Across the United States, millions of people have used the drug methamphetamine, otherwise known as meth or crystal meth. Many of those people are so young that they’re still in the 8th grade.
Now, using meth can come with a multitude of consequences, not the least of which is that its use can alter brain chemistry and warp someone’s mind to the point that they develop mental disorders.
It’s crucial to address meth use before it gets to that point. At Luxe Recovery LA, we offer treatment for people who are struggling with substance use disorders, including the use of meth.
A Brief Overview of Meth Addiction
Meth addiction is a condition in which a person feels a strong compulsion to use meth. This is because they are physically and psychologically dependent on it due to chronic use.
Being addicted to meth is not a simple question of willpower or just saying no to the drug. Rather, addiction is a complex disease with causes that are not yet fully understood.
One major driver for addictive behaviors is mental health. Many people with mental health disorders turn to substances such as meth to cope with their symptoms because they cannot access the resources to treat them healthily.
However, one of the effects of meth abuse is that it can worsen pre-existing mental health conditions like schizophrenia, and it can even cause meth users to develop psychosis symptoms such as paranoia and hallucinations.
What is Meth Psychosis?
Meth psychosis is a severe mental health condition that can occur as a result of chronic meth use. Meth-induced psychosis can be a distressing condition to experience.
This form of psychosis may also lead to erratic or dangerous behavior. It can also be challenging to treat, often requiring a combination of medication and therapy to address both the immediate symptoms and the underlying causes related to drug use.
Symptoms of Meth Psychosis
Meth users who experience psychosis are at risk for some psychotic symptoms. Some of the symptoms of methamphetamine psychosis include:
Hallucinations
People who experience meth psychosis can have visual, auditory, and even tactile hallucinations. One notable tactile hallucination that is often associated with meth use is meth mites.
This is when a person using meth may feel the sensation of bugs crawling on or under their skin, which can lead to intense scratching that can result in wounds and sores.
Delusions
Delusions are when a person has strong beliefs that are not rooted in reality. In meth use, this can manifest as believing that other people are out to get you, believing that you’re inherently better than everyone else, or that you’re the target of persecution.
Disorganized Thinking
People who abuse meth can have difficulty with organizing their thoughts and speaking coherently. This can lead to fragmented speech, confusion, and erratic behavior. They may also have trouble concentrating on things.
Mood Disturbances
An individual in the middle of meth psychosis can have fluctuations in their mood. These fluctuations range from extreme euphoria and excitement to profound sadness or anger. Mood swings can be rapid and unpredictable, contributing to emotional instability.
This emotional instability can also manifest as increased irritability, restlessness, and aggressive behavior. People may become easily startled, impulsive, or confrontational in their interactions with other people.
Trouble Sleeping
Insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns are common during meth psychosis. People have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or may stay awake for extended periods. Other symptoms may be exacerbated by troubled sleep.
Hyperactivity
Meth-induced psychosis may cause excessive energy, restlessness, and hyperactivity. This can lead to frenetic behavior, rapid speech, and an inability to sit still or relax.
What Causes Meth Psychosis?
The main cause of meth psychosis is the chronic use of meth. Meth use can result in a number of effects that can contribute to developing symptoms of psychosis. These effects include:
Dopamine Overload
Meth can significantly increase the release and block the reuptake of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation.
This surge in dopamine can lead to intense feelings of euphoria and increased energy. However, prolonged use can overwhelm the brain’s dopamine receptors, which contributes to psychosis and other psychiatric symptoms.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance
Methamphetamine also affects other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Disruptions in the balance of these neurotransmitters can contribute to mood disturbances, hallucinations, and cognitive impairments that are characteristic of psychosis.
Neurotoxicity
Long-term use of the drug can induce neurotoxicity, damaging neurons and neural pathways in the brain. This damage can contribute to the development of psychotic symptoms and cognitive deficits.
Bingeing and Withdrawal
Episodes of heavy meth use over a short period, followed by periods of withdrawal, can increase the risk of psychosis. Withdrawal from meth can trigger psychotic episodes due to neurochemical imbalances and withdrawal symptoms.
Meth Psychosis and Schizophrenia
Individuals with pre-existing mental health disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or certain personality disorders, may be more susceptible to developing methamphetamine psychosis.
The drug can interact with underlying vulnerabilities, leading to the onset or exacerbation of psychotic symptoms.
With schizophrenia, there can be an overlap in symptoms, which can make diagnosis and treatment difficult. People with schizophrenia can also aggravate the severity of their symptoms when they use the drug.
How Long Does Meth Psychosis Last?
It can be hard to predict how long meth psychosis lasts. This is because it can vary from one user to another. Early intervention and treatment can impact the duration and severity of meth psychosis.
Treatment approaches can include medical detox, medication (such as antipsychotics or mood stabilizers), therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or supportive counseling), and substance abuse counseling.
In some cases, meth users may experience long-lasting or permanent changes in brain function, even after psychosis subsides.
These effects can include cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and increased vulnerability to future episodes of psychosis or mental health challenges.
Treatment Options for Meth Psychosis
Treating meth psychosis will usually require a multi-pronged approach that begins with a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess the patient’s overall health and if they have any complications as a result of their addiction to meth.
Detox
People who have acute methamphetamine intoxication or withdrawal symptoms may have to go through medical detox. This process involves supervised withdrawal in a controlled medical setting to manage symptoms and ensure safety.
Medication
Antipsychotic medications may be used to manage symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. These medications help restore neurotransmitter balance in the brain.
If mood disturbances or agitation are notable, mood stabilizers such as lithium or anticonvulsants can be used to stabilize mood and reduce impulsive behavior.
Medications to help people sleep may be recommended to address sleep disturbances common in methamphetamine users.
Therapy
Individual or group counseling can provide emotional support, education, and guidance for managing mental health symptoms, substance use triggers, and interpersonal challenges.
Addiction Treatment for Meth Use
A pivotal part of treating meth psychosis is to stop meth use. This means that an addict may have to check into a treatment center for inpatient treatment for their meth habit or enroll in an outpatient treatment program.
Interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies can help treat substance use behaviors and promote abstinence.
Social Support
People struggling with meth addiction can often feel isolated and alone. As such, it’s important for them to have strong social support structures to provide emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during recovery.
Get Help From Us to Treat Meth Addiction
One thing that makes meth and similar drugs so dangerous is the way they can alter a person’s mind. People with meth addictions can look in the mirror and find that they no longer recognize the person staring back at them.
A person can lose themselves in their addiction. But that doesn’t mean they can’t find their way to who they were. Meth addiction can be a season of a person’s life, and seasons change.
If you’re seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one, contact us now and we can begin the recovery process. We take most forms of insurance.
