Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Kate Smith
How Does Meth Addiction Occur?
Meth addiction occurs because of the way that the drug affects the brain. Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that causes an intense rush of pleasure. The problem is that meth also damages the brain’s ability to regulate dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s pleasure and reward centers.
When someone uses meth, they are essentially flooding their brain with dopamine. This produces the intense rush of pleasure that meth users feel. However, it also damages the brain’s ability to regulate dopamine levels. Over time, this can lead to meth addiction.
Meth addiction is a serious problem because it can lead to a number of health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular problems
- Brain damage
- Mental health problems
- Kidney damage
When used for long periods of time, people need more and more of the drug to get the same effects. This creates a drug-seeking behavior called dependence.
Meth use keeps people in poverty, causes violent behavior, and destroys families. A person who recognizes the consequences while continuing to use the drug is addicted. That means you need to use more of the same drug to get the same high. Meth use causes deterioration of physical and mental health. Meth users often look decades older than they should and experience “meth mouth” when their teeth rot, break, and fall out.
How Do You Know You Need Meth Addiction Treatment?
An important first step is recognizing the signs of meth addiction. If you have these symptoms, it may be time to seek out a meth addiction treatment program. These signs include:
- Needing to use meth or crystal meth consistently
- Feeling pain, anxiety, paranoia, or illness when you do not use
- Isolating from friends or family, not engaging in things you used to enjoy
- Using more methamphetamine to get the same level of relief or high
- Trying to stop using and failing to do so
Meth addiction treatment in Boston can be life-changing. It can help you to overcome the cravings and the desire to continue to use. Treatment for meth addiction can help you avoid life-threatening complications that come from an overdose.
If you have a loved one who is using crystal meth, it can be very difficult for that person to stop using it on their own. Getting them into a meth addiction treatment program is critical to protecting their life and avoiding health complications. Our team is here to help you overcome these challenges to rebuild your future.
Invest in a Meth Addiction Treatment Program to Start Recovery
For men and women dealing with the complications of meth addiction, there is help available to you. It does not matter how you started using crystal meth or how long you’ve used it. Methamphetamines can lead to early death if you do nothing. Instead, turn to our meth addiction treatment program in Boston for immediate help. We offer comprehensive treatment for men and women with transportation to treatment. Learn more about our programs, including:
- Comprehensive rehab programs
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Evening intensive outpatient program
- Traditional outpatient program
Seek Treatment by Calling Greater Boston Addiction Centers Now
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