Methamphetamine Addiction

Meth Addiction Treatment

Methamphetamine or “meth” is one of the most powerful stimulants in the world. Meth is most commonly smoked, snorted or injected, which drastically alters the intensity of effects one feels. This stimulant creates intense euphoria, feelings of unbound energy and overall alertness. Occasionally, users will also become dependent on substances such as marijuana, heroin, fentanyl or other opioids to help them come down from their high. According to a 2020 survey by SAMHSA on substance abuse, approximately 1.5 million people ages 12 and older experienced methamphetamine use disorder in the prior year. These numbers remain relatively unchanged for the last several years and consistent through different age groups.

So how does meth work exactly? Similar to other substances, the driving factor behind addiction is connected to the dopamine system. When someone consumes meth, their brain becomes over flooded with dopamine, which causes intense euphoria and the desire to keep consuming it. Since meth highs are relatively short acting, people must frequently use the substance to create the desired effects. This behavior of frequent use and intense dopamine rush create addictive patterns that are extremely difficult to overcome.