Are you searching for meth rehab in Boston? You’re in luck! East Coast Recovery’s meth addiction treatment program is specifically designed to treat this addiction and provide the effective, quality care you or your loved one deserve. Methamphetamine is a very dangerous, highly addictive drug and, once an addiction has formed, professional treatment is required to overcome it. Continue reading to learn more about meth, how addiction develops, who is most at risk, and the many treatment options that are available.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, known as meth, crystal meth, crystal, tina, or crank, is a stimulant that impacts the central nervous system, leading to sensations of euphoria and enhanced vitality. It is usually presented as an unscented white powder that has a bitter taste. Methamphetamine can also be found in an almost transparent crystallized form, or in pill form which is created by pressing powder.
Crystal meth is a powerfully habit-forming stimulant that influences the central nervous system. It amplifies the presence of dopamine in the brain, which is a naturally occurring chemical responsible for feelings of reward motivation. The massive amount of dopamine involved with meth use encourages people to keep using the drug. Despite the risks of using crystal meth, many still grapple with this addiction. Data from 2020 revealed that in the U.S., 1.5 million people had a past-year methamphetamine use disorder.
Amphetamine, the predecessor of methamphetamine, was first produced in 1887 at the University of Berlin. Although its existence was known, it wasn’t used clinically until it was re-synthesized in the U.S. in the 1920s to reduce the symptoms of asthma, allergies, and colds. The principal contrast between methamphetamine and amphetamines is that methamphetamine produces more powerful and long-lasting effects since it penetrates the blood-brain barrier quickly.
How Addictive is Meth?
Meth is habit-forming due to its potency and the amount that is typically used at once. It also changes the chemistry of the brain, resulting in continued issues. Additionally, it is a drug that has a much longer-lasting effect than other substances – symptoms can be experienced for up to half a day. This is far longer than the short-term effects of other drugs, which can be as short as half an hour.
In order to understand how addictive meth is, it is important to look into why it is so addictive. Meth triggers the body to produce dopamine at an incredibly high rate, which brings a rush of euphoria that the brain craves to feel again and again. Additionally, the release of adrenaline creates an exciting and stimulating feeling, making the experience all the more appealing. On top of that, meth can give the user more energy and confidence, which makes it attractive for people who need to work for extended periods of time or study for examinations.
How Does Meth Addiction Develop?
Methamphetamine is seen as being extremely habit-forming, and one can become addicted after only a few uses. This is mainly due to the large amount of dopamine that the drug produces, which is significantly more than what the brain would normally generate. This leads people to keep using the drug in order to keep the intensified and very enjoyable sensations. People who consume meth usually take the substance over a number of days, staying in a permanent high state throughout the process.
In many cases, this situation can result in the development of tolerance. When someone is using drugs for a lengthy amount of time, they may need higher doses to experience the same effects as before. The inexpensive price tag and stimulating effects of meth can make it easy for a person to become addicted. After this happens, it can be hard to be content when trying to quit. Withdrawal symptoms, like sleeplessness, exhaustion, depression, and uneasiness, can linger until the drug has worn off. The entire process of withdrawal only reinforces the possibility of abuse and binging. When the reward system is reliant on the drug, the dread of cravings and withdrawal from meth can take control of someone’s life.
Risks of Developing a Meth Addiction
The likelihood of becoming addicted to methamphetamine is based upon a range of factors. Some individuals can try it without becoming addicted, but some can become hooked after just one use. The most common contributing factors to addiction include:
Environment
Individuals who have experienced addiction in the home environment may be more vulnerable to developing an addiction to drugs in the future. The earlier someone is exposed to substance abuse, the higher the chance they will suffer from the same issue.
Genetics
The probability of someone becoming hooked on a drug increases if they have a direct family member who also has an addiction problem, especially if it is one of their parents.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Those facing psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are likely to be more likely to become addicted than individuals who do not suffer from a mental health diagnosis.
Frequency of Use
The more someone uses drugs, the greater the risk of them developing an addiction. This is especially pertinent to methamphetamine, as the chance of becoming physically addicted and dependent on the drug is heightened even after short-term use.
The unfortunate truth is that people may not recognize when someone is using drugs until they have gone from using to abusing to becoming addicted to them. Crystal meth has a high risk of addiction, making it easy for someone who is using it regularly to become dependent on it. There are physical, psychological, and behavioral signs of methamphetamine abuse and addiction.
Signs of Meth Abuse and Addiction
The unfortunate truth is that people may not recognize when someone is using drugs until they have gone from using to abusing to becoming addicted to them. Crystal meth has a high risk of addiction, making it easy for someone who is using it regularly to become dependent on it. There are physical, psychological, and behavioral signs of methamphetamine abuse and addiction.
Physical Signs of Meth Abuse
Regardless of whether someone is a novice or developing a dependency on meth, physical indicators of meth consumption will start to appear. The following are a few of the physical signs and risks linked to abusing meth:
- Weight loss
- Tooth decay
- Facial scars
- Liver damage
- Decreased immunity
- Intense scratching
- Increased body temperature
- Drooping skin
Psychological Signs of Meth Abuse
Using meth can be linked to a variety of psychological impacts. This illicit substance can give a person an immediate state of extreme elation, which is caused by the drug’s capability to raise dopamine degrees in the brain. Dopamine is one of the primary neurotransmitters involved in the brain’s reward system. Drugs like methamphetamine that stimulate the brain’s reward pathways are extremely addictive.
Aside from providing feelings of pleasure, dopamine plays a role in memory and cognitive functioning. When someone uses meth consistently, they are exposing their brain to an excessive amount of dopamine, which can cause an imbalance in the natural dopamine levels. As a result, long-term meth abuse can lead to difficulties with memory, an inability to learn new skills, and problems with visual memory.
In some cases, methamphetamine misuse can bring about a psychotic episode. Signs of meth-induced madness can involve illusory beliefs, auditory and visual imaginings, fears, and annoyance. Scratching is a physical side effect that can be linked to psychosis in some cases. People who suffer from meth-induced psychosis may have the feeling that bugs are crawling on and beneath their skin, thus they will scratch and pick at their skin in order to alleviate this feeling. As an outcome of this constant scratching and picking, skin scrapes and rashes may arise.
Behavioral Signs of Meth Abuse
Substance abuse, be it meth or any other addictive drug, has a tendency to quickly become a person’s topmost priority. As soon as this happens, it is only a matter of time before issues arise in their job, education, and personal connections. At the outset of using meth, people will usually strive to conceal their abuse; yet as addiction advances, the person no longer cares about how others view them since the drug has taken over. This extreme focus on meth to the point of neglecting other important duties and relationships is one of the most evident indications of drug addiction.
In some scenarios, drugs may be found, while in others, only paraphernalia might be found. Even without the presence of drugs, the paraphernalia can provide a strong indication of drug usage. Although it is not possible to determine when meth and paraphernalia were utilized, it is highly probable that it is a current activity. An indication of meth consumption is the presence of the baggies that dealers typically use for this drug. Typically, these baggies are self-closing, but another cost-effective choice is to cut a corner off of a sandwich bag, making a triangular baggie. These baggies are usually secured with garbage twist ties that are cut short.
Can You Overdose on Meth?
An overdose on methamphetamine can happen when an individual consumes too much of the drug, either deliberately or accidentally. It does not matter if it is consumed in the form of smoking, swallowing, injecting or snorting; the amount of meth taken is the deciding factor of whether an overdose will take place. Even though the overdose itself is not usually the cause of death, the symptoms can be fatal. Those who are addicted to crystal meth and do not receive help through detoxification are more likely to keep using the drug and eventually overdosing.
Due to the fact that meth is illegal and typically sold on the black market, it is impossible to determine its potency and what it is composed of. Should someone close to you be dealing with a meth addiction, knowing the indications of a meth overdose may help save their life. Typical symptoms of a meth overdose involve:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Agitation
- Psychosis
- Hallucinations
- Kidney failure
- Seizures
- Aggression
- Unconsciousness
- Paranoia
It is possible to overdose on methamphetamine at any time, even if it is the initial time using it. If you notice the signs of a meth overdose in someone, the most important thing is to get emergency medical assistance immediately. Additionally, if the individual is having a seizure, support their head to avoid injury and tilt it to one side to prevent them from choking if they vomit. Do not try to restrain them. The prognosis of a person who has overdosed on crystal meth depends on the amount taken and how soon they get medical attention. Recovery is possible, but it is essential that they receive medical attention immediately.
Meth Rehab in Boston, Massachusetts
East Coast Recovery recognizes the importance of selecting the correct recovery program when trying to beat a meth addiction. If you or someone you care about, needs help with addiction, please get in touch with East Coast Recovery. Our treatment center in Cohasset provides tailored treatment plans that meet the requirements of all those who require high-quality assistance.
East Coast Recovery offers a broad range of therapeutic options, including intensive outpatient care, partial hospitalization, and post-treatment support. We integrate both therapeutic and holistic strategies to assist individuals in overcoming their physical, mental, and emotional difficulties linked to meth addiction. In addition, all of our treatments are founded on evidence-based practices.
If you are looking for more information about the help we provide at East Coast Recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professionals. You don’t need to struggle with addiction alone; we will be there with you for the whole journey.
