Meth Addiction: Signs, Effects, & Treatments

Meth addiction is a clinically diagnosable condition, a stimulant use disorder, in which an individual is physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially reliant upon methamphetamine. Use continues despite a desire to stop or in the face of serious personal and social consequences. Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive substance with severe consequences. Professional intervention is almost always required for successful recovery.

Signs & Symptoms of Meth Use

Shortly after using methamphetamine, the individual will likely display signs such as hyperactivity, paranoia, or aggression.¹ The euphoric “high” and subsequent come-down happen quickly with some variation based on how the stimulant is consumed.² While actively using, they will likely begin isolating themselves or associating with a new social group.

According to Dr. Ralph A. Weisheit, a Distinguished Professor of Criminal Justice at Illinois State University, “Meth is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that is not instantly addictive but is, for most who try it, instantly pleasurable. That sense of pleasure includes a feeling that they can do anything. The higher the dose the greater the pleasure, but the worse the depression that follows when the effects wear off. This depression can be countered by taking more meth.”¹⁰

Symptoms of meth use include include:³

• Using over a longer period or more of a substance than intended
• Expressing persistent desire to regulate or cut down use or have attempted to do so
• The exertion of significant time and effort to obtain, use, or recover from use of the substance
• Craving or a strong desire to use the substance
• Recurrent use that may interfere with fulfilling major role obligations
• Persistent or recurrent social problems or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by substance use or effects of substance use
• Social, occupational, or recreational activities reduced or eliminated due to the use of the substance
• Use of substance in physically hazardous situations
• Continued use despite knowledge of its persistent and recurrent negative physical or psychological consequences
• Tolerance
• Withdrawal

Meth addiction follows a similar progression and symptoms as other addictive disorders. Diagnostic criteria for any addictive disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are marked by two or three symptoms indicating a mild condition, four or five indicating a moderate condition, and six or more indicating a severe condition.³

What Are the Effects of Meth Use?

Methamphetamine significantly increases dopamine, the neurotransmitter that activates the pleasure pathway. At first, people use methamphetamine because it induces a euphoric sensation that can’t be achieved any other way, which makes it a big risk factor for being abused. For those who become addicted, the first high is so gratifying that they continue to chase it in circles.

Weisheit notes, “Addicts can experience serious health and social consequences. Meth speeds up the heart while restricting blood vessels. This can lead to hyperthermia. In extreme cases paranoia may turn into psychosis that includes auditory and visual hallucinations and feelings of persecution. Paranoia may lead the addict to separate themselves from friends and family who do not use. Meth may magnify any existing violent tendencies. Death from using meth is not common and is most often from suicide as a result of depression as the effects of the drug wear off.”

In an animal study assessing dopamine levels, researchers found that sex caused dopamine to increase from 100 to 200 units, cocaine caused an increase to 350 units, and methamphetamine caused an increase to 1,250.⁴

Short-Term Effects of Meth Use

There are a number of short-term effects of meth use including quite a few physical signs like trembling, headaches, and insomnia. Any one or a number of these symptoms may be present at any given time. The more symptoms present, the increased likelihood that one is under the influence.

Short-term effects of meth may include:^5,6

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Enlarged pupils
• Increased energy
• Feeling of euphoria (a “high”)
• Aggressive behavior
• Trembling
• Bad headaches and dizziness
• A “comedown”
• Insomnia
• Stomach cramps
• Reduced appetite
• Blurred vision
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Jaw clenching and teeth grinding

Long-Term Effects of Meth Use

Eleven long-term effects of methamphetamine can be broken down into physical and psychological categories.

Long-term physical effects of meth use are:²

• Respiratory issues
• Heart disease
• Liver failure
• Rotting teeth
• Kidney failure
• Malnutrition
• Premature aging
• Birth defects reproductive issues
• Skin infection seizures
• High blood pressure
• Sudden cardiac death

Long-term psychological effects include:²

• Impaired cognition
• Memory loss
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Depression
• Anhedonia
• Aggression
• Psychosis

Addiction may also lead to a methamphetamine-induced disorder such as anxiety or depression. It can also function as a co-occurring disorder with a previously held diagnosable mental health disorder. When it comes to co-occurring disorders, symptomatology of one condition reinforces that of the other, compounding the severity of each.

Meth Withdrawal

Methamphetamine withdrawal is physically and emotionally painful. The severity of withdrawal varies depending on the amount of meth used and duration of use. The onset of withdrawal relatively occurs within the first day of abstinence and reaches its peak around seven to 10 days, slowly tapering off from there.⁷ Accordingly, the average duration of withdrawal is about two weeks.⁷

Commonly reported and observed withdrawal symptoms include:⁷

• Hopelessness
• Sadness
• Depression
• Muscle weakness
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Lack of motivation
• Anxiety
• Insomnia despite exhaustion
• Headache from dehydration
• Muscle pain, especially in the jaw from clenching

All the while, one struggles with cravings, which incite further physical and emotional suffering.⁷ For many who are addicted to methamphetamine, they use it merely to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. This negative reinforcement cycle makes it difficult to stop.

Treatment for Meth Addiction

Given the severity of meth addiction, a comprehensive recovery effort is often necessary. This may include medical detox, residential treatment, and a transition into intensive outpatient (IOP) with group living, outpatient counselling, and support groups. It is important to recognize that methamphetamine addiction is a chronic illness that is treatable but not curable. Intentional and consistent efforts across the duration of one’s life are most promising.

Rehab

Rehab generally begins with a medical detox followed by a residential stay. Time in rehab varies but is recommended anywhere from 30-90 days. The duration of time that one has been using, to what extent, and their presenting condition all influence treatment recommendations. While in rehab, one is closely monitored, which restricts accessibility to methamphetamine and other substances of abuse.

Patients maintain a daily schedule that is usually composed of group and individual counseling, prosocial activities, psychoeducation, healthy meals, and medication management (as appropriate). There may also be opportunities for family involvement (patient and counselor willing).

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) is less restrictive than residential treatment but more restrictive than traditional outpatient therapy. By attending part-time, patients may continue tending to other life obligations while still having a heavy focus on recovery.

IOP is generally 10-12 hours per week and varies depending on one’s schedule. This is sometimes combined with group living (e.g., a halfway house) and support groups. IOP is reserved for those with higher levels of functioning and the appropriate social support to keep them accountable.

Support Groups

Although support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) may be attended without formal therapy, they do serve better during the initial states of recovery as an adjunct to professional treatment. The power of a group is that members form comradery, exchange meaningful stories, hold each other accountable, and share resources.

As one progresses through recovery, there is an opportunity to become a sponsor, too. At this level, the individual is accountable for the sponsee as well. This task is to be taken seriously and helps numerous individuals maintain their recovery efforts long-term.

Medications

Though pharmacological treatments for meth addiction are still under rigorous study and review, several have demonstrated efficacy toward reducing and curbing cravings.⁸ With co-occurring disorders, these may be used with other psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants). It is important to consult with a prescribing physician who is an addictions specialist.

How to Get Help for a Meth Addiction

Begin by searching for treatment that is accessible, affordable, and meets individual needs as best as possible. Focusing on finding a good fit minimizes dropout while maximizing successful outcomes. Emailing or calling to ask questions can help move one in this direction. Above all, the most important thing is intrinsic motivation. Without this, the uphill battle can be even more challenging or seemingly impossible.

Although treatment centers and providers offering methamphetamine specific treatment vary by location, there are options available in-person and online. With a condition as serious as meth addiction, it’s recommended to participate in in-person treatment. Online options are generally offered as virtual support groups that are more useful for those in the maintenance phase of recovery or those who have used minimally without yet becoming addicted.

How to Get Help for a Loved One

Getting help for a loved one with meth addiction follows a similar progression; the key difference is encouraging them to participate. Outside of specific legal and safety concerns, adults must give consent to enroll in treatment. As such, you may have to thoughtfully encourage them to attend. With minors, parents and guardians may elect for involuntary commitment, but they are encouraged to be as supportive as possible throughout the process.

Weisheit encourages, “Anyone with concerns should learn at least the basics about meth, its effects, and treatment. They should also be sure to take care of themselves by joining family support groups. Those groups don’t need to be specific to meth but can relate to addiction in general or to other substances. For example, Al-Anon focuses on alcohol but can be a useful when a meth or stimulant specific program is not available. Knowing what kinds of programs are available can be helpful when the addict is ready to change. It is important to be supportive without being enabling.”

Family and friends of people with addiction issues can also be negatively impacted. In these cases, seeking separate support for oneself is encouraged. Support groups such as NarAnon or attending individual counseling may help significantly.

Meth Addiction Statistics

Though statistics for meth addiction are generally lower than for other substances, the numbers are still alarming. In a compilation of peer-reviewed studies, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported a series of statistics.

Here are five relevant meth addiction statistics:

• According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 1.6 million people (0.6% of the population) reported using methamphetamine in the past year, and 774,000 (0.3%) reported using it in the past month. The average age of new methamphetamine users in 2016 was 23.3 years old.
• An estimated 964,000 people aged 12 or older (about 0.4% of the population) had a methamphetamine use disorder in 2017—that is, they reported clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home as a result of their drug use. This number is significantly higher than the 684,000 people who reported having methamphetamine use disorder in 2016.
• The 2018 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of adolescent drug use and attitudes reported that about 0.5% of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders had used methamphetamine within the past year. Use of methamphetamine by adolescents has declined significantly since 1999, when this drug was first added to the survey.
• The Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) provides information on admissions to substance abuse treatment facilities that are licensed or certified by state substance use agencies. According to TEDS data, nationwide treatment admissions for methamphetamine misuse dropped from 68 per 100,000 individuals in 2005 to 49 per 100,000 in 2015.
• An important caveat to these national numbers is the degree to which they mask regional variability. While methamphetamine is available across the US, highest availability is in the western and midwestern regions of the US; more than 70% of local law enforcement agencies from the pacific and west central regions of the United States report methamphetamine as the greatest drug threat in their area.⁹

Final Thoughts on Meth Addiction

Meth addiction is a serious condition that can destroy lives, families, and entire communities. It is not the type of drug to be used casually, as the progression toward addiction is rapid and catastrophic. To best treat methamphetamine addiction, the most comprehensive form of treatment is recommended as quickly and for the longest duration possible.