Methamphetamine is a highly addictive street drug and stimulant that is often more accessible and affordable for people than other stimulants like cocaine.

Because of this, methamphetamine addiction is one of the more prevalent addictions in the U.S., and also one of the more dangerous, as it can have serious long-term consequences.

Fortunately, people are able to overcome addiction to meth with the right treatment and compassion, like the quality addiction treatment that can be found at Hope’s Destiny.

Read on to learn about the mental and behavioral health treatments offered for meth addiction, as well as how to recognize common signs and side effects of meth addiction in a loved one.

What to Know About Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine, usually referred to as meth or crystal meth, is a powerful synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward.

Meth was first created as an improvement to the medication amphetamine, which was used to treat narcolepsy, asthma, and as a weight-loss medication.

It was quickly discovered to be too strong and addictive in nature to use as a medication, and is now found almost entirely as an illegal street drug.

Because meth can be made in illegal home labs and is more accessible on the street than other drugs, meth is often used as a substitute for more expensive stimulants like cocaine or even for prescription stimulants like adderall.

Top Facts on Meth Use Disorder

• Prevalence: Approximately 2.5 million Americans report using methamphetamine in the past 12 months.
• Age groups affected: 0.6% of people 12 years of age and older report having a meth use disorder in the past 12 months. The most common age group to use methamphetamine is 18-26.
• Gender differences: Men are about twice as likely as women to use and abuse meth.
• Economic factors: Users of methamphetamine are more likely to be of a lower socioeconomic status.
• Areas affected: Meth use is more common in the Western United States.

How Methamphetamine Abuse Turns to Addiction

Because meth is so easily accessible and addictive, meth use and abuse can quickly turn into an addiction.

Steps from meth use to meth addiction:

• First meth use — someone may feel the addictive effects of methamphetamine from the very first time they use it. They may even be particularly susceptible if they are being pressured by friends or under a lot of stress in life.
• Continued meth abuse — at this point, the person may be using meth more and more and using larger amounts in order to experience the same high. They may find themselves thinking about meth and craving it, too.
• Meth addiction and dependence — after using meth more often and in higher doses, a person may find they have built up a tolerance to its effects and that they experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms in between sessions of use.

Unfortunately, once a person has reached the point of addiction, it can be very difficult to stop using meth without professional intervention and help.

Signs of Meth Addiction

Being able to recognize the signs of meth addiction is important if you have concerns about a loved one and could potentially even save someone’s life.

The earlier that someone is able to get help for a meth addiction, the better their chances of making a full recovery.

Signs of meth addiction include:

• Hyperactivity and restlessness
• Physical symptoms like dilated pupils
• Noticeable weight loss
• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Strange financial behavior
• Twitching or jerky movements
• Memory loss and attention problems
• Inability to stop using meth

Does Meth Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?

Yes, meth does cause withdrawal symptoms, though the withdrawal symptoms of meth are not life-threatening the way they can be for heroin, alcohol, and prescription opioids.

It is always considered the safest option to go through withdrawal under the supervision of healthcare professionals.

Meth withdrawal symptoms include: 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anger and agitation
• Increased appetite
• Confusion
• Mood swings
• Strong cravings
• Fatigue
• Psychosis

Causes of Meth Addiction

No one sets out to become addicted to meth the first time they use it, but they may find that they enjoy it and that it helps them relieve stress.

But what starts as wanting to continue to use meth can turn into needing to continue meth use once a person has found themselves dependent on its effects.

Causes of meth addiction include:

• Wanting to escape reality or avoid problems
• Peer pressure
• Wanting to relieve stress
• Wanting to lose weight
• Trying to stay awake and alert
• Self-medicating for mental illness
• Using it as a cheaper substitute for other drugs

Who Is at Risk for Meth Addiction?

Meth addiction can happen to anyone, but some people are more prone to it, and addiction in general, than others.

Risk factors for meth addiction include:

• Having family members who use meth
• Having easy access to meth
• Previous usage of other stimulants
• Addiction to other drugs or alcohol
• Recent trauma or stress
• Having mental health issues, like depression or anxiety
• Having an eating disorder

Ways People Abuse Meth

Meth generally comes in two forms, a white powder, which can also be made into a pill, or its crystal meth form, which can resemble glass or ice.

Smoking is the most common form of meth use, with other methods such as IV injection being the choice for people looking for a more intense high.

Meth can be abused in these ways:

• Smoking: crystal meth is burned and inhaled through a glass pipe
• Snorting: inhaling the powder form of meth through the nasal cavities
• Injecting: dissolving powdered meth in water or another liquid and then injecting it into a vein or muscle
• Boofing: administering a liquid meth solution directly into the anus using a syringe

What Are the Effects of Meth Abuse?

Methamphetamine can cause an intense wave of happiness and euphoria at the start, but it is important to remember how dangerous this substance can be from the very first time it is used.

And the longer that meth is used or abused, the more dangerous its potential effects become.

Short Term Effects of Meth

Meth is a central nervous system stimulant, so its immediate effects are to cause alertness, a burst of energy, and a rush of euphoria.

These initial effects can be described as pleasant and last about 30 minutes, with the lingering effects of the meth high being felt for up to 24 hours after use.

Short-term effects of meth include:

• Increased energy, alertness, and attention
• Euphoria
• Increased physical activity
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Violent behavior

Long Term Effects of Meth Abuse

Meth abuse can have serious long-term consequences for people who use it over an extended period of time, often resulting in severe health problems.

The longer a person uses meth, the greater the risks and potential consequences become.

Long-term effects of meth abuse include:

• Meth mouth: tooth decay, jaw pain
• Weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Skin sores
• Increased heart rate and risk of heart attack
• Increased risk of death from overdose
• Brain damage
• Liver, kidney, and lung damage
• Increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease
• Increased risk of infection with IV use, such as hepatitis or HIV/AIDS

Top Treatments for Methamphetamine Use Disorder

A methamphetamine use disorder can be challenging to live with. However, there are several addiction treatments available which have shown to be effective when treating meth abuse.

Meth Detox

Detoxification from meth does not usually require medication, but it is recommended that people detox under the supervision of medical professionals.

Detoxing from meth can be uncomfortable, and people are usually much less likely to relapse if they detox under observation.

Residential Meth Rehab

Inpatient rehab is recommended for people who are at a high risk of relapse or who have tried outpatient rehab and not found success with it.

During residential treatment, people live with others who are also undergoing treatment, with typical residential stays being between 30 and 60 days.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment can include services like therapy, group support, medication management, and aftercare services.

Outpatient treatment is available in regular outpatient, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and partial hospitalization programs (PHP), depending on how often the person needs treatment.

Dual Diagnosis Programs

Meth use is often started as a means of self-medicating from mental illness, so it is not uncommon to see people struggling with their mental health at the same time as substance abuse.

Dual diagnosis treatment was created with this in mind, to help people get treatment for co-occurring disorders while undergoing addiction treatment.

Mental health disorders that commonly co-occur with meth addiction include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Narcolepsy
• Schizophrenia

Therapies

Therapy plays a role in most types of mental health treatment and is essential when treating addiction to any drug or alcohol.

Behavioral therapies continue to be the most effective type of therapy used at many addiction treatment centers.

Therapies that are used with meth addiction include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of short-term behavioral therapy that helps people learn coping and problem-solving skills for their negative thoughts and triggers.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of behavioral therapy that focuses on teaching skills like mindfulness and emotion regulation while also helping people who are prone to suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
• Contingency management is a type of therapy that encourages positive reinforcement and even uses a reward system that helps individuals as they achieve their sobriety goals.

Continuing Care for Meth Recovery

The recovery process is usually not over for most people even after they successfully complete a substance abuse treatment program. For many, recovery is a lifelong journey.

Some people may only need aftercare during challenging times or experiences, while others may want to continue with some form of aftercare so they stay prepared and informed.

Types of aftercare for meth addiction include:

• Continued therapy, either through individual therapy or group support
• Anonymous support groups, like Narcotics Anonymous, either online or in person
• Relapse prevention support, so people have options during times that are particularly difficult
• Medication management, for continued treatment of co-occurring disorders
• Sober living homes, so people have a safe home environment while transitioning back to their regular lives

Find Lasting Meth Recovery at Hope’s Destiny

Everyone deserves a chance at lasting recovery, and we would love to help you or your loved one get started toward a brighter future at Hope’s Destiny.

Our outpatient treatment options come in multiple levels depending on the level of care needed/ All of our therapists and providers are specially trained and licensed to provide the best and most compassionate care possible.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you to find a smooth transition into a life of healthy sobriety.

Resources

• National Institutes of Health. “NIDA Study Suggests Crystal Methamphetamine Use in Young Adults Higher than Previously Reported.” Retrieved from: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nida-study-suggests-crystal-methamphetamine-use-young-adults-higher-previously-reported. Accessed on March 7, 2024.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine misuse?” Retrieved from: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-are-long-term-effects-methamphetamine-misuse. Accessed on March 6, 2024.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “What is methamphetamine?” Retrieved from: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-methamphetamine. Accessed on March 6, 2024.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “What is the scope of methamphetamine use in the United States?” Retrieved from: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-scope-methamphetamine-misuse-in-united-states. Accessed on March 7, 2024.