Author: Dr. Keerthy Sunder, MD, DFAPA

It is no secret that painkillers have played a large role in the addiction rates in the U.S.

In fact, there are currently 58 opioid prescriptions every year for every 100 Americans.

If these are prescribed medications, what kind of damage can they do, and what can I do to help?

Let’s talk about prescription painkillers, their risks, and everything you need to know about them.

What Are Prescribed Painkillers?

Prescribed painkillers are drugs that are prescribed by a doctor for the sole purpose of relieving pain.

These drugs are not meant to treat or cure any disease or illness, but simply to mask pain. They can be prescribed for a wide variety of conditions, from a broken hand to alleviating pain?after an?operation.

These drugs involve the use of opium, which is a highly addictive compound that can impair judgment and motor functions.

These often lead to a very short-lived euphoria, and many people enjoy the feeling and feel a need to continue to relive it.

There are many risks involved with these types of medications, particularly with substance abuse, leading to other complications. Let’s talk about that.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Painkiller Addiction

Painkiller addictions are a serious problem and should be treated that way. You have likely heard stories of addictions from the media or from loved ones.

Painkillers can lead to serious health risks, especially when taken consistently or with high doses. Here are some of the facts.

1. Painkillers Can Lead To Other Addictions

This may sound obvious, but it is to a much higher extent than you would believe. People who are prescribed opioids are 19 times more likely to start using drugs like heroin.

In fact, urban injection drug users interviewed in 2008 and 2009 found that 86% had used pain relievers either medically or nonmedically prior to their heroin addiction.

2. Withdrawal Symptoms Are No Joke

After you use these medications for a while, the body can become dependant on it. Once the body has adapted to the presence of the substance, a higher dose may be needed to create the same effects.

After a while, once the body is fully dependant on the substance, quitting can cause some serious effects. Including insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and involuntary muscle spasms.

3. Side Effects Can Be Lethal

Overdoses are all too common in the US, and 68% of them involve the use of opioids.

One of the most serious risks with painkillers is the possibility of respiratory depression. High doses can cause breathing to slow down to the point that users die.

Some of the side effects you may encounter with these drugs include constipation, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and decreased cognitive abilities.

While those are not fatal, they can certainly inhibit one’s ability to perform essential duties for their health. That can lead to malnourishment and other potentially fatal complications.

Not only that, day-to-day operations can be incredibly lethal while using these medications, like driving or operating machinery. If you are using these drugs, driving after use can put many people’s lives at risk.

Another serious risk of death with these medications is when they are mixed with other substances, including alcohol. Taking these medications for medical use should be used exclusively, and in the prescribed dosage, to avoid complications.

4. Symptoms Can Be Spotted

Visiting multiple doctors to get prescriptions for painkillers, social withdrawal, slurring speech, lying about whereabouts and activities, or stealing medication that has been prescribed to someone else.

These are all common indicators of painkiller addiction. If you know somebody who exhibits these behaviors, or if you exhibit them yourself, these are key signs of addiction.

If you are looking for physical symptoms, they will likely include dilated pupils, impaired coordination, and heavy perspiration.

If those symptoms fit the bill, then that person needs treatment. Find out how to do an intervention the right way to help a loved one.

5. These Prescriptions Are On The Rise

Since the year 2000, the number of opioid prescriptions in the US has increased by over 400%.

That is a troubling amount considering the rising addiction rates. If you are able to get through the pain with over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen, it may be a wise choice to choose that alternative.

6. Other Factors Can Influence Addiction

There are many co-occurring illnesses that often pair with substance abuse. People can be more susceptible to addiction when they are facing other mental health issues.

People suffering from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are far more likely to be a victim of substance abuse. People will look for non-medical ways to help ease their suffering.

Be transparent with your doctors about these pre-existing conditions before accepting addictive medications.

However, there is dual diagnosis treatment available for people struggling with addiction and mental illness.

7. Treatment Is Not The End

Unfortunately, many people who receive treatment will relapse, as addiction is very powerful. Between 40% and 60% of patients will abuse the drug again.

That shouldn’t stop you from trying. Yes, many do go back to substance abuse. However, that is only because treatment is not a cure.

Recovery is a lifelong process. The three main steps are seeking treatment, starting recovery, and maintaining abstinence. The latter is the longest and most difficult.

If a loved one has received treatment, do what you can to support them, as they will need a helping hand.

If you are maintaining your abstinence, seek out any support you can get and continue the progress you’ve made.

Next Steps

It is clear that the risks of these medications are incredibly serious, and should be treated with care.

If you have been prescribed a painkiller, make sure that you take the proper steps to avoid addiction.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to painkillers, please check out our admissions page and get the help that is needed today!

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/prescribing.html
• https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/relationship-between-prescription-drug-heroin-abuse/prescription-opioid-use-risk-factor-heroin-use
• https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html

You may have heard of friends giving up on their green for the new craze. While 22.2 million Americans have used marijuana in the past month, they decided they needed something stronger.

That’s right. Dabbing is making its way into the mainstream for the pot industry, but what is dabbing? Is it safe? Is it addictive?

Let’s talk about dabbing, the risks involved, and what you can do about it.

What Is Dabbing?

Dabs, hash oil, wax, glue, or whatever you want to call it, has been around since the mid-’90s.

As you may know, dabs are a wax comprised of concentrated THC, the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana.

The process of extracting THC wax can be as simple as using a hair straightener and some wax paper to remove some of the THC from the cannabis plant.

The term for actual “dabs” refers to butane hash oil (BHO). Yes, the butane used in blow torches is used in the extraction process.

Some people have used more effective and different ways of extracting the THC, but no matter how it is done, the potency can be high.

Marijuana can be as high as 20% THC depending on the strain and how it is grown. However, dabs can range between 70-90% THC, making them a lot stronger.

Methods of Use

Dabs can be used in a number of different ways.

Some people who use them will bake them into food or candies and eat them. Edible dabs are fairly popular, as the effects last much longer and they are easier to cook with than marijuana.

Others use dab pens, vaporizers that are made specifically for wax. These will have either an exposed coil that you put the wax on, or it will be a regular vape pen with thinner dab liquid.

The most popular form of dabbing involves a torch and some glass. This can be damaging for your lungs, as the method of doing this involves heating up a “nail” made of glass or quartz with a blowtorch until it is glowing red from heat. Once it is heated up, a piece of the was is placed onto the nail and inhaled.

Types of Addiction

Addiction does not come in one simple form. It can look different for every different user with every different substance. However, we can break the types of addiction down into two different umbrellas.

Physical Addiction

Physical addiction develops after your body adapts to a new substance. People who smoke cigarettes become physically addicted to nicotine because their brain cannot produce the same compound itself, and it grows a dependence for it.

People who are physically addicted to a substance will suffer withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the substance.

Psychological Addiction

Contrary to what you may believe, psychological addictions are the stronger of the two. If you are physically addicted to something and you choose to stop, you have that ability.

However, if you are psychologically addicted to a substance, you need to change your entire mindset about it to stop.

Psychological addictions also make it more difficult to believe that there is no need to quit. Think about it. If you do not feel any withdrawals after stopping for a couple of days, it’s easier to justify to yourself that you aren’t addicted.

On the flip side, if you believe yourself to be addicted and accept it, that can be a hard sell to fix.

People can struggle with both types of addictions simultaneously, or one without the other. However, it is certain that a combination of the two is the most difficult to overcome.

Find out more about the difference between these types of addictions to better understand them.

Is Dabbing Addictive?

In short, yes. People can become psychologically dependent on it with regular use. It can get to the point of believing that you can’t function normally without it.

This can be dangerous for their health, especially if they are using the torch method, but it is dangerous in other ways as well. Regular and consistent dabbing can be destructive financially, socially, or professionally.

For very frequent users, people can actually become physically addicted to dabbing as well. While physical addiction from THC may not be as strong as some other substances, withdrawal symptoms can occur once the user has stopped using the drug for a while.

Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, depression, loss of appetite and trouble with sleep.

Many people use marijuana as a sleep aid and they become dependent on it, making insomnia one of the most common symptoms of withdrawal.

What Should You Do?

If somebody is using marijuana or hash oil in a way that is negatively affecting their life, or the lives around them, then it should be treated as an addiction.

If you feel as if you cannot function without the drug, it may be time to quit. Those feelings will not go away with more use of the drug, and physical withdrawal symptoms will only become worse with longer, sustained use.

Even though the popular belief is that marijuana is not addictive, it can be for some. If it is hurting them or their loved ones, then it is just as serious of a problem as it would be with any other substance.

If it is time to address the issue, find out how to do an intervention the right way.

What Else?

Ignore anybody who says that marijuana or dabbing is not dangerous, and find out if you or a loved one are addicted to it.

If you feel as if somebody you love is addicted to dabbing, talk to them about it and intervene if necessary.

Now that we’ve answered the question “What is dabbing?”, determine if treatment is necessary and check out our services.

References:

• https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-scope-marijuana-use-in-united-states
• https://www.marijuanabreak.com/how-much-thc-is-in-a-bowl-dab-and-a-joint

For every tragic and less-than-positive story in the news today, there is an uplifting story about love overcoming all obstacles. A prime example of this is the November 2013 story of Macklemore’s surprise for his mother-in-law, Diana Davis. After helping Macklemore through drug addiction and rehab, Diana received a surprise home renovation from her son-in-law as gratitude for her support.

Macklemore Surprises His Mother-in-Law With a Home Makeover!

Ben Haggerty, better recognized as Macklemore, is an award-winning musical artist and rap sensation. And, unfortunately, he is one of many celebrities that struggle with drug addiction.

Macklemore’s drug addiction history has cycled through use, withdrawal rehab, and relapse. Even so, his family and particularly his mother-in-law have been by his side every step of the recovery journey.

To show his gratitude, Macklemore funded a massive home makeover for his mother-in-law. He even went so far as to pay off her mortgage.

According to Macklemore, this gift was to thank his mother-in-law for standing by his side while he battled painkiller and alcohol addiction. Naturally, this thoughtful and life-changing deed made headlines everywhere in 2013.

Like Many, Macklemore Struggles with Drug Addiction

Like many of his fellow celebrities, Macklemore has entered rehab on multiple occasions. However, with help from his loved ones, he has managed to stay sober for close to a decade. In fact, his love for his family has a substantial influence on his desire to stay sober.

If I stop prioritizing the daily recovery program that I do to maintain sobriety? I will lose it all.

Macklemore: Fear Of Losing My Family Keeps Me Sober, The Fix

It’s important to note that drug addiction is not limited to Hollywood or the Red Carpet. In fact, nearly 40 percent of Americans struggle with an addiction to illicit drugs. Moreover, almost 75 percent of those who struggle with substance abuse also struggle with alcoholism.

While these figures are unsettling, the good news is that the issues surrounding substance abuse, addiction, and rehab are steadily gaining more public awareness.

Macklemore Advocates for Rehab and Sobriety

Stigma and denial are the most significant inhibitors of drug addiction prevention and treatment. The fact of the matter is that people are often too scared to admit they have a problem, and so they don’t seek help.

However, high-profile celebrities like Macklemore are making an effort to fight the stigma and improve treatment prospects for addiction sufferers everywhere.

In 2018, he even headlined the first-ever Recovery Fest, an annual concert that raises awareness for all things addiction and recovery.

Stories like Macklemore’s are doing an excellent service to those who need help to find the right treatment and resources.

An Important Message from Macklemore on Drug Addiction

The most crucial takeaway from Macklemore’s story is that one person has the power to make a difference in the life of a loved one.

Macklemore didn’t renovate Diana’s home or pay off her mortgage on a whim. He did it to show gratitude because she, much like his wife Tricia Davis, stuck by him even at his lowest points.

Anyone in the world, from friends to coworkers and family members to strangers, can reach out to others with one simple question:

“Are you alright?”

This question and the conversations that follow can inspire a lifetime of recovery and sobriety. After all, it did for Macklemore.

Inciting Change for Those Struggling with Drug Addiction

With more people offering to help and more substance users realizing that there’s nothing wrong with seeking help, substance abuse is on the decline. With continued effort and work, the hardship that is addiction will become an occurrence of the past.

Combating substance abuse starts with the individual. Music or no music, audience or no audience, the achievements of anyone who beat addiction are inspiring. A little bit of compassion and understanding today could help the Macklemores of tomorrow gain the control and stability they need to not only survive but thrive.

Learn More About Drug Addiction Treatment Options

It’s never too late to help or seek help and get a new lease on life. If you or a loved one have any questions about drug addiction or rehab, please contact us here or call us at (877) 455-0055.

Cocaine, meth, and heroin, oh my! If you ask someone what the most addictive drugs are, they’ll probably site those three (not necessarily in that order).

And we agree – heroin, meth, and cocaine all cause thousands of deaths a year. We have death tolls that tell us which is “worst”, but they’re all life-altering bad.

Learn what two of the most dangerous three can do to a user below.

A Quick Disclaimer

It’s almost impossible to rank which drug is the most dangerous for your health. Why? Because of the way one drug acts on someone is different than the way it acts on another person. At least in subtle ways.

Some people try drugs once and can stop cold turkey. Other people are addicted from the first hit/puff/sniff. It’s all about how your body processes things and if you have addiction in your family.

Or if you’re predisposed to addiction from other factors, like your mental health.

That said – we’re going to use data that shows the number of deaths per drug to rank the dangerous drugs below, but keep in mind there is no real order- at least on an individual basis.

The Most Addictive Drugs: Heroin

Which drug have we seen an uptick of use within the last five years? Unfortunately, it’s not something relatively mild, like Cannabis.

It’s one of the most dangerous drugs (the most deaths), heroin.

Perhaps it’s because the people doing Heroin these days didn’t grow up hearing stories of people overdosing. There hasn’t been a famous death from heroin in quite a while.

At least not one as well-covered as Jim Morrison’s or Sid Vicious’.

There were over 10,000 deaths from Heroin use in the US, in 2014, and the number goes up every year.

Why is Heroin so Dangerous?

Heroin is very addictive, you can compare it to things we’re seeing now, like fentanyl. In fact, they’re not that chemically different.

Both are depressants, which means they relax your body and create a feeling of euphoria. Both are types of opiates, which are derived from the Poppy plant.

If you’ve ever heard of Opium dens in Asian history – these were the kind of drugs they were doing.

However, heroin is very hard to administer. You can both snort and smoke the powder, but most choose to shoot it up – that is, insert it straight into their bloodstream through their veins.

That involves needles, which aren’t something you want to play with at home. Many heroin addicts care more about getting high than the quality and sterilization of the needle, which is how bloodborne diseases spread.

There are higher rates of hepatitis and HIV-Aids among intravenous drug users.

The Addictive Factor

Heroin is extremely addictive. One addict said that you feel so good on Heroin that you never feel that good again once you’re sober.

If it makes you really feel that good, you can see how quickly it becomes addictive.

But it’s not just that. The body builds up a tolerance to heroin as it does with any other drug. As you build up a tolerance, you have to shoot up more every time, to get the same effect.

And since heroin processes as morphine in your brain, it’s like turning the morphine drip to the highest setting – that’ll shut down your body’s processes and kill you just like that.

Issues with Purity

As if all that wasn’t dangerous enough, it’s rare to get pure heroin anymore. The purest heroin is a white powder, but most of the time it’s seen as tan or brownish. There is some that are black – which you’ve probably heard called black tar heroin.

The problem is, the darker the color, the worse the quality. Drug dealers are famous for “cutting” their drugs, which means that they add in another substance so they have more to sell/

Rat poison is commonly found in heroin, as is fentanyl. Laundry detergent and flour are two other, less harmful ingredients.

Yet- you saw what happened with the Tide Pod challenge. Do you really want to insert those kinds of chemicals into your blood?

Let us answer that for you: you don’t.

Finally, some drug dealers put pure caffeine into the heroin. While this doesn’t sound so dangerous, it can mask the signs of an overdose.

If someone doesn’t feel as high from the drug because of the caffeine, they may take more – and end up administering a lethal dose.

Second Place: Meth

It’s not easy to rank drugs. While there are fewer deaths due to meth use, Meth has a much more visible effect on your body. It’s not a drug anyone who values their looks want to use.

It’s highly addictive as well, probably as addictive (if not more) as heroin. It’s smoked or snorted, so it’s an easier delivery method than shooting up.

Along with the addictive aspect, meth restructures how your brain works – and that can last for up to a week after your last dose.

Drug-Induced Psychosis

It’s common to experience drug-induced psychosis when coming down from meth. That means that your body experiences some of the symptoms of things like multiple personality disorder and schizophrenia as it tries to regain a sense of normality.

Both of those disorders can create delusions and hallucinations. Delusions can drive people to do dangerous and crazy things, like jump off a bridge if they think someone’s chasing them.

You also see the damage of the teeth, the lungs, the nervous system, and the skin in meth users. They famously have sores all over their body, as one of the common delusions is feeling like you have bugs crawling under your skin.

A lot of the deaths from meth don’t come from the direct use of the drug – but what it causes people to do.

That said, the number of deaths due to meth according to this CDC report was 3,495 in 2014. That’s almost a third of the deaths from heroin, but again, it doesn’t count drug-use-accident related cases.

There are No Good Drugs

When it comes to drugs – you shouldn’t do them unless you’re directed to by a doctor. And if you are directed to by a doctor, only do so in the exact fashion and for the exact amount of time as they direct.

The most addictive drugs are heroin and meth, but benzodiazepines (think, Xanax) and cocaine also make the list.

If you suspect a loved one is using one of these dangerous drugs (or any other!) get them to a rehab center, as soon as possible. Here’s a list of centers nearby, for your convenience.

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6806a4.htm
• https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr65/nvsr65_10.pdf
• http://health.utah.gov/epi/prevention/syringeexchange/USENdisesespread.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr65/nvsr65_10.pdf

Hobbies can sometimes seem like nuisances to us. They can even seem like something we just don’t have the time for in the busyness of everyday life. Addiction treatment, however, thrives on hobbies.

Many discussions around rehab or recovery can have a negative tone, however, today we will be discussing our hobbies and how they can help us on the long road to recovery.

Before we begin, it is important to understand that the connection between mental illness and addiction is so strong. We at Addiction Treatment Services understand this connection between addiction and mental health, and we want to help you on the road to recovery.

First, let’s take a look at why hobbies are helpful, and then we will discuss some specific hobbies that can be beneficial during recovery, so that you have a tangible point of reference going forward.

How Are Hobbies Helpful?

Hobbies are an outlet that provide us with something to do while we aren’t busy working and taking care of other responsibilities. They keep us active and motivated without stressing us out. While some hobbies are not extremely productive, such as playing video games, for example, they all leave us feeling good and calm afterwards.

It is no secret that human beings today have undergone the process of natural selection over time. See, we have a drive in us as part of our evolutionary history to seek out the things that make us feel good, such as eating food, drinking water, and so on. These activities activate reward centers in the brain to release “feel-good” chemicals to reward us for doing them.

Natural selection has caused us to develop a need to do things that are productive, beneficial to our bodies, or that make us better in some other way. Thanks to the reward centers in the brain, we feel good when we do these types of things. All of this is for the purpose of staying alive. Thus, when we do something that makes us feel good, most of the time, that thing is something that is beneficial to us.

We enjoy feeling productive just as much as we enjoy activities such as white water rafting, kayaking, or hiking. The reason is because these things make us feel alive.

How Hobbies Help Your Recovery

One of the greatest fights you will likely face in addiction is the fight of boredom. Addiction treatment thrives on being busy because otherwise, boredom can quickly lead to relapse. However, none of us want to be busy all the time, since this can make us feel overwhelmed and stressed.

While nobody wants to be busy constantly, in addiction treatment, it is important to have certain activities or hobbies that do occupy the majority of your time in order to avoid the potential for relapse.

Hobbies can take up a large amount of your time. Running takes a period of time, as does drawing, or becoming skilled in playing guitar or singing. These things occupy our time, however, they are a different kind of time killer. These periods of time make us feel fulfilled and leave us feeling good.

This is where we need to differentiate between instant gratification hobbies, like video games and watching television, and productive hobbies. Both are helpful, but in the end, productive hobbies will leave us feeling, well, productive, whereas instant gratification hobbies are simply time wasters that do not lead to anything greater being accomplished.

Chasing this good feeling of contributing to the world, or your own well-being, is the feeling we should want to chase. This good feeling is so different than the instant gratification that substances provide. If we seek instant hobbies, then we will be creating the same patterns of an addiction, rather than the beneficial patterns of productive hobbies.

Hobbies Connect Us

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of hobbies is that they have the potential to unite us in community. We are connected to each other when we do certain hobbies together. Connection is one of the strongest weapons in combating addiction.

Many of these hobbies bring us together for one common cause and allow us to meet others who share our ideas and beliefs. Being able to hike with someone, overcome obstacles on a run with someone, or meet to play music together can bonds us in a way that nothing else can. Having a strong support system is key to overcoming obstacles in addiction recovery.

Now that we have discussed why hobbies are helpful, let’s look below to discover which kind of hobbies can best suit us. It can be difficult to discern.

Active Hobbies

Engaging in hobbies that get the body moving are extremely valuable for our overall health, especially while undergoing addiction treatment. This is because exercise can help speed up the body’s detoxification process and lead to more positive feelings.

For some people, running long distances seems insane, yet to others, it can be therapeutic. It is sometimes referred to as the “runner’s high” where they experience euphoria and little fatigue after miles and miles of running. Running can help us because it is so good for our cardiovascular system. It can also bond us with others through trials, and give us a lot of time to talk to our friends and loved ones if we run together.

While running may not necessarily be for everyone, there are other hobbies that help addiction recovery. One of them is yoga. Yoga engages the spiritual and mental side of exercise. Prostrating the body into various shapes and poses is actually very taxing work, and it can engage the core of our being as well as help us to relax, calm down, and reflect.

Other active hobbies you can try are swimming, hiking, biking, or playing sports.

Creative Hobbies

Hobbies that are creative give us projects that make us feel like we have made something that contributes to the world in some way. Taking an art class, or just pursuing drawing, or writing, or whatever other creative hobby you enjoy is a great way to get our innermost emotions out on the table.

Along with this, we can bring beauty into the world musically. Musical talent is something you practice, so picking up an instrument or vocal practice is something that you can do every day. This can also bond you with others if you find others to help teach you how to play your instrument, or just to jam with.

Finally, journaling, writing poetry, or blogging are all great hobbies that are able to get our thoughts and feelings onto the page.

Hobbies in Nature

Hiking is a great way to connect with nature. Experts often find that getting out into nature is a great way to improve our overall mood. Camping, fishing, or surfing are all ways we can appreciate the world around us.

Along with this, spiritual practices like meditation are extremely beneficial to helping us be our fullest person. This is not simply sitting cross legged and humming, but more than that, it is simply the practice of being aware at all times, and this works especially well when done in a beautiful place such as at the beach or in a grassy area.

Getting Help

While hobbies are fantastic supports for addiction recovery, it is important to understand that you cannot treat yourself with them alone. Professional addiction treatment is the only true way to get help with your substance abuse problems.

Addiction Treatment Services exists to help you find the right treatment program for you. We numerous locations to serve you and help you on the road to recovery. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling (877) 455-0055. Please do not hesitate. Get started with your addiction recovery today.

Crystal meth is one of the most devastating drugs there is. Addiction to the drug completely destroys lives, and even kills thousands of people in the US every year.

In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the drug, from its effects to the ways addicts can recover from them.

Arm yourself with these meth facts to tackle your own substance abuse problem, or to help someone you know with theirs. Learn more, and see what you can do to help those you care about.

Educate Yourself with Our 11 Meth Facts

Here’s how meth affects the body and what you can do about it.

1. Hundreds of Thousands of People in the US Take Meth

Meth is highly addictive, and the effects of the drug are widespread across the US.

According to the Department of Justice’s 2017 National Drug Threat Assessment, around 900,000 people in America currently use methamphetamines.

This figure doesn’t just apply to adults. In fact, some users are as young as 12 years old.

You CAN Overcome Meth Addiction

Help is available to those struggling with meth abuse. Let us guide you in the right direction. All calls are 100% free and confidential.

GET HELP NOW

2. The Short-Term Effects are Drastic

Abusing crystal meth can cause drastic changes in a person’s behavior.

Since meth is a stimulant, those who use it can become extremely excitable and irritable. They become much more alert and active, and can also be very erratic, seemingly switching from one emotion to the other in the blink of an eye.

This behavior can sometimes turn violent, causing users to hurt themselves or people around them.

The drug causes the heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature to rise, and this can be extremely dangerous. In the event of an overdose, these factors can lead to death.

When a meth user goes on a binge, the stimulant effects of the drug can cause them to stay awake for days on end. During this time, they can abandon their responsibilities and relationships, instead of keeping busy by constantly cleaning, exercising, or taking things apart and putting them back together again.

3. The Long-Term Effects are Life-Threatening

Crystal meth abuse can cause permanent damage to the body, bringing on health conditions that can be irreparable or even fatal.

First of all, methamphetamine users have a higher risk of experiencing strokes. This is because the drug damages the blood vessels in the brain and heart, causing blood pressure to increase to a dangerous level.

Crystal meth use also causes extensive damage to the lungs, kidneys and liver.

There are numerous other health risks, which depend on how you take the drug. For example, smoking it causes severe respiratory problems, while injecting it causes skin infections and abscesses.

4. After Meth, You’ll Never Look the Same Again

One of the most telling signs of meth abuse is the way it changes people’s appearance.

In many cases, this is first seen in the teeth. Addicts usually develop extensive tooth decay and gum disease, and as the teeth rot, they’re either extracted or simply fall out on their own. This is commonly referred to as ‘meth mouth’, and is incurable.

Meth mouth tends to be severe because the drug attacks the teeth in a number of ways. First of all, it contains acid ingredients that cause tooth decay. It also causes dry mouth by reducing the amount of saliva that’s produced. This means that the teeth lose a protective barrier, inhibiting the body’s natural way of reducing oral bacteria.

Meth addicts usually neglect their oral hygiene as the drug starts to take hold, and the effects on the teeth become impossible to prevent or control. They can develop a habit of grinding or clenching their teeth. Over time, this causes them to break down even further.

If the drug is snorted, it can also destroy the tissue of the nose, too. Doctors can correct this with plastic surgery, but it’s a very costly procedure.

Another way that meth affects the body’s physical appearance is through weight loss. Users are often malnourished, and experience rapid or extreme weight loss, giving them a hollow and gaunt appearance. The lack of nourishment also means that they can have very little energy, experience frequent bouts of exhaustion.

Meth Addiction Can Ruin Lives

If you, or someone you know is struggling with crystal meth addiction, please give us a call - we can provide honest guidance and support. Confidentiality is 100% guaranteed.

GET HELP NOW

5. Crystal Meth Changes the Brain

Over time, repeated meth use alters the way the brain works. One way it does this is by changing the dopamine system.

Dopamine is a hormone that naturally occurs in the body, but when a person uses meth, the brain releases high levels of this substance in rapid succession. This rush of chemicals is what creates the euphoric feeling that makes the drug so addictive. It triggers the brain’s reward system, making users want to continue to take the drug again and again.

However, dopamine is much more than just a feel-good chemical. It also plays an important role in movement, coordination, memory, emotions and learning abilities. This means that the effects of the drug also causes addicts to experience cognitive issues.

Eventually, they begin to have problems with thinking and remembering things. They also become easily confused or disorientated, struggling with basic mobility issues.

Meth use can also cause abnormal brain chemistry and damage to brain cells. The effects are similar to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s or strokes. This is why meth users seem to age so drastically in a mental sense as well as a physical one.

6. Meth Can Cause Mental Health Problems

The effects of crystal meth aren’t just physical. In fact, some of the worst consequences of the drug are mental. The changes in brain chemistry that meth causes can lead to several mental health issues.

At first, users start to become apathetic, lacking the motivation or enthusiasm for things they used to enjoy. This can develop into severe depression, which is extremely difficult for addicts to pull themselves out of.

Addicts also commonly experience meth-induced psychosis.

During these episodes, they can experience hallucinations. This doesn’t just mean that they see things that aren’t there. Hallucinations can also come in the form of sounds, smells, feelings, or even tastes.

Those who experience psychosis can also have delusions. This could mean that they think they’re being targeted, followed, controlled or tricked for no good reason.

Another symptom of psychosis is obsessive behavior. This is why addicts are often seen compulsively repeating the same actions or movements over and over again.

7. Addicts are at a Higher Risk of HIV

Scientists say that crystal meth is fuelling the HIV/AIDs epidemic.

Injecting methamphetamine brings a risk of contracting HIV, as well as other infectious diseases, such as hepatitis.

This isn’t the only way that the drug increases the risk. It also boosts sexual arousal while causing people to engage in risky behaviors, such as impulsive or unprotected sex.

Meth users who have already contracted HIV can also experience the condition more severely. This is because the condition worsens, causing more extensive damage to nerve cells in those who are addicted to meth or have a history of using the drug.

8. Meth is Extremely Dangerous for Pregnant Women

Since meth can influence people to engage in unprotected sex, users are also at a higher risk of pregnancy.

Those who continue to abuse methamphetamine during pregnancy run the risk of causing severe harm to their unborn child.

Children of meth users are often born prematurely and can suffer from numerous birth defects, such as heart problems, cleft lips, bone malformations, retinal defects, and neurological issues. Since the mothers are generally malnourished, they’re also much smaller and weaker than they should be.

Meth can also inhibit placental blood flow, which means that the fetus is unable to receive an adequate amount of oxygen. This can cause further complications, premature labor or even miscarriage.

The effects of meth on babies don’t just occur during pregnancy. They continue long after they’re born. Since the drug is present in the breast milk of mothers who take it, it’s not advisable for them to breastfeed. If they do, their children can experience further health problems due to increased exposure to methamphetamines.

Later in life, babies can suffer from behavioral problems and learning difficulties, as meth changes their brain chemistry in the same way that it does to those who take it directly.

9. Withdrawal is Incredibly Tough

In order to recover from a meth addiction, users have to go through a withdrawal period.

This can be an incredibly difficult time. Suddenly stopping the use of a drug on which you’ve become dependent triggers some uncomfortable and even painful side effects in the body.

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The withdrawal process usually consists of the following phases:

The First Stage

This stage begins immediately after stopping the use of crystal meth and reaches its peak around 2-3 days later. Symptoms include:

• Depression
• Bodily aches and pains
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Psychosis
• Anxiety
• Intense cravings
• Dehydration
• Shaking
• Seizures
• Arrhythmia
• Cardiac arrest

These symptoms usually persist for up to 10 days before the next stage begins.

The Second Stage

Once the body has expelled all traces of methamphetamine, addicts can become severely depressed. They lose energy and enthusiasm, are without their usual high, they become less able to experience any kind of pleasure.

Some addicts even become suicidal during this stage of withdrawal. As a result, the majority end up returning to crystal meth and relapsing. Those who are able to continue on their path to sobriety require intensive treatment to keep them on track.

The length and intensity of this stage vary from person to person, as it depends on the severity of the addiction as well as the individual. In most cases, it lasts around thirty days, but it can last up to ninety, or even more.

10. Recovery is Possible

While the outlook for meth addicts may seem bleak, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for those who are looking for it.

With the right resources and support, it is possible to recover from addiction and gain control of your life.

Unlike heroin, there is no government-approved drug that is distributed solely to treat addiction to crystal meth. However, there are lots of different treatments out there that can do the job without introducing other drugs.

Inpatient programs provide addicts with a healthy, supportive environment in which to detox from the drug and address their issues. Under the guidance of professionals, they can undergo therapy, attend counseling sessions and join a community of people who are working towards the same goal.

For those who don’t want to stop everything to admit themselves to a hospital or rehab center full-time, there are outpatient programs available. This way, patients can continue with their usual routine and simply make frequent visits to a clinic or facility.

Whichever type of treatment a patient chooses, therapy is essential. This enables them to get to the root of their substance abuse, addressing the reasons why it began in the first place. If you understand why crystal meth was able to take hold of you in the first place, you’re much better equipped to escape it.

11. Relapse is Common

Recovery from addiction is not a linear process, and there will be bumps in the road along the way.

Relapse doesn’t necessarily mean failure. This is one of the most common misconceptions about addiction. It’s a normal part of the process, and it’s entirely possible to pick yourself back up again and resume your recovery after experiencing a relapse.

The process may be longer and more difficult this way, but it’s not impossible. It takes determination and commitment as well as constant support from people around you.

Get Help Today

If you or someone you love is suffering from an addiction to crystal meth, it’s important that you educate yourself about the dangers of the drug.

Leaning these meth facts can help you to understand how addiction works, but to recover from it, it’s best to seek the help of professionals. There is no substitute for medical treatment, and with a dedicated recovery program, your chances of success are greatly increased.

At Addiction Treatment Services, we can help you to organize an intervention to put a stop to crystal meth use. Then, we can devise a comprehensive program, tailoring everything to your specific needs.

Contact us for a consultation and see how we can help you.