ASV - Can Methamphetamine use cause Addiction?
"I'm so grateful to be in recovery and have the opportunity to study as a drug and alcohol counsellor. It feels incredible to be totally abstinent and to have my life back on track. I'm actively attending 12-step recovery meetings and doing my best to stay connected with my recovery community. I'm learning so much about addiction and recovery, and it's helping me make positive changes in my life. I'm also working hard to make amends to those I've hurt and learn how to live a healthier, more balanced life. My recovery plan involves attending individual counselling sessions and group therapy to explore my addiction and triggers further and develop better coping skills. I'm reading recovery literature, working the steps, and actively applying what I'm learning to my everyday life. I'm making a real effort to avoid people, places and things that could trigger me to use them again, and I'm focusing on living in the present moment. I'm also taking care of myself by exercising, eating well and getting enough rest. I'm thankful for Addiction Solutions Victoria's support and the chance to live a healthier, happier life." - Pat 2023
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system.
It increases the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, in the brain.
Dopamine is a chemical that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.
When methamphetamine is taken, it causes a surge of dopamine in the brain, leading to a sense of euphoria and increased energy. However, the brain's ability to produce and regulate dopamine is disrupted by chronic use of methamphetamine. The brain will start to reduce the number of dopamine receptors to regain equilibrium, decreasing the user's ability to feel pleasure from natural rewards such as food, social interactions, and other activities. This leads to a cycle of addiction, where the user will continue to use the drug to achieve the same level of pleasure and reward they felt when they first used it.
Long-term use of methamphetamine can also cause a wide range of adverse effects on mental and physical health, including anxiety, paranoia, depression, memory loss, and damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Methamphetamine addiction is a serious problem and can be challenging to overcome. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy, counselling, and medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and address underlying mental health issues.
What's the best way to stop using methamphetamine
The best way to stop using methamphetamine is to seek professional help from a substance abuse treatment program.
Quitting methamphetamine use abruptly or "cold turkey" can be dangerous and may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and intense cravings.
A comprehensive treatment program for methamphetamine addiction typically includes a combination of the following:
- Medically supervised detox: This helps the individual safely manage withdrawal symptoms and transition to the next phase of treatment.
- Behavioural therapy can include individual or group counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and other evidence-based therapies. These therapies can help the individual understand the underlying causes of their addiction and develop coping strategies to prevent relapse.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Certain medications, such as antidepressants, may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that may have contributed to the addiction.
- Aftercare and recovery support: This can include ongoing therapy, support groups, and other resources to help the individual maintain their recovery and prevent relapse.
It is important to note that addiction is a chronic disease, and relapse is possible. Therefore, long-term support and continued treatment are often necessary to maintain recovery.
Can people fully recover from chronic methamphetamine use?
Recovery from chronic methamphetamine use is possible but can be challenging and long-term.
The damage caused by regular methamphetamine use can be physical and psychological, and the recovery process may involve addressing these types of damage.
Chronic use of methamphetamine can cause damage to the brain, including changes in the structure and function of specific areas, which can affect memory, mood, and cognitive function. These changes can persist even after an individual stops using the drug, and they may make it more difficult to overcome addiction and return to everyday life. However, with proper treatment and support, individuals can progress in recovery.
Behavioural therapies and counselling can help address the underlying psychological and social factors that lead to drug use. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It is important to note that recovery is an ongoing process, and relapse is possible. Long-term support and continued treatment may be necessary to maintain recovery. It's also essential to have strong social support and surround yourself with positive, supportive, healthy people.
Supporting groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can also benefit those in recovery.
It's also worth mentioning that recovery can be different for everyone, and it's not always a linear process. It can be challenging, but with the right help, support and determination, individuals can recover and live a healthy and fulfilling life.
"Breaking the chemical dependence on a substance requires medical support from a person's GP or an addiction medicine specialist. Many people choose to detox at home, with a combination of family and professional support. Some people choose to detox within a residential detox facility, call us now to discuss your options." - Jason ASV Home and Residential Detox Melbourne 2023.