Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system and it is similar in structure to drugs known as amphetamines. This drug has a high potential for abuse and is usually made in illegal small laboratories known as meth labs. Meth labs are dangerous for the person producing the drug, as well as, anyone in the same location, neighbors, and environment. It is usually a white and odorless but a bitter-tasting crystalline powder that is easily dissolved in water and alcohol. It is usually taken orally but is often times snorted, smoked, and injected through a needle.
Methamphetamine works by increasing the release of dopamine in the brain, which in return leads to the feeling of euphoria or high. While at the same time it is increasing the dopamine in the brain, it is also blocking the reuptake of the dopamine, which in turn leads to high levels of the chemical in the brain. Dopamine is involved in the reward, motivation, pleasure, and motor function of the brain. Methamphetamine’s ability to release the dopamine fast into the brain produces the intense rush that the user feels immediately after using the drug. While this is the addicting factor in the drug, most addicts are not so fond of the sudden decrease of pleasure known as a “crash.”
Meth produces effects similar to those of cocaine and amphetamine. It creates increased wakefulness, physical activity, decreased appetite, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeats, hyperthermia, increased respiration, and increased blood pressure. Long-term use of the drug can lead to many negative health consequences as well. The negative effects of the drug on the human body include extreme weight loss, severe dental problems, anxiety, insomnia, and violent behavior, confusion, and mood disturbances. Chronic use can lead psychotic behaviors such visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions like bugs are crawling on them or flying around them, and paranoia. Diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and AIDs can be transmitted by injecting methamphetamine and sharing needles with other users. Other negative effects of the drug, regardless of its mode of transmission, can alter judgment and inhibition leading people to engage in unsafe sexual behaviors.
Because of the effects produced by the drug, Meth is often known as “Speed” and as “Crystal Meth” when it is swallowed or sniffed. When it is injected it is often called “Crank” and “Ice” or “Glass” when it is smoked. Most users are often times characterized by their uncontrollable body movements or jerks, talkativeness, track marks from the multiple injections, collapsed veins due to over injecting in frequent amounts of time, and meth mouth, which is decaying, rotting, and discolored teeth from smoking the drug.
At the Freedom Center we provide a safe detoxification program from the withdrawal symptoms of coming off of a methamphetamine addiction. We then provide the individual with the tools and education required to succeed at treatment and recovery and to stay clean. We feel it is most important that the person be a functional member in society when they complete treatment. Therefore, we do not base any rehab program on a whole but create the most productive treatment program for that individual as one.
