Crystal Meth Is Taking a Strong Hold on Communities

The TV show “Breaking Bad” has become a cult classic because it chronicles the life of a methamphetamine manufacturer. The realities of meth highlighted in that show are even scarier in real life. This drug, which in Schedule II prescription form is sometimes used to treat ADD, has primarily found a home in recreational use. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in 2014, 2946 kgs of this drug were seized in this country. It is often created in labs, both homegrown or superlabs. This poses a greater societal risk as the drug is “cooked” and could cause an explosion which poses a danger for surrounding homes or businesses. News reports show the impact of meth labs exploding, often taking innocent lives.

This isn’t TV. This is the real thing. And it’s deadly.

Methamphetamine is often called “speed” because it gives users a quick hit of energy and focus. However, this short-lived burst is followed by a crash. This creates the addiction and need to continually up the amount needed to get high.

You may notice that in recent years, you can no longer purchase some over-the-counter cold medications off the shelves. This is because meth manufacturers use Sudafed and other medications containing pseudoephedrine along with toxic mixtures to create the street drug.

Users smoke, inject, swallow, or even snort this powerful drug. Regardless of how it’s taken, the impact on your body is devastating.

How a Meth Addiction Starts

Most drug addictions, including meth, start as experiments. Maybe a friend suggested you try it to stay up later for gaming or even to cram for an exam. You were seduced by a feeling of energy like you’ve never before felt. It was sensation that couldn’t be beat.

The next time you had a need to feel pumped up, you turned to meth again. Then you turned to it again, and again. Before long, you were hooked. You needed meth to get out of bed the next day, before you can even begin to comprehend doing anything. This is the “binge and crash” response that meth addicts live on daily.

Meth might be impacting your looks. Your skin might be breaking out nonstop with sores. Your teeth might be breaking. Your hair texture is ragged and your eyes look drained. When you’re addicted, all that doesn’t matter. You just want to score another hit.

Is this the life you want? We know it’s not. There’s no shame in admitting you’re addicted to a drug and that you need help. We’re here to get you on the path to wellness.

Just give us a call at 877-251-4813. Our experts at Rehab-Finder.Org will treat you with dignity and compassion as we seek the right treatment facility for you.

Signs of Meth Abuse and Addiction

There are some serious risks to using meth. The short-term and long-term side effects are compounded. Being aware of the impacts of this drug might help you understand why it is so important that you stop now.

• Overall Side Effects: Meth abusers tend to be more talkative, extremely alert, and almost manic in their activity. You might find that your appetite is lower, you’re breathing faster, and your heartbeat is irregular. You might spike a high temp (i.e. hyperthermia).
• Short-Term Side Effects: Initially, you might find your sleep patterns are disrupted. You could experience some detrimental behavior or mental impacts, such as becoming erratic or violent and suffering from hallucinations, panic attacks or even psychosis. You could have convulsions or seizures.
• Long-Term Side Effects: Abusing meth over a long period of time is devastating to your entire system. Your organs − heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, blood vessels − all suffer damage. You’ll likely develop what is known as meth mouth, or severely decayed teeth. The loss of appetite will lead to malnutrition. Your brain will suffer greatly with psychosis, depression, and symptoms that can mimic Alzheimer’s disease.
• Overdose Symptoms: It’s too easy to overdose on meth, especially if you use it recreationally. If you or someone love is using meth and experiences the following, call 911 and seek medical help IMMEDIATELY: Aggressive behavior, seeing spots, high fever, profuse sweating, severe pains in the stomach or chest region, confusion, restlessness, or convulsions. An overdose can quickly lead to a coma or death.

Could You or a Loved One Be Addicted to Meth?

There are tell-tale signs of a meth addiction that can’t be missed. If you recognize these in yourself or someone you love, it’s time to seek help now. The further along this addiction goes, the harder it will be to recover:

• Anxiety
• Theft (to fund habit)
• Increased drug tolerance
• No longer interested in hobbies or activities
• Extreme weight loss
• Acquaintances with shady individuals

Are You Ready to Seek Help?

Now that you know the signs, do you see yourself as a meth addict? The good news is you can get help. It’s OK to admit that you need support and treatment to get better. Addiction is a disease. You wouldn’t deny yourself treatment for another disease, physical or mental. Don’t deny yourself this opportunity to get better and stay clean.

Call us at 877-251-4813 to get started on the road to recovery.

How to Help Your Loved One Get Help for a Meth Addiction

Seeing your loved one spiral into a dangerous habit can be devastating. It takes courage to speak up and help them seek treatment. At Rehab-Finder.Org, we can provide you with the support you need to take this brave step.

Interventions are a good first step in addressing a loved one’s addiction. Often, the person abusing meth needs to see how his or her habit is impacting others. However, successful interventions require professional guidance. Remember, the person you are trying to help is fragile. He or she needs not only to understand that this habit is hurting everyone, but that you care about him or her and only want to see them get better. Interventions are about getting someone to accept that he or she needs help, because ultimately, the only way treatment is successful is if this person is motivated to see it through.