Methamphetamine--also known as speed, meth, or crystal--boosts chemical receptors, such as dopamine, and inhibits the destruction of other chemicals, such as acetylcholamine, in the brain. The result is an addicting euphoria.
What Meth Addiction Looks Like
Sleep deprivation and nutritional deficiencies occur and over time, good feelings turn into abnormal thoughts, users focus on irrelevant objects or tasks, and drug tolerance develops so that increasing amounts are needed to gain the desired effects.
When the addict runs out of their drug supply, lethargy, irritability, and flu-like symptoms are experienced. Cravings for the drug become very strong. Physical detox takes five to seven days. Normalization of brain chemistry may take weeks or months after drug use stops.
Methamphetamine-induced psychosis, in which the user has delusional thoughts and may even hear voices, is exactly like some schizophrenic conditions except it is exaggerated and more intense. Drug-induced psychosis goes away when drug use is stopped; usually a great improvement can be seen within a few weeks.
Meth and the Law
The legal system in the United States in overwhelmed with drug and alcohol related violations. Unless an addict commits a major crime, he is not held in jail very long. The court system refers offenders to treatment in many states and may provide close follow-up even after a relapse occurs.
Dual Diagnosis
The mental health system in the United States is available to treat people in whom an underlying mental illness exists along with the drug abusing behavior. Mentally ill persons are more vulnerable and prone to drug abuse. Medications can sometimes assist in relieving depression and other symptoms, but medication alone cannot keep an addict clean and sober. Treatment for addictive disease is also required.
Understanding Addictive Disease
Drug addiction is a serious disease. Some addicts will die from their disease, and this fear keeps many friends and family members providing assistance that only makes it easier for the addict to continue using. The truth is, more addicts die from their continued drug use, perpetuated by those in their lives that want to “help.” Fewer addicts die that have friends and family members with the courage to get out of the way of consequences that bring the addict to the realization that they need help.
The addict will make promises with sincere intent of keeping them, only to break every vow and cross every value he ever held in order to continue using. They will deny they have a problem and lie to get their drugs. It is helpful to understand that drug users are powerless over their compulsions and cravings. The methamphetamine addict is not trying to hurt family members or friends. They do not set out to damage relationships. Getting angry at them only increases their feelings of guilt, which in turn increases their desire to use more methamphetamine.
Those who love a meth user must understand that it may take a crisis or other serious consequences before the addict becomes willing to seek help. Making the addict’s life easier by providing shelter, money, food, and services while he is using only prolongs the problem. Family and friends should get help and counseling for themselves. Programs such as Al-anon, which are free and meet in nearly every city, remind us that without help, living with an alcoholic (or drug addict) is too much for most people. The stress of such situations cause distorted thinking and illness. Instead, strive to become a content and healthy person no matter what the addict says or does.
Understanding Recovery
Treatment offers the best solution for methamphetamine addicts and their families. Afterward, addicts can take responsibility for avoiding the behaviors that lead to active addiction and for taking actions that will keep them clean, such as attending meetings, working steps of recovery, and helping others. A social support system of friends in recovery is very important. Places of worship, family members, and co-workers may be very supportive, but they cannot substitute for the fellowship of other recovering addicts who understand the unique conditions an addict must face.
Those who want to help a meth addict should understand that relapse is part of addictive disease, as are denial and compulsions. It does no good to nag or check up on the addict. A relapse can occur without warning, and the person who wants to help would be wise to incorporate the concept of One Day at a Time, otherwise they will become too ill and stressed out to think clearly when relapse does happen. Addicts often learn from relapses to respect the seriousness of the disease and how to avoid future slips. In any case, help comes in the form of natural consequences (job loss, finding oneself out on the street) that compel the addict to get back into recovery.
Mary Earhart - Mary Earhart, RN, BSN, is a Licensed Midwife. She has written articles for professional journals and grants for non-profit agencies as ...
