Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that has been abused by people for well over a century. First synthesized in 1893, it was initially utilized as a drug for conditions like weight loss and narcolepsy. It was even used in WWII to keep soldiers awake.1 Once the drug was outlawed in America during the 1970s, it began to be abused illicitly. But exactly why do people do meth? Banyan Treatment Centers Heartland answers this question and what signs to look out for that can signal an addiction.
Why Do People Use Meth?
The exact reason that a person uses meth will ultimately depend on their personal mindset, mental health, and history, among a variety of other factors. Still, there are some explanations that can answer the question, “Why do people like meth?”
These reasons can include:
- How it feels: Methamphetamine's pleasant effects include a spike in dopamine levels in the brain that can result in strong emotions of pleasure, exhilaration, and vitality. People may want to relive this great pleasure, which can be a strong drive for prolonged use. Meth's dopamine surge can also harm the brain's reward system over time, which can result in addiction and make it difficult to enjoy other activities.
- Self-medication: Meth is used by some people to treat underlying mental or physical health conditions. For instance, those who experience depression or anxiety may take meth to temporarily reduce their symptoms. It also has a potent painkilling effect, which makes it appealing to people who have chronic pain. Meth use for self-medication, however, has the potential to cause addiction and exacerbate underlying medical conditions.
- Social and environmental factors: A climate where meth use is more common can be created by poverty and a lack of resources. Furthermore, being exposed to meth use in one's neighborhood can normalize the practice and make it seem like a sensible choice. Meth usage can also be influenced by trauma, abuse, and neglect since people may take drugs to deal with their emotional anguish.
- Peer pressure: People may take meth due to peer pressure or a desire for social acceptance. People may experiment with meth, for instance, in an effort to belong to a certain social group or to connect with other meth users. Additionally, some people may feel under pressure to try meth in order to succeed or to show their willingness to take chances.
- Curiosity and experimentation: Some people take meth out of curiosity or as a method to sample different substances. People who are exposed to meth use through popular culture or social media may find this to be especially true. But because meth is such a dangerous and addictive drug, experimentation can easily result in addiction and other negative outcomes.
Now that we have answered the question “Why do people do meth” it is necessary to understand what symptoms a person may exhibit after doing so.
Signs of Meth Use
Abusing methamphetamine can cause serious effects on a person’s mental and physical well-being. Some symptoms are infamous for the association with this particular form of drug abuse, while others may be similar to another substance.
Signs someone is using meth can include:
- Agitation or aggression
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Confusion or disorientation
- Depression or mood swings
- Dilated pupils
- Dry mouth and nose
- Impaired judgment or decision-making
- Increased blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Memory loss or cognitive impairment
- Paranoia or hallucinations
- Profuse sweating
- Psychosis or delusions
- Rapid heartbeat
- Skin sores or acne
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Tremors or shaking
If you are ready to take the steps towards recovery from meth abuse, our Heartland drug rehab has the resources to help.
Heal From Meth With Our Heartland Treatment Center
For those in need of comprehensive care for a substance use disorder, our Gilman, IL, Banyan rehab offers programs for meth addiction treatment that can start that process. Additionally, patients in the midst of active addiction are encouraged to seek out the meth withdrawal program at our Heartland detox center.
Call Banyan’s Heartland location at 888-280-4763 to learn more about the therapy programs we offer, the resources in place, and how they can help you or a loved one achieve sobriety.
Source
- History Channel – History of Meth
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