Understanding Substance Abuse: How Addictive Is Meth?
Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant that causes a short-term rush, and the way it interacts with our brains makes it highly addictive. So just how addictive is meth? When someone uses this drug, their brains release large amounts of dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone in the brain’s reward centers. While the effects are relatively short-lived, with a typical peak lasting about one hour, meth rapidly enters the brain even faster than other stimulants like cocaine and almost instantly makes users feel energized, awake, euphoric, and even fearless.
With repeated use, one of the side effects of meth is the changes it causes to the dopamine system, making users need more to feel the same effect and start to experience intense discomfort, anxiety, or cravings for another dose. Users become trapped in a vicious cycle of constantly searching for their next high, despite the devastating consequences of meth use on physical and mental health, financial well-being, and success with relationships. When meth addiction takes hold, the best hope for a better life free of addiction is finding help from a drug and alcohol rehab center like WhiteSands Treatment in Florida.
How to Treat Meth Addiction
Now that you understand how addictive is meth, let’s explore some of the common treatment methods for dealing with a meth use disorder after first explaining some of the common signs of meth addiction and tell-tale signs of meth use, according to WebMD:
- Constant cravings for meth.
- Inability to do everyday things at home, school, or work.
- Inability to stop despite bad consequences of meth use.
- Using more of the drug than planned.
- Increasing tolerance (needing to use more meth to feel the same effect).
- Withdrawal symptoms start when you try to quit using meth.
- Mood swings, behavioral changes, or unpredictable or even aggressive behavior.
- Being especially energetic and talking quickly.
- Poor oral health and bad teeth.
- Major loss of weight.
- Frequent nosebleeds.
- Needle injection marks or skin sores.
- Large pupils.
When someone becomes addicted to meth, they will likely experience severe withdrawal symptoms that can last for several weeks if they try to quit. Quitting cold turkey at home will almost always lead to relapse due to the powerful cravings, depression, and difficulty feeling pleasure about anything because of withdrawal symptoms. That’s why meth addiction treatment often begins with medically supervised drug detox, where medical professionals can provide medications and monitoring to help a patient feel more comfortable and alleviate withdrawal symptoms as their body rids itself of toxins. After detox, patients will typically check into an inpatient drug rehab center for 30 to 90 days, receiving round-the-clock support, therapy, and treatment programs to help them address the mental side of addiction and learn new coping skills. Even after treatment, accessing continuing therapy, support groups, and aftercare programs will be an essential way to remain on track in recovery. Although there aren’t any FDA-approved medications to specifically treat meth addiction, drug rehab specialists can help with effective therapy and support programs.
How Many People Are Addicted to Meth In Tampa?
According to WebMD, about 1.6 million Americans 12 and older — 0.6% of that age group — might be suffering from an addiction to meth. Those statistics mean that half of the people who use meth will eventually become addicted to it, and it’s another testament to why meth is so addictive.
Although city-specific statistics aren’t available regarding meth addiction, a 2021 meth use estimate from World Population Review estimated that 97,000 people in Florida 18 or older had used meth at some point that year. Tragically, the meth death rate changed by 425% from 2015 to 2019, according to those estimates, pointing to the clear need to address meth abuse and addiction with effective, comprehensive treatment.
What Percentage of People Recover from Meth?
So, how addictive is meth? Some statistics and survey results paint a grim picture of overcoming the need for this potent drug. A 2022 article in the Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association featured one man’s first-person account of recovery from meth addiction, with the author citing shocking survey results like:
- Only 1 in 2 meth users will stay sober for the first three months after attempting to quit.
- Without treatment, only 1 in 9 users will make it to three months of sobriety.
- Without any rehabilitation or treatment, only 5% of meth users will continue sobriety after three years.
- It’s estimated that 92% of meth users will relapse at least once during their attempt to achieve recovery from addiction.
How Long Does It Take to Detox from Meth?
Detoxing from meth can take a week to several weeks, depending on how often the drug was used and the dosage per use. If not treated by medical professionals at a medical detox center, former users can experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiousness, irritability, fatigue, low mood, psychosis, and strong cravings to take more meth. In general, WebMD says there are two distinct phases of meth withdrawal:
- Acute Withdrawal: During the first 7-10 days, withdrawal symptoms will be the strongest, typically peaking during the first 24 hours. During this stage, people can suffer from dehydration, confusion, chills, fatigue, and inability to feel pleasure.
- Protracted Withdrawal: This period that happens for two to three weeks after acute withdrawal features symptoms that are usually less intense, such as depression, cravings for meth, suicidal thoughts, increased appetite or weight gain, and mood swings.
Meth Is Addictive, But WhiteSands Treatment Can Help
The answer to the big question — How addictive is meth? — is clear. Unfortunately, its potency and quick rush of effects can make someone hooked even after one or two uses. That’s why it’s important to know where to turn for help if you or a loved one is struggling with the consequences of meth addiction. WhiteSands Treatment operates a network of addiction rehab facilities across Florida that offer comprehensive treatment options, including medical detox, inpatient drug rehab, and aftercare support services, to give people from all walks of life the best chance to leave meth behind forever and get on track toward the better life they deserve. We know that meth addiction requires personalized treatment, and we’ll work with you to come up with the right meth rehab program to fit your needs and goals for the future. Help is available, and we can help you get started today. Call us at 877-855-3470 to learn more about how we can help.
External Sources
- WebMD — The Dangers of Crystal Methamphetamine
- World Population Review — Meth Use by State
- National Library of Medicine — My Experience and Recovery from Meth Addiction
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
