Taking meth, crystal meth, or ice, no matter what you call it, is a recipe for disaster. Whether you smoke, swallow, snort or inject it, using crystal meth even one time can lead to a dangerous meth addiction. Whenever you take a substance into your body that has the power to alter your brain’s chemicals, you are playing with fire.
If you are reading this, perhaps you have tried meth and enjoyed the way it made you feel. Maybe a friend of yours passed it to you, called it a cool name and you really didn’t know what it was. Have you found yourself in trouble now? We at Asheville Detox understand how easy it is to succumb to pressure from others to try new things. Perhaps you have found out on your own how addictive that meth really is.
Why Is Meth So Addictive?
Crystal meth works by intensifying how much “feel good” dopamine your body releases in your brain. The amount of dopamine present in your brain is associated with feelings of motivation, reward, and the pleasure that is experienced.
When you use crystal meth, the levels of dopamine are increased intensely, to a very unnatural level. This extreme euphoria that you feel when you use meth is so heightened that it creates within you a fierce craving to maintain a habit of using the drug. Your entire mind and body become committed to doing whatever it takes to keep experiencing the intensely pleasurable feeling over and over again.
Symptoms of Meth Addiction
People who use even the smallest amounts of meth begin to show telltale signs of meth addiction. To begin, they may seem to be in a great mood, all of the time. It is common that when people use meth, they stay up with no sleep for several days at a time. Some experience feelings of invincibility. Hallucinations or paranoia also come with the territory. Meth users typically itch their skin constantly, and their teeth begin to rot.
When a meth addiction sets in, your brain becomes physically dependent upon it, and you are likely to increase the dosage to try and keep feeling good. When meth leaves the body, it can leave you feeling severely depressed as you are craving more, even to the point of having suicidal thoughts.
Long-Term Effects of Meth Addiction
Using meth long-term causes sustained alterations in the brain’s dopamine delivery system. This affects your coordination and ability to learn. Studies have also shown that areas affecting emotion and memory are altered if you use meth on a long-term basis. Your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease even increases if you use methamphetamine.
There are many other long-term ramifications of using meth which include:
- Powerful addiction
- Excessive weight loss
- Extreme dental problems
- Anxiety
- Memory issues and confusion
- Severe itching, causing sores from scratching
- Insomnia
- Being paranoid
- Having hallucinations
- Behaving violently
In addition to these symptoms, there is always an ever-present risk of you losing your life from overdosing on methamphetamine.
Asheville Detox Is Here to Help
You must face it. There is nothing healthy, appealing, or attractive about having a meth addiction. You may feel pleasure for the brief moment when you are using meth, but when that moment is over, you are back to square one again.
A meth addiction empties your wallet, damages your brain, rots your teeth, and makes your skin crawl. You have a beautiful soul and you deserve a much better life than what your meth addiction can give you.
Allow our team of friendly and non-judgmental counselors to help you break free. Call Asheville Detox today and take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow.
