Understanding the mind of a meth addict can be helpful if you have a loved one battling meth addiction. While you may not necessarily understand what it feels like to be dependent on methamphetamine, learning more about its addictive nature and potential for abuse can prepare you to help someone with this drug problem. Our luxury rehab in Florida is sharing some insight into the mind of a meth addict and the truth about meth addiction.
What Does a Meth High Feel Like?
What is a meth high like? What makes this dangerous drug so appealing to drug users? Methamphetamine, also called crystal meth, is a central nervous system stimulant that targets the brain and activates the release of chemicals, including dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play roles in regulating mood, pleasure, and reward. The meth experience centers on the euphoric and pleasurable feelings that occur from high levels of these chemicals.
People high on meth are usually chasing an intense high, even if it doesn’t last. The side effects of meth abuse result from the drug’s direct impact on the central nervous system, and there are various stages of a meth high consisting of various physical and psychological symptoms.
The Initial Rush
A crystal meth high usually begins with a rush of euphoria. This feeling is the direct result of meth’s ability to stimulate the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. As a result, neurons in the brain send signals to each other that promote reward and pleasure. It’s this initial rush of reward that motivates people to use the drug again.
The High/“Blunted” Emotions
In contrast, other people feel as if their emotions have been numbed or “blunted” when they use meth. They may become less aware of their feelings, which can motivate individuals who want to escape painful memories or emotions. A meth high can last anywhere from 4 to 16 hours. The length depends on how much the person used and how long they’ve been using meth. While high, they may also begin to feel a sense of power. This feeling might manifest into sociability or aggressive behavior. It usually isn’t until after the individual has undergone medically monitored detox or addiction treatment that they realize their conduct and how their behavior affected those around them.
Tweaking
Meth use can result in “tweaking,” which is a common term used to describe the fidgety and erratic behaviors and sensations meth users experience after coming down from a high. These sensations can include feelings of bugs crawling under the skin, also known as meth mites. Most if not all meth users can be identified by the abscess, scabs, and scratches on their skin caused by users’ attempts to pick at these “bugs.”
The tweaking phase of a meth high can also include extreme paranoia, hallucinations, and delusional thinking. Meth users who are tweaking may become aggressive and violent when experiencing these psychotic symptoms. Side effects such as these can last for several hours after the person’s last use.
Meth Withdrawal/Crashing
People addicted to drugs such as meth usually only think about when and how they’ll get their next fix. They have tunnel vision because of how their brain has conformed and become dependent on methamphetamine. When a person with a meth addiction does not use meth for a certain period of time, they may experience certain psychological and behavioral side effects called withdrawal symptoms.
Common withdrawal symptoms of meth include:
- Decreased energy
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Long periods of sleep or insomnia
- Vivid dreams and nightmares
- Increased appetite and thirst
- Intense meth cravings
Meth crash symptoms are so uncomfortable that users will continue using the drug partly to prevent them from occurring. Attempting to detox from meth at home is dangerous and can increase the risk of health complications and even death. Seaside Palm Beach offers a luxury detox program that prevents users from continuing their drug use by safely helping them complete the withdrawal phase of recovery. Patients who complete this treatment are then able to move on to our more advanced rehab programs.
How to Help Someone on Meth
Despite the risks of using meth, more than 2 million Americans aged 12 and older used it in 2019, with an average of 510 new users per day.1 The high caused by meth only provides temporary relief and adds to the individual’s problems. Long-term meth use can lead to a variety of health problems and impair cognitive function. One of the most common issues faced by long-time meth users is addiction, a disease in which a person is unable to control their drug use despite the consequences. Meth mouth (tooth decay) and meth mites (skin picking and diseases) are two of the many adverse side effects of methamphetamine.
Understanding the mind of a meth addict and their motivation to use this drug despite the repercussions can be frustrating. The best way to help someone addicted to meth is by getting them professional assistance. Our high-end rehab in Palm Beach Shores offers luxury meth addiction treatment that provides a safe and comfortable environment where patients can recover.
If you’re battling addiction or know someone who is, let Seaside help. Call us now at 561-677-9374 for more information about our luxury drug and alcohol rehab programs in Florida.
Source:
- SAMHSA – Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
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