By We Level Up | Author Giselle Leung, PharmD, BCGP | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It is normally prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and short-term treatment of obesity. However, methamphetamine is often abused as a recreational drug and made illicitly into a crystal form known as “crystal meth” for short.

Meth comes in several forms and is usually smoked, swallowed, snorted, injected, or used rectally by recreational users.

Meth is highly addictive because it increases the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in motivation, pleasure, and motor function. The drug’s ability to rapidly release high levels of dopamine strongly reinforces drug-taking behavior. This makes the user want to repeat the experience.

Taking even small amounts of meth can result in increased wakefulness and physical activity as well as decreased appetite. Other negative effects include faster breathing, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure and body temperature.

Key Takeaways

• Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system, releasing high levels of dopamine and reinforcing drug-seeking behavior.
• Meth addiction develops quickly due to the drug’s potent effects on the brain’s reward system, leading to tolerance, dependence, and compulsive use despite negative consequences.
• Meth use can lead to an array of symptoms: dilated pupils, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, and erratic behavior.
• Chronic use leads to severe psychological and physical health problems.
• Treatment for meth addiction involves a comprehensive approach from contingency management to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to prevent relapse and maintain long-term recovery.

Methamphetamine Addiction Overview

Methamphetamine addiction develops quickly due to the drug’s potent effects on the brain’s reward system. Tolerance builds rapidly, requiring higher doses to achieve the same high. This leads to a vicious cycle of compulsive drug-seeking behavior and intense cravings.

Chronic meth use alters brain structure and function, affecting judgment, decision-making, impulse control, and memory. Symptoms can rapidly progress to paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior. Meth addiction also causes devastating physical changes, namely tooth decay, skin sores, and weight loss.

Withdrawal from meth is psychologically distressing. This makes quitting extremely difficult without professional help. Treatment is characterized by behavioral therapy, counseling, and medications to manage withdrawal and prevent relapse.

Recovery from meth addiction is a long-term process. Engaging in a comprehensive treatment program, building a strong support network, and making healthy lifestyle changes are critical for maintaining sobriety. 

Medication for Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine dependency is a severe worldwide public health problem with significant medical, psychiatric, socioeconomic, and legal consequences. But the development of methamphetamine medications is at an early stage. No considerable evidence for efficacious medication treatment for meth addiction has yet emerged. Presently, there are no FDA-approved medications for the symptoms of meth addiction.

Thus, psychological treatments become increasingly important in the options for intervention if you are looking for rehab for meth addiction. Treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy appears to be associated with declines in meth use and other positive transformations, even over brief treatment periods.

Throw out the stereotypical idea of an “addict” while dealing with a functioning meth addict. These aren’t the people pulling shopping carts up and down the sidewalks of skid row. In truth, they work long hours only to keep up appearances and preserve their employment. They can have career success, have active social lives, and hide their substance abuse from the people they care about the most, at least for a time. Sadly, the “functional meth addict” component comes at a high cost and risk. Friends and loved ones are often unaware of a problem since functional addicts are excellent at disguising their troubles and covering their tracks.

Why Is Meth So Addictive?

Methamphetamine’s highly addictive nature stems from its profound effect on the brain’s reward system. When you use meth, it triggers a surge of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This flood of dopamine produces an intense euphoria that reinforces the desire to use the drug again. Over time, your brain becomes accustomed to these artificially high levels of dopamine, leading to tolerance and dependence.

Meth significantly affects decision-making, impulse control, impulse control, and memory. As a result of these significant changes in brain chemistry, it becomes increasingly difficult to experience pleasure from natural rewards like food, sex, or social interaction. As a result, you may find yourself compulsively seeking and using meth to achieve the desired high, despite the negative consequences.

When smoked or injected, meth reaches the brain quickly, producing an immediate and intense rush within 5 to 30 minutes. But, this high is short-lived, often followed by a severe crash that leaves you craving more. This cycle of highs and lows can quickly spiral into addiction, as you constantly seek to maintain the euphoria and avoid the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Meth addiction is not only psychologically gripping but also physically damaging to your body. Even with these consequences, addiction makes it incredibly challenging to quit without professional help.

Using Meth Addiction Signs

Available in many different forms, meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or ingested orally. Each method will have a different effect on the user, and the time the drug is active will differ slightly from one form of use to the next. Various methods of administration that can affect the user include the following:

• Injecting meth leads to an intense rush or flash of a high, described as a pleasurable state that typically only lasts a few minutes.
•  Snorting or oral consumption leads to a less intense rush that lasts anywhere from 5 to twenty minutes and can linger.
•  Smoking meth leads to fast drug uptake into the brain and can amplify the dependence potential and many adverse health effects, such as lung tumors and other problems.

Meth Addiction Recovery Rates & Statistics

With the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, methamphetamine, as well as other stimulants, such as cocaine, were placed on Schedule II as drugs with a high potential for abuse which may lead to severe physiological dependence. The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that roughly 2 million US citizens 12 years or older used methamphetamine in the past year, making it the second most commonly used illicit stimulant.

What percent of meth addicts recover? The success rate of crystal meth users to continue sobriety after three years without any rehabilitation or substance use disorder treatment is ONLY 5%.

---

---

How Long Does Meth Stay In Your System?

The length of time meth remains detectable in your system depends on multiple factors, such as the amount and frequency of use, your metabolism, and the type of drug test administered. Generally, meth can be detected in urine for 1-4 days after last use. With heavy or chronic use, the detection window goes up to a week. Blood tests typically detect meth for 1-3 days, while hair tests can reveal use for up to 90 days.

Meth has a half-life of about 10 hours, meaning it takes that long for half the drug to be eliminated from your body. Yet, traces can linger much longer. Age, weight, and overall health influence how quickly your body processes and eliminates the drug.

It’s critical to understand that even after meth is no longer detectable on a drug test, its effects on your brain and body can persist. 

Chronic meth use leads to long-term changes in brain structure and function, impacting cognitive abilities, emotions, and behavior. These changes may take months or even years to reverse.

If you’re trying to quit meth, be prepared for withdrawal symptoms, which usually begin within 24 hours of last use and can last for several weeks. Common symptoms are intense cravings, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances. A comprehensive treatment program can help you manage these symptoms to achieve sustainable recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine addiction can develop quickly due to the drug’s powerful effects on the brain’s reward system. You may notice several signs that indicate someone is struggling with meth addiction. 

Physically, they may appear emaciated and have poor dental and body hygiene, dilated pupils, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate. Their skin may be pale and clammy, with excessive sweating.

Psychologically, they may exhibit erratic behavior, mood swings, and irritability. Sometimes they may become paranoid, anxious, or aggressive. In severe cases, delusions and hallucinations can occur leading to violent behavior.

Behaviorally, meth addiction can lead to social isolation and neglect of responsibilities. Users may engage in risky or illegal activities to obtain the drug, resulting in financial and legal issues. Social relationships suffer as the addiction takes priority over everything else. Paraphernalia such as pipes, syringes, or burnt foil may be found in their possession. Meth addicts often go on binges, using the drug continuously for days without sleep.

If you or someone you suspect is addicted to meth, it’s critical to seek professional help immediately to get treated.

Symptoms of Methamphetamine Use

Methamphetamine use can lead to various physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. 

Some common physical symptoms include: 

• Dilated pupils
• Rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure
• Elevated body temperature
• Excessive sweating, tremors, and muscle twitches

The main psychological effect caused by meth is euphoria (a state of intense happiness), which occurs over 6 to 12 hours. Other psychological effects include:

• Increased energy and alertness
• Anxiety, paranoia
• Irritability and aggression
• Delusions and hallucinations (especially with chronic or high doses)
• Loss of ability to feel pleasure

Withdrawal from meth can lead to:

• Intense cravings
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Increased appetite
• Vivid, unpleasant dreams
• Anxiety and irritability
• Suicidal thoughts and tendencies

Being aware of these symptoms is critical for identifying meth use and seeking appropriate help. Treatment can help manage symptoms, overcome addiction, and restore overall health and well-being.

Meth Overdose Symptoms

The use of methamphetamine can cause physical and psychological dependence and increased tolerance. Because of the rapid development of tolerance, methamphetamine users frequently need to increase the dose to get to the satisfying “high,” which can be very dangerous because too much methamphetamine also increases the risk of an overdose.

Symptoms of meth overdose include the following:

• Dangerously high body temperature.
• Convulsions.
• Stroke.
• Heart attack.
• Death.

Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction

Overcoming meth addiction is challenging, but with the right treatment approach, you can achieve lasting recovery. Treatment plans address the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of addiction.

Medication

While there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating meth addiction, certain medications target withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Antidepressants, namely bupropion and mirtazapine, have been shown to help with depression and anxiety during early recovery. Modafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent, can counteract the fatigue and cognitive impairments associated with meth withdrawal. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe other medications to treat co-occurring mental health conditions or physical health issues resulting from meth use. These medications in combination with behavioral therapies, such as contingency management, are necessary to address all aspects of addiction. Your healthcare provider will create a medication plan specific to your needs and monitor your progress.

Variety Of Treatment For Meth Addiction

Meth addiction treatment begins with medical detox. Once that is complete, there are a variety of treatments that can help with recovery, including the following:

Treating Meth Addiction With Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for meth addiction. Some behavioral therapy techniques that are commonly used in treatment may include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – A treatment to prevent relapse by increasing awareness of high-risk situations, developing coping skills, changing harmful behaviors, and managing cravings.
• Contingency Management – Interventions are motivational incentives in which tangible rewards reinforce positive behaviors such as attending treatment sessions and not using. As you stay sober, the rewards may increase in value.
• The Matrix Model – Incorporates behavioral therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, education, encouragement to participate in 12-step meetings, drug testing, and positive reinforcement of desirable behaviors such as avoiding substance use and attending treatment.

Searching for “meth addiction treatment near me?” We Level Up Treatment Center provides world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals to help you cope. We all work as an integrated team providing Methamphetamine Addiction treatment for a successful recovery at our numerous Meth addiction treatment centers nationwide. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.

Meth Addiction Quotes

Methamphetamine misuse has several harmful repercussions, including addiction. Addiction is a recurrent, chronic condition defined by compulsive drug-seeking, use, and functional and molecular abnormalities in the brain.

In addition to being addicted to methamphetamine, long-term users may have symptoms such as considerable anxiety, disorientation, sleeplessness, mood problems, and aggressive conduct. They may also exhibit psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (for example, the sensation of insects creeping under the skin). Psychotic symptoms can remain for months or years after a person has stopped using methamphetamine. Stress has been proven to cause the spontaneous return of methamphetamine psychosis in those who have previously had psychosis while using methamphetamine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meth addiction is a serious issue that affects many people and their loved ones. Here are some frequently asked questions.

Faces of Meth Addicts Before & After Images Devastating Effects w/ Meth Face, Meth Mouth Video

The “Faces of Meth Addiction” project was first presented by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in Portland, Oregon, in 2004. This awareness project aimed to educate the public, particularly young people, about the dangers of meth use and its potential consequences. The before and after pictures of meth addicts used in the project are shocking, as they portray individuals who have lost teeth, aged prematurely, and suffered from severe skin problems due to their drug usage. Meth is a highly habit-forming stimulant that can cause many physical and mental health issues, including heart problems, increased risk of stroke, paranoia, and hallucinations.

The “Images of Meth Addicts” project has successfully provoked widespread attention and raised awareness about the destructive effects of methamphetamine use disorder. The meth addict pictures before and after movement have also been adopted by other law enforcement agencies and organizations across the country and around the globe. In addition to the meth addiction photos, the “Face of Meth Addict” campaign also features resources and information for those struggling with methamphetamine and other substance use disorders, including therapy options and support groups. The “Meth Addict Before After” project’s greatest goal is to help stop and reduce the harm caused by meth addiction and encourage people to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling.