Meth Addiction

Meth Addiction

Meth addiction in the US has grown quite significantly in the last few years. Various states have become affected by the sudden emergence of this substance which has almost taken the world of addiction by storm. Treatment centers are already working overtime preparing more efficient methods to help their meth addicted patients come out of their conditions.

Meth made a re-appearance about ten years ago and now it has spread to almost all areas of the US. Substance abuse resources report that the addiction is soon poised to take over from other forms of street addiction such as heroin and cocaine.

Why Is Meth Addiction so Desirable?

This is the first thing that needs to be known if you are looking at any option for meth addiction. Meth is an amphetamine drug; these drugs have a characteristic of acting directly on the central nervous system. They can trigger special regions of the brain to release pleasure seeking corticosteroid substances, such as dopamine. When dopamine is released, the patient feels a sudden rush of pleasure. This is an artificially induced pleasure sensation, but it does persist and makes the person feel quite consumed with it.

The main thing is that the meth high is observed almost immediately after the person takes the substance. However, the effect does not last long and the person craves for more of the substance. This is when the person will be on the path of becoming a meth addict. Also, the brain will stop the secretion of dopamine as it becomes immunized to the effect of the substance. This is when the person will begin consuming more of the substance, reinforcing the addiction to a greater level.

There is another aspect of the meth addiction on the East Coast that is making the issue much more serious than it already has. Meth is an aphrodisiac. When the person uses the substance, it can cause the person to have a craving for sexual releases. Since meth is mostly used in group format on the East Coast, such as in the nightclubs, there is always a chance that the person will indulge in unsafe sexual practices. This can give rise to more complications such as an increased risk of an HIV infection.

Trends of Meth Addiction

The area of the US where the substance is used to the highest degree is California. Here meth and crystal meth are not just used and sold, but the central valley also acts as a major distribution center for the substance. This is also the area that has the highest number of small outfits where the substance is produced surreptitiously in chemical laboratory environments. Using materials like cough syrup containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, lantern fuel, antifreeze, etc., these small outfits can produce as much as ten pounds of the substance per unit per day. Definitely, this is a grave cause of concern for California, because this is where the meth mostly comes in from.

Meth is also a very popular substance with the gay community mainly because of the immediate aphrodisiac effect that it produces. However, there are different problems with gays when it comes to the treatment because they will have different emotional issues. Some gay people might be still in the closet, but using a very addictive substance like meth might cause them to hit bottom and need hospitalization. This is where they will accidentally come out and there could be several connected problems. Treatment providers are trained on how to deal with the specific issues of every community that seeks meth addiction, including people fro the LGBT groups.

Meth is an addictive stimulant that strongly activates certain systems in the brain. It is chemically related to amphetamine. Both drugs have some medical uses, primarily in the treatment of obesity, but their therapeutic use is limited.

Health Hazards of Meth Addiction

Meth releases high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement. It also appears to have a neurotoxic effect, damaging brain cells that contain dopamine and serotonin, another neurotransmitter. Over time, meth addiction can cause reduced levels of dopamine.

Short-Term Effects Of Meth Addiction

The central nervous system (CNS) actions that result from taking even small amounts of meth include sleeplessness, increased activity, low appetite, increased breathing, hyperthermia, and euphoria. Other effects include irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Hyperthermia and convulsions can result in death.

Long-Term Effects Of Meth Addiction

Meth causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes. Other effects of meth addiction include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anorexia. Its use can result in cardiovascular collapse and death.

Information provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.