Top 10 Reasons to Quit Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug. Meth spikes central nervous system function, leading to high levels of energy and excitability. Dopamine levels within the brain spike suddenly, leading to feelings of euphoria. However, because the high doesn’t last long, those that experiment with the drug will usually take more within a short time period to prolong the high. When the drug wears off the user will experience a physical and psychological crash. In order to prevent this crash, the user might take even more meth. Because this vicious cycle happens so quickly, those that experiment with the habit-forming drug – even once – are prone to developing a serious addiction.

In 2014, the National Treatment Episode Data Set reported that for every 100,000 American adults, 53 were receiving drug addiction treatment in an inpatient facility. However, this number is small in comparison to those who are addicted to meth and who have not yet sought professional help. If you have been struggling with a meth addiction but haven’t yet reached out for help, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 reasons why quitting sooner rather than later is definitely the best route to take!

Top 10 Reasons to Quit Meth

1. Chronic meth use will cause permanent brain damage.

Meth affects the chemical makeup of the brain, and repeated use can lead to permanent damage. The National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that long-term meth abuse leads to psychological disorders like paranoia, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression. Some psychological symptoms will resolve over time once a person gets sober, but some brain damage will be permanent. The sooner you quit using meth, the more likely your brain will be to regenerate.

2. Those using meth are likely to end up in the emergency room repeatedly.

In 2014, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a report that confirmed emergency room visits related to meth abuse rose from 67,954 in 2011 to 102,961 in 2011. Since then numbers of emergency room visits have continued to rise. The sooner you quit using the meth you sooner you stop losing control of your actions, which are erratic and might severely injure you or those close to you.

3. Meth causes erratic behavior, often leading to legal issues.

Those who are addicted to meth will exhibit erratic behavior, ranging from violent outbursts to mood swings and an inability to weigh potential consequences. Meth causes people to act in ways they would never act if they were sober. A combination of irrational thinking and erratic behavior lead to legal issues. Some crimes commonly committed by meth addicts include:

Robbery and theft.

Meth abuse causes financial issues, and many meth addicts will turn to theft in order to support their habits.

Resisting arrest.

Meth users can’t feel pain the way that other people can – they run on pure adrenaline. Because of this it sometimes takes between 4 and 5 law enforcement officers to contain them.

Battery and assault.

Meth abuse leads to violent tendencies, and meth users often become hostile. Physical strength increases while inhibitions are diminished.

Illicit substance violations.

Many meth addicts attempt to make the drug themselves in home labs. Pseudoephedrine is one of the chemical substances used in making meth. It can be found in many over-the-counter medicines, and most states limit the amount of pseudoephedrine products that someone can purchase in a day.

Violent crimes.

Meth users often experience hallucinations and extreme paranoia, causing them to engage in violent behaviors.

4. The sooner you quit meth, the sooner you will be able to stop living in constant fear of legal issues.

5. Your physical appearance will be completely destroyed.

Meth abuse causes major changes to appearance. Meth is an appetite suppressant that leads to extreme weight loss. Those that use meth are inclined to pick at their skin, leaving open wounds, sores and scabs. Eyes become sunken-in and permanent damage to the nasal cavities can occur if meth is being snorted. Injecting the drug can lead to collapsed veins. Tooth decay is very common, leading to what is widely known as “meth mouth.” Quitting meth will allow you to look and feel like yourself once again.

6. Meth-related overdose is more common than people think.

There is a common misconception that you can’t overdose on meth. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Meth is one of the top 10 drugs responsible for the most overdose-related deaths throughout the country. Those who experience acute meth overdose will have a dangerously increased heart rate, fever, and chest pains that could lead to a heart attack or stroke. When you quit meth you will no longer have to worry about putting your body through the ringer on a daily basis and potentially losing your life as a direct result.

7. Drug addiction compromises your interpersonal relationships.

When you’re actively using meth or any other drug you won’t be able to give other things the time and attention they deserve – your entire life will revolve around getting high. This means that your relationships with your family members and friends will suffer immensely. Every relationship is a two-way street, and when you’re focusing all of your attention on something else there’s no way you can be there for your loved ones. Getting clean means that you’ll be able to mend your interpersonal relationships and be the son, daughter, parent, husband, wife or sibling that you were always meant to be.

8. There are studies that show the long-term effects of meth abuse on the body.

Studies show that long-term meth abuse doesn’t just cause permanent brain damage, it leads to a host of serious health-related conditions down the line. The National Institute on Drug Abuse published a report on meth stating that the drug leads to diseases like Parkinson’s. The sooner you quit meth the sooner you ensure yourself a healthy and happy future.

9. When you quit using meth, you’ll gain control of your life.

You won’t realize how unmanageable things have gotten until you start to regain control of your life. Sobriety allows you to take back and reclaim things you didn’t even realize you’d lost. You’ll be able to go where you want when you want and pursue your passions without any hesitation.

10. There are other addicts out there that need to hear your story.

One of the most beautiful parts of recovery is your newfound ability to help other people. When you get clean and sober and work through a 12 step program, you’ll be able to help those who are where you once were, and need advice and support. Through helping others you’ll learn your worth and understand the true importance of overcoming meth addiction. You aren’t just doing it for you – you’re doing it for everyone that needs you.
You can achieve any goal that you set.

While active in your addiction you might have dreamed of doing certain things, like traveling the world, pursuing your passions, or even abstaining from use for just one full day. When you get sober you’ll find that with a solid program of recovery you’ll be able to meet any goal that you set. You will finally be capable of anything.

Meth Addiction Recovery

Because meth is such an addictive and all-consuming drug, kicking a meth addiction may seem like an impossible feat. Our program of meth addiction recovery has helped even the most “helpless” addict successfully overcome addiction and go on to become a successful and essential member of society. For more information on our meth addiction treatment program give us a call today.