A Widespread Scourge: Crystal Meth Addiction

Crystal meth addiction is a dangerous condition that has the potential to cause lifelong health problems and premature death. Methamphetamine is a class of drugs that has re-emerged in popular use during the last few decades. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, as many as 10.4 million people in the United States aged 12 and over have tried using crystal meth at least once. Meth’s resurgence has been especially pronounced in recent years, in large part because it is easy to produce, and therefore cheaper and more accessible to a greater number of people.

Causes of crystal meth addiction

Like other amphetamines, crystal meth can create feelings of euphoria, ecstasy and excitement. Crystal meth does this by drastically altering the user’s brain chemistry. In particular, two very important neurotransmitters—dopamine and norepinephrine—flood into the brain of crystal meth users in abnormally high volumes. Dopamine is directly connected to feelings of euphoria, while norepinephrine is connected to feelings of excitement. Crystal meth addiction can be understood by the ways in which the substance modifies the chemistry with in the brain. These alterations to brain chemistry—specifically concerning dopamine and norepinephrine—can have drastic effects on a crystal meth user.

Individuals who have tried meth a few times, or even just once, have reported feeling the effects of crystal meth addiction. This is because when a user gets high, the flood of neurotransmitters that ensues is so intense that addiction becomes an immediate concern for anyone who uses, even if it is just once. The crystal meth user’s brain is left with such low levels of important chemical compounds that once the high wears off, that individual is unable to feel happy or exhilarated from anything else that might naturally cause these emotions: a sunny day, a gathering of friends, or even a good night’s sleep.

In time, an addict will become entirely dependant on crystal meth because of its affects on the central nervous system. Because of the chemical makeup of methamphetamine, it takes up to 12 hours for it to be cleared from the human brain. While it continues to linger in the brain, crystal meth contributes to the destruction of other important neurotransmitters, which can alter the neurological activity of a user’s brain for the rest of their lives. In the most extreme cases, crystal meth addiction can lead to psychosis, and even schizophrenia.

Crystal meth addiction treatment

If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction, know that crystal meth recovery is possible. The process of addressing drug addiction can be very challenging. Identifying supports and sources of help is a crucial first step to getting well. At Alta Mira, we are dedicated to finding a treatment program to match every individual’s needs. Please call or click today for more information about our integrated residential treatment programs. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call 866-922-1350.