On This Page:

• What Is Methamphetamine?
• Effects of Meth Use
• Risk of Methamphetamine Overdose
• Methamphetamine Withdrawal
• How Is Meth Addiction Treated?
• Overcome Meth Addiction at Mount Sinai Wellness Center

What Is Methamphetamine?

Also called blue, crystal, ice, speed, and just “meth,” methamphetamine is a highly addictive and powerful stimulant that speeds up the central nervous system. Synthetically derived from the parent drug amphetamine, meth is “cooked” in clandestine laboratories using inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients such as pseudophedrine and poses an even greater threat of addiction than opioids in certain parts of the country due to its widespread availability. Users consume meth in several different forms, such as smoking, snorting, or injecting. When a person first takes meth, it may cause a rush of good feelings known as a “high.” Unfortunately, this high wears off quickly and the good feelings can dissipate into those of edginess, anger, or fear. After using meth, you may have a strong urge to repeat the “good” experience. This is because methamphetamine affects the levels of the feel-good chemical, dopamine, in your brain. Meth can also rewire your pleasure and reward centers, making addiction difficult to avoid. If you are experiencing addiction, it is not your fault, and no one expects you to recover on your own. Nevertheless, you are responsible for your own health and sobriety. Addiction is a disease, and you need treatment to get better. Let our team at Mount Sinai Wellness Center help.

Effects of Meth Use

Methamphetamine is neurotoxic, which means it can cause permanent brain damage. Additionally, meth can have other long-term effects on your health. For example, people who use meth are at increased risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other infectious diseases. Some people inject meth, which can be problematic if needles and other equipment are not properly sterilized, and using meth can also lead to risky behaviors – like unprotected sex. Short-term effects of meth use include:

• Increased wakefulness and physical activity
• Decreased appetite
• Faster breathing
• Heightened or irregular heart rate
• Increased blood pressure and body temperature

Long-term methamphetamine use is also associated with:

• Intense itching (“meth bugs”)
• Skin sores from scratching
• Extreme weight loss
• Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)
• Changes in brain structure and function
• Addiction
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Anxiety and depression
• Sleeping problems
• Violent behavior
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Many people use meth in a “binge and crash” pattern, repeating doses so they can feel high as frequently as possible. Some people binge meth and go on “runs,” where they forgo food and sleep and take the drug every few hours for several days. Methamphetamine can boost libido, so people who go on runs often engage in unsafe sex and “sexual marathons,” as well. It can be hard to realize the consequences of your behavior while in the throes of drug addiction. If you are worried about someone you love, Mount Sinai is here for you.

Risk of Methamphetamine Overdose

Taking too much meth can cause a toxic reaction that results in serious or even fatal symptoms if not treated immediately. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, roughly 15% of all drug overdose deaths involve methamphetamine, with half of these deaths also involving the use of an opioid drug. A meth overdose can cause any of the following life-threatening conditions:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Organ failure

Methamphetamine Withdrawal

As a person develops an addiction to methamphetamine, their body develops a tolerance to the substance and eventually requires it for the person to feel “normal.” When a person stops using methamphetamine, the body will react to the sudden removal of the substance and cause the user to feel a multitude of uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms. This is commonly known as “withdrawal.” Methamphetamine withdrawal can begin in as little as 24 hours after a user’s last dose and can last for several days or even weeks depending on the length and intensity of addiction. While the experience of methamphetamine withdrawal will be different for everyone, symptoms most often include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Fatigue and sleepiness
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Paranoia
• Intense cravings for meth
• Increased appetite

Without professional help, methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can often cause individuals to immediately begin using again to achieve relief, ending their recovery efforts before they even begin. A professional methamphetamine detox center such as the one at Mount Sinai can help monitor your symptoms and administer certain medications to ensure your recovery is as comfortable as possible.

How Is Meth Addiction Treated?

Meth addiction treatment will be different for each person based on their individual needs. With that being said, most meth rehab programs will have common elements. Meth addiction treatment programs like the one at Mount Sinai typically involve the following stages of treatment:

• Initial medical and psychological evaluation
• Medical detox to cleanse your body of the drug
• Individual and group therapy
• Aftercare and relapse prevention

Overcome Meth Addiction at Mount Sinai Wellness Center

With the right treatment, anyone can overcome meth addiction. Like other substance use disorders, meth addiction can be treated with behavioral therapies. At Mount Sinai, however, we employ more than just therapy. Instead, we take a holistic approach and focus on your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. With us, recovery is a journey, and it is one we are happy to guide you through. We have some of the top physicians and clinicians in the United States and an ideal facility for recovery. Join us in 43 acres of beautiful wilderness and enjoy 4-star meals while you learn the skills and strategies you need for long-term sobriety and gain the support you need to recover. Your days at Mount Sinai will be highly structured and tailored to your individual needs. We also have aftercare and alumni services, so you will have access to our resources every step of the way.