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Meth- Overview
Methamphetamine (Meth) is a central
nervous system stimulant drug that is similar in structure
to amphetamine. Due to its high potential for abuse,
methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug
and is available only through a prescription that cannot
be refilled. Although methamphetamine can be prescribed
by a doctor, its medical uses are limited, and the doses
that are prescribed are much lower than those typically
abused. Most of the methamphetamine abused in this country
comes from foreign or domestic superlabs, although it
can also be made in small, illegal laboratories, where
its production endangers the people in the labs, neighbors,
and the environment.
How Is Methamphetamine/Meth Abused?
Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting
crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or
alcohol and is taken orally, intranasally (snorting
the powder), by needle injection, or by smoking.
How Does Methamphetamine/Meth Affect the Brain?
Methamphetamine increases the release and blocks the
reuptake of the brain chemical (or neurotransmitter)
dopamine, leading to high levels of the chemical in
the brain—a common mechanism of action for most
drugs of abuse. Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation,
the experience of pleasure, and motor function. Methamphetamine’s
ability to release dopamine rapidly in reward regions
of the brain produces the intense euphoria, or “rush,”
that many users feel after snorting, smoking, or injecting
the drug.
Chronic methamphetamine abuse significantly changes
how the brain functions. Noninvasive human brain imaging
studies have shown alterations in the activity of the
dopamine system that are associated with reduced motor
skills and impaired verbal learning. Recent studies
in chronic methamphetamine abusers have also revealed
severe structural and functional changes in areas of
the brain associated with emotion and memory, which
may account for many of the emotional and cognitive
problems observed in chronic methamphetamine
abusers.
Repeated methamphetamine/meth abuse
can also lead to addiction - a chronic, relapsing disease
characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, which
is accompanied by chemical and molecular changes in
the brain. Some of these changes persist long after
methamphetamine abuse is stopped. Reversal
of some of the changes, however, may be observed after
sustained periods of abstinence (e.g., more than 1 year)
What Other Adverse Effects Does Methamphetamine/Meth
Have on Health?
Taking even small amounts of methamphetamine/meth can
result in many of the same physical effects as those
of other stimulants, such as cocaine or amphetamines,
including increased wakefulness, increased physical
activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration,
rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood
pressure, and hyperthermia.
Long-term methamphetamine/meth abuse has many negative
health consequences, including extreme weight loss,
severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), anxiety,
confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent
behavior. Chronic methamphetamine abusers can also display
a number of psychotic features, including paranoia,
visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (for
example, the sensation of insects crawling under the
skin).
Transmission of HIV and hepatitis B and C can be consequences
of methamphetamine/meht abuse. The
intoxicating effects of methamphetamine, regardless
of how it is taken, can also alter judgment and inhibition
and can lead people to engage in unsafe behaviors, including
risky sexual behavior. Among abusers who inject the
drug, HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases can be
spread through contaminated needles, syringes, and other
injection equipment that is used by more than one person.
Methamphetamine/meht abuse may also worsen the progression
of HIV/AIDS and its consequences. Studies of methamphetamine
abusers who are HIV-positive indicate that
HIV causes greater neuronal injury and cognitive impairment
for individuals in this group compared with HIV-positive
people who do not use the drug.5,6
What Treatment Options Exist for Methamphetamine/Meth?
Currently, the most effective treatments for
methamphetamine addiction are comprehensive
cognitive-behavioral interventions.
For example, the Matrix Model—a behavioral treatment
approach that combines behavioral therapy, family education,
individual counseling, 12-step support, drug testing,
and encouragement for non drug-related activities—has
been shown to be effective in reducing methamphetamine
abuse. Contingency management interventions,
which provide tangible incentives in exchange for engaging
in treatment and maintaining abstinence, have also been
shown to be effective. There are no medications at this
time approved to treat methamphetamine addiction;
however, this is an active area of research for NIDA.
See also club
drugs
Information contained above is courtesy
of The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) for more
information please visit: http://www.nida.nih.gov
If you have come across our Addiction Treatment
Center web site, is because you or someone
you love is in need of help for Meht addiction.
Cove Center for Recovery is an Addiction Treatment
Center offering a premier drug addiction
treatment program that can help you or your
loved one. Our aim is to treat the whole person, and
not just an isolated symptom. During the addiction
treatment process we will work with the client
to identify the factors that may have contributed to
their addiction – home, work, relationships and
medical history. We also believe that families have
a vital role to play in the recovery process, and each
program has a place for family participation, to educate
them in the addiction treatment process
and to equip them for their role as supporters.
Call us at 1-888-387-6237 for further information on
our Meth addiction treatment program.
Together, we can discuss how you may benefit from seeking
treatment at Cove Center for Recovery.
Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away.
If the information you are looking for is not found here and you need immediate
attention you may contact us:
Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
You may also send us e-mail.
Please keep in mind that e-mails are answered within 24 hours Monday
through Friday.
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