Meth is used by people from many different walks of life. Known for the high it produces and its ability to speed up the user, meth can keep its users going non-stop for days a time – but it has damaging side effects. Meth is one of the most addicting substances available, and many quickly find themselves caught off guard by its addiction. Meth abuse also causes memory loss, psychotic behavior and heart damage, among other conditions, and it can easily lead to unemployment, violent behavior and crimes.
What is Methamphetamine?
Crystal Meth, also known as methamphetamine, may not be physically addictive for some users, but meth detox is nevertheless a challenging process – but safer and easier when done at a substance abuse treatment facility. Those who try to quit Crystal Meth on their own often fail. Intense cravings can force users into seeking other fixes, even once they realize the drug is destroying their lives.
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant and crystal-like powdered substance that typically is produced in large rock-like chunks. Depending on its purity, meth is white or slightly yellow.
Effects of Meth
A short-lived euphoric rush is experienced by meth users. Side effects and risks include:
- Agitation, which can lead to violent behavior
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Convulsions
- High anxiety
- Heart attack
Risks of Meth Use During Pregnancy
According to the Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention Resource Center, there are many severe problems that Meth addiction can cause to pregnant women, including:
- Babies born with learning disabilities and growth/development delays
- Intestinal problems in infants, including Gastroschisis, a condition in which a baby is born with a hole in the abdomen
- Premature delivery and birth deformities
- Full-term babies born with difficulty sucking and swallowing, problems usually associated with premature babies
- Babies that suffer from sleep disturbances and altered behavioral patterns, traits that make them seem like "irritable babies"
Meth Addiction Can Take Control – Take Control Back!
Methamphetamine keeps users craving more and more. It's very difficult to quit using meth without professional treatment, because withdrawal symptoms are severe and can include anxiety, depression and intense cravings.
Because of its addictive nature, methamphetamine easily takes over to the point where nothing but the drug matters anymore. However, meth addiction treatment is possible, and the right facility can help make sobriety a reality.