Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine is also known as meth, speed, crank, or crystal. It is a white powder with a bitter taste that can be easily dissolved in alcohol or water. This drug may be smoked, snorted, or injected. The feeling of euphoria it creates may last for several hours.

What is Meth Addiction?
Meth addiction is a problem affecting people living in all parts of the United States, but it is especially popular in the Midwest. This stimulant is highly-addictive, and it is possible to get hooked on it from the first use onward. More on who uses meth here.

Signs of Meth Dependence
Meth addicts Pennsylvania may display three different patterns of use:

• Low-Intensity Users are able to use meth on a casual basis. They aren’t psychologically addicted to the drug (yet) and use swallowing or snorting as their ingestion method.
• Binge Users consume larger quantities of meth during a relatively short time. In between binges, they may not use meth at all.
• High Intensity meth abuse involves regular consumption of the drug. Binge users and high-intensity users are psychologically addicted to meth, and either smoke or inject the drug to get a more intense high.

Causes of Dependency
Meth works on the brain’s pleasure centers, creating an almost immediate sensation of well-being. When someone uses it, the heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rates increase. The sense of instant gratification means that other sources of reward in one’s life pale by comparison. Unfortunately, the first “high” that someone experiences is the most intense, and it can’t be duplicated by continuing to use the drug.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health call us today at (570) 536-9621