cognition-enhancing drugs are also useful. They will help you improve cognitive problems like decision-making and impaired behavioral changes. 

The good news is that there is a way to avoid the health risks of methamphetamine and to keep yourself, your family and others safe. One of these ways is by enrolling in a rehabilitation centre of course which will help you break the cycle of addiction.

Are There Any Harmful Effects of Methamphetamine?

What are the risks of crystal meth abuse? If you are considering taking methamphetamine for a prolonged period, you are at risk for serious health risks. These include seizures, coma, kidney failure and, in extreme cases, death. Long term use of methamphetamine is also associated with many physical and psychological symptoms including mood swings, paranoia, impaired judgment and anxiety, irritability, depression and suicidal tendencies.

Short-Term Effects:

Small doses of methamphetamine increase wakefulness, physical activity and decreases appetite. Cardiovascular issues include rapid and irregular heart rate and hypertension( increased blood pressure). It can also cause increased body temperature rapidly. Also, neurological disorders include convulsions.

This harmful and addictive drug also increases the dopamine levels in the brain, causing euphoria, which enhances addiction. It is because Meth teaches the brain to repeat that pleasurable activity.

Long-Term Effects:

One of the major hazardous issues is an addiction, which is relapsing and chronic, characterized by repeated drug intake and seeking. Other symptoms that people suffer include anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood disturbance, and aggressive behavior.

When an addicted person withdraws methamphetamine, he may suffer from anxiety, depression, fatigue, emotional and memory changes. Also, the intense craving for the drug.