Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is a stimulant drug sought out for its energizing, euphoric properties. However, it is also known to be destructive to the brain and body. If you or a loved one takes meth, it is important that you fully understand how this potent drug affects the brain as well as other dangers associated with meth abuse.
Get the guidance and support you need to stop using meth by reaching out to Hill Country. Our meth rehab near San Antonio has a full range of residential and outpatient treatment options so that you can receive the right level of structure for your needs. Find out how to recover from meth addiction at Hill Country by calling 1.844.675.1628.
Meth and the Brain
What makes meth so addictive? The powerful impact of meth has a lot to do with dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings like pleasure and reward. When someone takes meth, they experience an intense surge of dopamine that produces a surge of energy and uplifts the mood. Since these are very positive feelings, individuals are more likely to want to use meth again in order to recapture those emotions.
Some activities are also capable of triggering a dopamine release, including:
- Exercising
- Meditating
- Listening to music you enjoy
- Shopping
- Having sex
- Getting enough sleep
However, the pleasurable feelings that these activities produce are no rival for the intense relief received from meth, which is why people continue to turn to the substance regardless of the negative effects. Additionally, after taking the substance for a prolonged period, meth changes the brain. This change makes it less capable of producing dopamine naturally. Without meth, individuals typically begin to feel tired, depressed, irritable, and unmotivated.
Dangers of Meth Abuse
Though people who ingest meth regularly focus on the positive effects, it can also pose huge risks to an individual’s health. The problems associated with meth use are:
- Impaired cardiovascular function
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Skin sores from scratching
- Tooth decay
- Damage to the kidneys, liver, and lungs
- Insomnia
- Psychosis
- Anxiety
On top of the above symptoms, the impact of meth on the brain can also impair cognitive function, leading to memory loss and difficulty learning. The longer a person uses meth, the worse the damage can be to their mental and physical well-being. Therefore, it’s important to get help for addiction as soon as possible. There is hope.
How to Know If Someone Is Misusing Meth
The consequences of chronic meth use can be serious, with some people developing severe mental health conditions, losing their teeth, or experiencing a fatal overdose. You can help protect someone you love by recognizing the signs of meth abuse. They include:
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Loss of coordination
- Itching and skin sores
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Tooth decay and gum disease, referred to as “meth mouth”
Another physical indicator that someone is abusing meth is a condition known as “meth eyes.” You might notice the person’s pupils are constricted and their eyes move rapidly. If you see these signs in someone you care about, strongly encourage them to stop taking meth and to get professional support by enrolling in a rehab program.
With effective treatment and a group of caring professionals on your side, recovery is possible.
Call Hill Country Today for Meth Rehab in San Antonio
At Hill Country, we understand how tough it can be to quit using meth. We can help you get through the challenges of cravings and withdrawal symptoms and teach you how to cope with triggers that can throw you off course. Find out more about our whole-person approach to addiction treatment by reaching out at 1.844.675.1628 or through our online form.