People from all walks of life use methamphetamines. Also known as meth, methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant. Unfortunately, people use meth every day. Meth is so addictive people can develop dependency after one use. Meth is often produced illegally in homemade labs that are unregulated. This means that it’s hard for someone to know what other drugs and substances might be mixed into the methamphetamine. Because it’s so addictive and easy to make and get, it’s also easy to overdose and die from meth. What does meth overdose look like? You don’t want to ever find out. Fortunately, meth addiction rehab can help people safely stop using meth with detox and recovery support.
If you or someone in your life is using meth or crystal meth, call San Antonio Recovery Center to learn about our inpatient and outpatient detox and recovery programs at 866.957.7885 or visit us online today.
Why Do People Get Addicted to Meth?
Meth addiction can occur quickly due to the powerful effects of the drug. It creates a strong sense of euphoria, which leads to people wanting to experience it again and again. People also continue using meth because it helps them stay awake and alert for long periods of time. Its stimulating effects allow users to ignore fatigue and hunger, making it easy to become dependent on the drug.
Additionally, meth can help people feel more confident and energetic. This can be especially appealing to those who are struggling with depression or anxiety. The powerful high from meth creates a strong craving for it that is hard to ignore, which often leads to addiction. Furthermore, the intense withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting make it difficult for users to quit on their own. Most people need professional help to break the cycle of addiction.
What Does Meth Do to a Person’s Body?
Meth produces a rush of dopamine, the naturally produced chemical that helps memory retention and motivation. Known as the “pleasure chemical,” dopamine promotes happiness and joy. It also raises heart rate and blood pressure. It might cause hyperactivity, sweating, and anxiety. Because it’s a stimulant, meth can increase anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, alertness, and hyperactivity. Meth releases more dopamine than the brain normally produces. This makes it hard to stop taking meth without help. Signs of meth use include:
- Manic behavior
- Weight loss
- Low appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- High energy
- Rapid speech
- Sweating
- Fast heartbeat
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Anxiety
As a stimulant, meth speeds up messages from the brain to the body. This can give a person high energy and erratic behavior. They may temporarily be very alert and feel they can get a lot done when high. Unfortunately, this feeling doesn’t last. After taking meth, the brain and body have to recover and rarely have enough dopamine to restore normal levels.
Many people who use meth develop sores on their skin from picking scabs, moles, or dry patches when paranoid or agitated. Smoking meth causes tooth decay, while injecting meth can cause collapsed veins. Any use of meth can increase the risk of getting an STD. Injecting meth can increase blood-borne disease from needle sharing.
What Does a Meth Overdose Look Like?
In 2020, more than 93,000 Americans died from drug overdoses. Many of these overdoses involved synthetic opioids, but overdoses involving methamphetamine were also significant. Meth is dangerous, and people are dying every day from it. Knowing the signs of meth overdose can help save lives. At first, an overdose might resemble a typical meth high. However, there are a few more signs to look for. If someone is exhibiting the following symptoms, get them immediate medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain and other signs of heart attack
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- High temperature
- Decreased urination
- Very dark urine
- Intense stomach pain
- Changes in personality
- Change in alertness
- Loss of consciousness
- Hyper or aggressive behavior
- Paranoia
A methamphetamine overdose can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. It’s important to seek help immediately for a meth overdose. The emergency room can administer fluids and medications while monitoring vital signs to prevent further complications. Without medical assistance, a meth overdose can be fatal.
Get Help From San Antonio Recovery Center’s Meth Rehab Center
Meth use poses a very real danger. If you or someone in your life is using meth, don’t wait. Call San Antonio Recovery Center now. Our San Antonio clinic features programs for men and women with a range of inpatient and outpatient options. Furthermore, we believe in a holistic approach to recovery, and our programs include:
- Medication-assisted detox
- EMDR therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Trauma therapy
- 12-step programs
- Aftercare planning
- Sober living homes
Recovery Is Just a Phone Call Away
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we believe in accessibility. Therefore, we accept most insurance carriers and help clients start treatment quickly. Learn more about our compassionate treatment programs today by calling us at 866.957.7885 or reaching out online.
