Meth Addiction in Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis Drug Rehab Centers knows that of all the illicit drugs on today’s market, methamphetamine is one of the most potent, addictive, and destructive. Meth imbues its users with a euphoric, energetic high, and using it even once has been known to lead to meth addiction. Like other forms of drug dependency, meth addiction is characterized by habitual, compulsive use and a plethora of negative health and lifestyle consequences. Understanding the signs and symptoms of meth addiction enables individuals to catch it early and seek urgent help, whether for themselves or for someone they know.

Meth Addiction is a Disease

Experts within organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, as well as doctors and many other health professionals, agree that addiction is a chronic disease that frequently necessitates medical intervention in order to be brought under control. Understanding that meth addiction is a disease, and should be treated as one, can aid in the prevention of stigmatizing its victims, as well as inform as to the importance of proper care. Armed with the knowledge that there is currently no cure for addiction, relapse can be effectively prevented – and, when necessary, dealt with – through personalized aftercare programs.

Methamphetamine Basics
Meth is a man-made substance composed of toxic chemicals such as acetone, lithium, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, toluene, and others. It can be found in the form of a pill, a powder, a liquid, or clear, jagged crystals that somewhat resemble pieces of broken glass, and goes by various nicknames, including glass, ice, tweak, Tina, crank, Chrissy, and speed. It can be ingested orally, smoked, snorted, or injected. Injection is the first choice of many meth addicts as it provides what many consider to be a superior high.

Effects of Methamphetamine

The short term effects of meth are pleasant and desirable, leading to the drug’s habit-forming reputation. After using meth, it is typical to feel euphoric and wide awake. Coming down off the high results in the opposite effects, causing feelings of depression and long periods of sleep.

In the long run, the effects of using meth are severe and disturbing. Appetite suppressing properties of the chemicals found in meth bring about significant weight loss and malnutrition, noticeable in the figure of chronic users as well as in their dental health, which often deteriorates to the point of being referred to as “meth mouth.” Additional health consequences take many forms, often manifesting as various symptoms of psychosis such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. Depression, insomnia, and violent tendencies are also frequently observed among habitual users.

Treatment

While meth addiction is dangerous and destructive, it doesn’t have to end that way. Treatment is available, and the earlier it is undertaken, the better chance individuals have of achieving a full recovery. If are interested in finding out about meth addiction treatment programs or have questions about methamphetamine and its effects, Minneapolis Drug Rehab Centers would be glad to hear from you. Just give us a call at (612) 605-2271 today.