The methamphetamine (meth) epidemic isn’t subsiding, but experts are learning more about the drug. New studies add to what we know about the meth’s health effects and possible ways to treat meth addiction.
The discussion about meth abuse and addiction has changed a lot in just a few years. Meth use was initially considered a regional problem focused primarily in the West Coast and Southwest, but, as the drug spread to rural Midwestern communities in the mid-90s, it became a national issue. Because the problem was so new, it caught hospital ERs and drug treatment centers off guard. Since that time we’ve been catching up and making an effort to understand the effects of meth and its unique dangers.
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that boosts heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and body temperature. Some people opt to smoke or inject meth for the intense “rush” it produces, while others turn to meth as an appetite suppressant or energy booster. It produces a less intense high when snorted or taken orally, but the effects last for 12 hours or more.
Both cocaine and meth boost dopamine levels in the brain, but they go about it in different ways. Cocaine doesn’t directly stimulate the release of dopamine, while meth causes the excessive release of dopamine. Meth users can quickly become addicted to the spike in dopamine, and use of this drug can lead to serious medical complications such as heart damage, stroke and psychosis. But perhaps the most frightening side effect is long-term neurological damage unlike anything seen with heroin or cocaine. Too much dopamine can turn those feelings of pleasure or euphoria into aggressiveness, irritability and schizophrenic-like behavior.
Experts still have much to earn about meth, but they’re finding out more all the time. In the beginning addiction to the drug was thought to be untreatable but that had more to do with rural hospitals having little experience with drug abuse. Patients were coming in psychotic, and meth users were far less manageable than those on heroin or crack.
If you or someone you love needs treatment for an addiction to meth, cocaine or other stimulant drug, call La Paloma at the toll-free number on our homepage. We are here to answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
