Methamphetamine
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “meth”, is an illicit stimulant drug that is entirely synthetic. After its introduction post-WWII, meth became a popular diet aid and antidepressant. In 1970, The U.S. Government ruled the drug illegal, citing its destructive qualities. Since then, illegal production and drug trafficking remain solely responsible for its availability. Today, methamphetamine ranks in the top 5 of the most addictive, illicit drugs in the world.
The Methamphetamine High
Methamphetamine can be smoked, snorted, or injected and results in a high in which the user experiences:
- Alertness
- Focus
- Decreased appetite
- Euphoria
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sense of invincibility/ grand sense of self
Methamphetamine Side Effects
Long-term methamphetamine abuse can cause lasting effects and irreversible damage. Such side effects include:
- Facial scars or ‘picking’ scars
- Weight loss
- Tooth decay
- Brain damage
- Liver damage
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Violence
Methamphetamine Abuse and Addiction
Although there are more resources available to combat drug abuse than ever before, methamphetamine usage continues to rise. According to the Center for Disease Controls and Prevention, 1.6 million Americans reported using methamphetamine between the years 2015 to 2018. Even more recently, from approximately May 2018 until May 2019, “there were 24.6 percent more deaths involving meth and other drugs in its class than in the previous year, compared with 9.4 percent more deaths involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids”.
Methamphetamine Treatment
If you are considering seeking addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one struggling with meth addiction, know that help is widely available and recovery is possible. If you have questions or concerns, call us today. We at Rehab Carolinas are experienced in substance abuse and addiction and are here to help you find the right treatment center.