Quorum Health & Scientific

HOW IS METH ADDICTIVE?

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Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive drugs, capable of triggering dependency quicker than most other illicit drugs.

 

Commonly referred to as “crystal,” “glass,” “ice,” or “chalk” on the streets, it is three times as addictive as cocaine and nearly impossible to quit without professional help. Paired with the rapid onset of negative effects that it has on the brain and the unbearable withdrawal symptoms, addiction to methamphetamine continues to grow with an estimated 1.2 million addicts in the United States according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Complicating things further, it’s “easy” to use and one of the most widely available drugs produced, using ingredients common to cold and antihistamine medications.

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Individuals with a methamphetamine dependency problem are best treated during the early stages of addiction. Methamphetamine produces euphoria or a high that is followed by an unpleasant feeling, much like going up and then down a rollercoaster ride. Users continue to use the substance more and more to receive the same effect, putting themselves at risk of addiction.

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WHY IS METH SO ADDICTIVE?

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Methamphetamine poses a higher threat of addiction than drugs like marijuana. Many people have been hooked on the drug after trying it just once. It is essentially a feel-good drug that causes the brain to be flooded with unnatural levels of dopamine. This excess dopamine is what causes the high that attracts people to the drug.

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The drug affects the reward center of the brain and this causes the user to continue desiring the drug even after the high subsides in order to receive the same effect. The more often the drug is used, the more the brain desires the effect, continually forcing the user to seek it out. If the methamphetamine use continues, the brain will eventually stop producing dopamine on its own, thus preventing the user from experiencing any pleasure without help from the drug. Most people up the dosage to continually revisit that state of euphoria.

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As tolerance to the drug increases, the natural levels of serotonin, a mood stabilizer in the brain, will also decline. At this point professional help is essential to reduce the effects of the drugs.

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METH USE IN NEW ZEALAND

 

Despite the Police making headway into the finding and destruction of meth labs in New Zealand, meth use is continuing to increase and  anecdotal information suggests that about 3% of New Zealanders use meth. It is one of the most additive substances available and few people use it simply as a recreational drug as addiction feeds on itself and casual users become regular users very quickly.

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As you will be aware the nicotine from tobacco will rapidly contaminate a property, staining the walls and causing curtains and carpets to smell. Meth use has a similar action and the toxins are deposited on all surfaces in the property.

 

METHAMPHETAMINE USE SIGNS

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Methamphetamine addiction cannot be diagnosed by using a blood test or brain scan but fortunately there are physical signs that can signal drug dependency or addiction. Common signs include frequent meth cravings and the inability to quit the drug. However, other signs may vary based on an individual’s genetic makeup, coexisting mental problems, how long the drug has been consumed, and the presence of other drugs in the body.

Behavioral Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction

• Aggression

• Compulsive lying

• Neglecting social and recreational activities

• Repetitive behavior

• Skin picking

• Increased attentiveness

• Talkativeness

• Rambling speech

• Increased sweating

• Stealing

• Disruptive behavior

• Mood swings and irritability

 

Physical Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction

• Rapid weight loss

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Decreased fatigue

• Dilated pupils

• Loss of appetite

• Rapid heartbeat

• Increased respiration

• Increased blood pressure

• Enhanced energy

• Hair loss

• Tooth decay

• Hyperthermia

• Changes in facial features

• Nasal congestion

 

Cognitive Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction

• Hallucinations and delusions

• Poor learning habits

• Lack of judgement

• Poor memory

• Confusion

If the addict is a teen, it can be difficult to distinguish between signs of addiction and teenage hormonal flare ups.

 

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