What is Methamphetamine? Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment

Methamphetamine acts as a powerful central nervous system stimulant.

Methamphetamine acts as a powerful central nervous system stimulant. It is structurally similar to amphetamine but is more potent and has a longer half-life compared to amphetamine. Like many stimulant substances, it causes euphoria (an abnormal state of great happiness, excitement, and well-being), thus leading to strong psychological dependencies. While the effects can vary among users, they often begin rapidly and end quickly, which creates a desire for repeated dosing.

Methamphetamine stimulates dopaminergic (dopamine-releasing nerve fibers) and noradrenergic (norepinephrine-releasing nerve fibers) nerve endings, leading to the release of hormones known as dopamine (which is directly related to pleasure, motivation, satisfaction, and happiness) and norepinephrine (a hormone that affects happiness and brain and body functions). Molecules such as ephedrine or pseudoephedrine can be converted into methamphetamine through various chemical processes.

The bioavailability is approximately 70% when taken orally, while intravenous (IV) intake reaches up to 100%etabolized in the body via the hepatic pathway and excreted through the renal route. The half-life is approximately 8-10 hours .

Methacan be found in powder or pill form. Among users, it is also referred to by names such as meth, crystal, ice, crystal meth, crank, tina, ice cocaine, water blunts, and fire.

What is Methamphetamine Addiction?

Exposure to methamphetamine causes cells to receive constant stimulation. The human body naturally reduces the number of receptors to which methamphetamine binds to regulate the number of stimuli. As a result of the decrease in the number of receptors that methamphetamine binds to, the individual cannot achieve the same effects from previous doses. To reach the pleasurable feeling experienced in earlier use, the person consumes higher doses of the substance. This situation is known as "tolerance development," leading the user to feel the need to use more of the substance each time, resulting in substance dependence with chronic use.

How Does Methamphetamine Addiction Affect Individuals?

Methamphetamine stimulates dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons located in the central nervous system. This stimulation causes the uncontrolled release of chemical substances known as dopamine and norepinephrine. Due to this uncontrolled release, these substances bind to various receptors, creating numerous stimuli. These stimuli can be observed in individuals as follows:

• Sudden increase in body temperature,
• Excess energy, excitement, and alertness due to the excessive release of adrenaline hormone,
• Euphoria and an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm,
• Increased sexual desire,
• Desensitization to surrounding events,
• Hallucinations and paranoia,
• Agitation and excessive reactions to events,
• Increased social activity, excessive talking,
• Loss of appetite,
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.

What are the Symptoms and Psychological Effects of Methamphetamine Addiction?

The symptoms of methamphetamine addiction can vary among users. However, the main symptoms and psychological effects can be listed as follows:

• Sensitivity, redness, and burning sensation in the eyes,
• Paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations,
• Desire to withdraw from social life, lack of energy,
• Decreased sexual desire,
• Sleep problems and feelings of insomnia,
• Depression and anxiety,
• Persistent weakness and fatigue,
• Increased appetite.

Young age, low education level, psychoactive substance use, adverse life conditions, unsuitable social environments, depression, anxiety disorders, various psychological disorders, traumatic losses, extreme weight loss desire, suicidal thoughts, curiosity, and many other factors can lead an individual to substance use and subsequently to addiction.

What are the Consequences of Methamphetamine Addiction?

Many neurochemical events are under the control of the central nervous system. Since methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant, it directly affects neurochemical events such as insomnia, appetite, heart rate, blood pressure, communication, attention, mood, and body temperature:

• It can cause pulmonary edema, which can reach serious levels due to the method of methamphetamine consumption【3】.
• It can lead to the deterioration of overall oral health, including gum health【3】.
• Liver and kidney failure is one of the most well-known consequences【3】.
• Acute poisonings can result in severe hypothermia【3】.
• Sudden increases in blood pressure and heart rate can lead to stroke and heart attack【1】.
• Users may exhibit violent behavior, depression, and anxiety【2】.
• There is a high likelihood of contracting infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C, and HIV due to the shared use of methamphetamine paraphernalia【1】.
• It can cause deadly weight loss, skin sores, confusion, and memory loss【1】.
• It may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease【6】.
• Additionally, it can lead to the direct death of the individual【3】.

Treatment of Methamphetamine Addiction

There is no approved medication for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction, but behavioral therapies combined with pharmacotherapy methods are applied as complementary treatments in the second phase of treatment.

Individuals using methamphetamine receive treatment under the supervision of counselors to maintain their motivation. During the therapy, small motivational rewards can serve as incentives to encourage progress.

Physical activities have a significant impact on individuals who have decided to quit methamphetamine use. Physical activities are crucial in reducing depression, anxiety disorders, and enhancing energy and the quality of social life.

Ceasing consumption, particularly avoiding intravenous use, steering clear of drug interactions that could cause serotonin syndrome, engaging in exercise, participating in social life, maintaining a balanced diet, and taking care of body and oral health can help individuals feel better psychologically and contribute to alleviating the challenging aspects of treatment.

Information for Those Close to Individuals Struggling with Methamphetamine Addiction

The treatment of methamphetamine addiction is a very challenging process. Change is difficult and time-consuming. During this process, not only the patient but also their close family members have various responsibilities. The most important thing is to be patient and understanding throughout this process. Here are some things you can do for your loved one:

• During substance addiction, individuals lose their time management skills. This addiction often leads to the formation of free time throughout the day, which can trigger further substance use. Therefore, the person's free time should be structured, and various activities should fill the voids that arise during the day.
• Addicts are often seen as problematic individuals within the family. If family members pressure the person, it may lead to feelings of oppression, and the individual may desire to return to the lifestyle they had during the addiction. Thus, family members should show as much interest in the individuals undergoing treatment as they do for each other, avoiding constant discussions about addiction, helping the individual feel like a part of the family, and ensuring they do not feel marginalized.
• After addiction treatment, there should be no continuous discussions about past conflicts with the individual. Constant blame and viewing the individual as a danger will not have constructive effects on supporting treatment.
• Allowing the individual to take responsibility, involving them in daily tasks, and assigning them roles within the family can help the patient think of themselves as a normal individual and still a part of the family.
• Speaking in a “we” language with the addicted or treated individual yields more constructive results. Instead of saying, “You are bothering me,” it is better to say, “I feel bothered.”
• During conversations, the individual should not be judged or blamed; discussions should not escalate into arguments. The other party should be listened to calmly, and empathy should be established.
• Clear boundaries and rules should be established within the family, applicable to all family members, and consequences should be enforced if these boundaries are crossed.
• Throughout the addiction treatment process, both the individual receiving treatment and their family members must regularly consult with specialized doctors. Don’t forget to visit our page and hospitals to receive reliable health services from specialists at Anadolu Health Center.