Meth Withdrawals
Many people get addicted to meth because of how easy it is to obtain this drug. The U.S. has a big meth abuse problem, with those abusing the drug doing so because it gives them pleasant feelings that let them cope with their life issues.
Meth is an extremely addictive and powerful drug. Once someone starts abusing this drug, it is hard for them to stop on their own accord. This is why they should seek help from professionals to make sure they stop the addiction for good. Professional support can also assist them through the withdrawal symptoms that may arise.
Getting help as soon as possible can ensure that the individual has a lower chance of developing long-term problems.
What is Meth and Where Did It Come From?
Meth or methamphetamine is a drug that comes in powder form. Often, it looks like small rocks in white and blue color. The drug is a stimulant one, and it can have very powerful effects on the consumer. For this reason, its addictive potential is very high.
Meth can dissolve in water and alcohol, and it is an odorless drug with a bitter taste. Usually, addicts snort the substance or smoke it.
The drug is very easy to obtain, which is why so many end up abusing it. One can prepare it by using certain ingredients from the drug store. These are available to most people – therefore, the danger is increased.
Methamphetamine has been used since the 20th century. Its parent drug is amphetamine. After being developed, meth was used in various nasal decongestants, as well as bronchial inhalers. It causes similar effects to amphetamine.
Meth is a very strong stimulant because it can cause symptoms like euphoria, talkativeness, and a decrease in appetite, but it also reaches the brain in higher amounts compared to amphetamine. So, those who consume the drug for longer periods and in higher amounts can be at higher risk of dealing with central nervous system failure.
Signs of Meth Use
The substance is classified as a Schedule II stimulant by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. As such, unless there is a nonrefillable prescription, meth is not available for anyone legally.
Sometimes, methamphetamine is used in medicine in ADHD treatments and as a weight-loss treatment component for a short amount of time. But the dose recommended by physicians on prescriptions is nowhere near the amount consumed by a meth addict. Also, the drug is rarely prescribed anyway.
When someone is dealing with a meth addiction, there are usually some signs proving it. If you suspect that someone you love is addicted to meth, look out for the following symptoms:
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Outbursts
- Mood swings
- Bad sleeping patterns
- Fast eye movement
- Acne
- Skin sores
- Excessive scratching
- Burns
- Decreased appetite
- Rotting teeth
- Hyperactivity
- A sudden weight loss
- Dilated pupils
- Facial tics and twitching
- Tweaking
If you think that someone you love is suffering from this addiction, you should immediately reach out to professionals and get help for them. Otherwise, the addiction could result in long-term issues.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Giving up on the drug can be a very bad experience for the person who was addicted because they will deal with withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can make it hard for the person to stay off the drug. Every person will deal with different symptoms.
For some, they may be more intense, while for others, they can be quite easy to deal with. In general, things like how often they used the drug, how long they abused the drug for and whether they combined it with other substances can influence the withdrawal symptoms.
On top of that, the symptoms can be influenced by how the person consumed the drug. So, snorting and smoking can result in different symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can come in a combination of the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Loss of motivation
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Increased appetite
- Sweating a lot
- Tremor
- Hallucinations
- Nausea
- Itchy and red eyes
- Dehydration
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Agitation
In some cases, an individual may deal with long-term symptoms, while others are luckier and only experience symptoms in the short term. Those dealing with long-term symptoms may experience things like irregular sleep, cravings, cognitive issues, depression, and anxiety.
Getting Help For WIthdrawals
Getting help for meth addiction is extremely important. If one doesn’t ask for help early enough, not only will their symptoms worsen but it may also make withdrawal more severe and may result in long-term damage.
A meth addict should ask for help as soon as possible, and if anyone else notices a loved one struggling, they should reach out for help before things worsen.
The Best Route for Treatment
Detox is the first and most important step that a meth addict should take because getting off the drug is the way to stop the addiction. During detox, an addict will have to stop consuming the drug and receive treatment for various withdrawal symptoms that may arise, such as irritation, anxiety, body pain, psychosis, and others.
Many addicts will refrain from going to a detox center, not only because they are afraid to reach out for help but also because they do not want to let go of the positive effects of the drug. Some decide not to go because they are afraid of potential withdrawal symptoms.
Once someone is out of detox, they will have to go through various support groups and therapy. This way, they can stay motivated and avoid triggers. At the same time, they will be able to find ways to handle their depression, anxiety, and even their cravings.
How Real Deal Can Help
At Real Deal Therapy & Wellness, our focus is on the addict and their mental health, but also on getting them treatment for their drug addiction. We can stop someone from using meth. At the same time, we can offer them solutions for their problems. We can go together through therapy, which will help those dealing with depression, anxiety, and other conditions.
Is someone you love addicted to meth? Make sure to reach out to professionals right now and get the help you need.