Also known as meth, methamphetamines are highly addictive stimulant drugs. Meth is made from ingredients like antifreeze. It can be deadly, cheap, and easy to get. Meth is so addictive people can develop an addiction the first time they try smoking, snorting, or injecting meth. Unfortunately, people use meth and crystal meth every day. Because it’s hard to know what’s really in a dose, meth overdose is common. Meth addiction treatment is the safest way to stop using meth and prevent meth overdose or death.
If you or someone in your life is struggling with the side effects of meth, help is available. The team at A Better State is here to help you uncover the root causes of addiction, prevent meth overdose, and feel better. We provide clients across New England with a range of holistic programs for meth and other drugs alongside mental health resources. Call us now at 781.412.1488 to learn more about our meth addiction treatment programs.
What Does Meth Do to the Body?
Meth enters the bloodstream for an immediate high. It produces a rush of dopamine, the naturally made chemical that helps memory retention and motivation. This can cause a hyper, manic state. Also known as the “pleasure chemical,” dopamine promotes happiness and joy. It also causes heart rate and blood pressure to spike, which can cause sweating, nervousness, and paranoia.
Meth releases more dopamine than the brain produces on its own. This can cause the dopamine “reward effect,” which causes the brain to crave dopamine and more meth, making it hard to stop taking meth without medical support.
Signs of meth and crystal meth use include:
- Manic behavior
- Weight loss
- Low appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- High energy
- Fast-talking
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Anxiety
Meth speeds up messages from the brain to the body causing erratic behavior, sudden movements, and difficulty making rational decisions. When paranoid or agitated, many people develop sores on their skin from picking scabs, moles, or dry patches. They also develop sores from meth sweat, which burns the skin. Smoking meth causes tooth decay, while injecting meth can cause collapsed veins. Using meth can increase the risk of getting an STD while injecting meth can increase the transmission of blood-borne diseases.
Signs of Meth Overdose
Crystal meth is the more concentrated form of meth named for its crystal-like appearance. Unfortunately, meth and crystal meth are the most commonly overdosed drugs nationwide. Knowing meth overdose symptoms can help save lives and prevent meth-related deaths.
At first, it’s hard to spot a meth overdose because it will appear like a meth high. However, someone’s high will quickly change to more intense overdose symptoms, including:
- 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
- Aggressive behavior
- Paranoia
Because meth is a stimulant drug, overdose can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. If someone is showing any of the above signs, they need immediate medical attention. EMTs and ER staff can replace fluid, monitor vital signs, and use medical intervention to counteract the effects of a meth overdose. Without treatment, meth and crystal meth overdose may lead to death.
Start Holistic Meth Addiction Treatment in New Hampshire
When a person experiences a meth overdose, they cannot help themselves. This is why most overdoses lead to meth-related death. Unfortunately, many people resort to meth to self-medicate for mental health issues, unprocessed trauma, and stress. Over time, meth will worsen mental and physical health and likely lead to premature death. Meth overdose, however, is preventable with meth addiction treatment.
If you or someone you love is struggling with meth or want to learn more about the signs and symptoms of meth overdose, we can help. Our trauma-informed clinic focuses on uncovering and treating the root cause of addiction and provides holistic treatment solutions. With a range of treatment programs for addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, the team at A Better State is here to help you and your loved ones recover and thrive.
Our daytime and evening PHP and IOP opinions provide accessible treatment without compromising your schedule. We can help you and your loved ones prevent meth and crystal meth overdose with individual, group, and family therapy programs.
Learn More About Crystal Meth Overdose from A Better State
Don’t become another statistic if you or someone you love is using meth. Contact us now at 781.412.1488 to learn more about our meth addiction treatment programs and begin treatment today.
