Signs of Meth Use: What a Person Should Look For
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Overview of methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is more commonly known as referred to as crystal, crystal meth, ice, or just meth. It is classified as a psychostimulant drug of the psychoactive amphetamine and phenethylamine class of substances. It is characterized by an increase in alertness, concentration, and energy. In higher doses, it can enhance the person's self esteem, increase libido, and induce a euphoric state of consciousness. Meth exhibits a high potential for abuse and dependency.
Recognizing the effects of meth abuse
Long-term effects - meth displays a very high potential for addiction. Chronic abuse and dependency over a long period of time can lead to amphetamine psychosis, anxiety disorder and panic attacks, depression, heart disease, and violent behavior. A psychosis that resembles schizophrenia can develop after stopping meth use and can last up to 6 months or longer.
Physical effects - includes acne, anorexia, arrhythmias, blurred vision, dilated pupils, dizziness, dry and/or itchy skin, dry mouth, meth mouth, headaches, hypertension or hypotension, insomnia, numbness, tremors, and twitching. Chronic abuse and high doses can lead to convulsions, heart attack, strokes, and eventually death.
Psychological effects - there are numerous psychological effects including alertness, aggressiveness, anxiety and panic attacks, concentration, delusions of grandeur, excessive feelings of power and being invincible, hallucinations, increased energy, increased self-confidence and self esteem, increased sociability, irritability, obsessive and repetitive behavior patterns, and paranoia. Additionally, amphetamine psychosis oftentimes occurs with chronic abuse and increasingly high doses.
Tolerance - as with amphetamine, the tolerance to meth is not completely understood. It is regarded as being extremely complex and no single mechanism can explain it. The rate at which the tolerance builds up varies from one individual to the next. However, it is highly dependent on the following:
* amount or dosage
* duration of usage
* frequency of administration
A tolerance to meth's awakening effects does not develop immediately despite the fact that dependency can result fairly quickly. This is why some physicians prescribe them for the treatment of narcolepsy as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat obesity after other diets or medications have been tried without successful weight loss.
Withdrawal symptoms - there are numerous withdrawal symptoms that can occur once a person stops using meth. These include depression, fatigue, and increased appetite. With occasional use, these withdrawal symptoms may only last for a few days while a more severe dependency will result in symptoms that last weeks or even months. Withdrawal symptoms oftentimes include agitation and aggressiveness, anxiety and panic attacks, headaches, and irritability. With more severe addictions, the individual may start having suicidal thoughts and even attempt self-destruction.
Ask our experienced staff a question about meth and meth addiction
Ask our experienced staff a question about meth and meth addictionWhat you want to realize that meth is one of the most highly addictive drugs on the illegal market. Although the withdrawal symptoms of stopping meth use are not considered dangerous or life-threatening, relapse is relatively common and withdrawal occurs regularly with long-term abuse. If you or a loved one are showing signs of meth use and are in need of help, one of Delray Recovey Center's staff can answer any questions that you may have about meth and meth addiction. Please call us at the phone number listed on this website or simply ask us a question on our contact us page. |
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Author Resource:-
Signs of Meth Use: What a Person Should Look For
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By :
vipixen johnson
Submitted
2011-12-06 07:32:21 |
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