What is meth addiction? Why is meth addictive? Methamphetamines are a central nervous system stimulant that can cause rapid heart rate, psychosis, and delirium. Those who use meth will experience painful withdrawal symptoms when they stop using, lasting up to two weeks or longer. A better understanding of meth addiction can help you or a loved one seek treatment and live a more fulfilling life.
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we welcome all Floridians struggling with meth addiction and want help. Our team has years of experience treating substance use disorders using cognitive-behavioral therapy and other beneficial programs. To see if our meth addiction treatment in Florida is right for your recovery, call 833.551.2304 today to speak with our knowledgeable team.
What Is Meth Addiction?
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder that causes a person to continue using drugs or alcohol despite the desire to quit. It creates physical and psychological symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, insomnia, muscle pain, stomach cramps, depression, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts. Depending on the substance, some people can experience addictive symptoms after just one use.
Meth addiction is a treatable mental health disorder affecting millions yearly. The chemicals in meth bind to cell receptors in the body and cause a massive release of dopamine, producing euphoria and increased energy. It also causes intense cravings for more meth to sustain the short-lived euphoria, leading to addiction.
Methamphetamines are devastating to the body and mind and can lead to several serious consequences, such as:
- Extreme weight loss
- Gum disease and tooth decay
- Brain damage
- Insomnia
- Aggressive and violent behavior
- Psychosis
- Hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cardiovascular disease
Like other drugs, people who stop using meth will experience intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making quitting nearly impossible without professional support.
Why Is Meth Addictive?
Meth is a deadly narcotic responsible for tens of thousands of deaths yearly. It is a highly addictive substance that disrupts the chemical balance within the body and creates physical and psychological cravings for more meth. These cravings cause people to continue using meth to stop their cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.
One of the reasons people continue using meth is due to a tolerance caused by repeated use. The more meth you take, the more your body will need to create the same intensity as the first dose. It can take up to three days or longer for your body to process a single dose of meth. If you take more before then, your body will begin to develop a dependence on the drug and need a constant supply.
Following the cessation of meth, the body purges the drug from its system. As toxins leave the body, people often experience withdrawal symptoms. These may include the following:
- Powerful drug cravings
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- An inability to feel pleasure or happiness
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts
A meth addiction treatment program can make recovery possible through medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy. If the addiction is untreated, symptoms will only worsen, significantly decreasing the quality and length of life.
Get Meth Addiction Treatment in Florida at Gulf Breeze Recovery
Why is meth addictive? At Gulf Breeze Recovery, our knowledgeable team will educate you on the dangers of addiction while supporting your recovery journey. Your meth addiction treatment program will include group and private therapy sessions and medication-assisted treatment to reduce withdrawals and cravings. You will learn healthy ways to manage your symptoms and triggers and develop life skills to promote sobriety and healthy living.
If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction, call 833.551.2304 today or complete our online form to schedule a tour and meet our dedicated staff.
