About 2.5 million people in the United States use meth, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. People struggling with a meth use disorder need to turn to professionals to avoid the long-term damage that its abuse causes. Meth addiction treatment can be challenging, but with the proper support and evidence-based approaches, recovery is possible. At Evoke Wellness at Waltham, we offer meth addiction rehab in Massachusetts. Call us today at 866.276.1920 to learn more about our services and how we can help you or your loved one.
Is Meth a Stimulant?: Understanding Meth Use
One common question people have about methamphetamine tends to be, “Is meth a stimulant?” The answer is yes. It’s a highly addictive synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system.
Scientists created meth out of amphetamine, and it was originally meant to be used only as an ingredient in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. It’s similar to amphetamine in the effects it causes, but it’s much stronger, leading to more powerful effects that make meth abuse more likely.
Some of its effects include:
- Decreased appetite
- Increased wakefulness and activity
- Euphoria
- Increased breathing rate
- Hyperthermia
- Irregular heartbeat
Meth differs from other stimulants, including cocaine. For example, the body processes cocaine much more rapidly, while meth remains unchanged in the system for longer. This means it stays in the brain longer, leading to prolonged effects.
Because the effects of meth are so much more powerful, flooding the brain with dopamine, it can quickly lead to dependence and addiction. Some people engage in what’s called a “run,” which is a form of binging in which they don’t sleep or eat while continuing to use the drug. This can last for days.
Why Treatment for Meth Abuse Is Vital
Meth is a dangerous drug that can lead to significant health issues. People who engage in long-term meth use can experience mood disturbances, insomnia, anxiety, and confusion. The impact that the drug has on the brain also makes experiencing psychotic symptoms more likely. These may last for years, even after quitting meth use.
Long-term meth misuse also causes activity changes in the dopamine system, which could lead to being unable to feel pleasure from anything other than using meth. It also impacts the areas of the brain connected to memory and emotions, leading to cognitive issues and trouble with regulating emotions.
Some of the physical effects of long-term meth use include:
- Weight loss
- Skin sores
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
Your brain also builds tolerance for the drug. This means that you have to take more of it to feel the desired effects, potentially putting you at risk of an overdose.
Addiction is a serious consequence of using meth. Because your brain registers meth use as something extremely pleasurable, it will encourage you to use it again, leading to cravings. Once your body gets used to functioning with meth in its system, stopping the use of the substance becomes very difficult without help.
Getting Treatment for Meth Abuse
Being able to break free from meth addiction requires the help of professionals who can guide you. At Evoke Wellness at Waltham, we provide a variety of treatment options that offer the kind of help you need.
For those who want an intensive program that doesn’t require you to stay overnight, we provide day treatments and intensive outpatient programs. These allow you to get hours of care each day while being able to return home each night.
With the individual and group therapy sessions our programs offer, you can understand the cause of the addiction so that you can achieve and maintain your sobriety.
Call Evoke Wellness at Waltham to Begin Addiction Treatment at Our Meth Rehab
A meth addiction puts your mental and physical well-being at risk. At Evoke Wellness at Waltham, we offer evidence-based treatments for meth addiction that can help you or your loved one on the road to recovery. Our compassionate and supportive team is ready to guide you through this challenging but essential journey. Call our team at 866.276.1920 or contact us online to get the answer to your question, “Is meth a stimulant?” and to find out more about our meth rehab in Massachusetts.
