Can Meth Cause Mental Illness?

Methamphetamine, more commonly known as crystal meth, is a popular synthetic drug that significantly contributes to the overall drug problem in the US. Data shows that methamphetamine use disorders (MUD) increased by 62% in the period 2015–2019, and its contribution to overdose-related deaths increased by 43% in the same period. 

Meth addicts face many negative consequences of their drug abuse, both physical and mental health. A question often asked is, can meth cause mental illness? We would like to help you get the answer. Keep reading to learn about the effects of meth, its connection to mental disorders, and how to prevent or address meth use problems. 

Remember, although methamphetamine use is a great problem for both individuals and the public, it can be properly addressed with meth rehab in California. Early handling of addiction can be crucial for avoiding the detrimental and potentially lethal consequences of this drug use.

Understanding Methamphetamine (Meth)

Methamphetamine (meth, or crystal meth) is a highly addictive synthetic stimulant impacting the central nervous system. It is a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Due to its classification as a Schedule II stimulant by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, meth is only legally available with a non-refillable prescription. 

Meth is rarely prescribed, and it´s most frequently illegally obtained. There are many street names for it, with speed, uppers, meth, crystal meth, chalk, ice, glass, Christmas tree, and crank being only some of them. 

Meth can be used in various ways. It can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally, and it is often used with other substances. Smoking and injecting get it quickly into the bloodstream this way, causing a rush immediately. The effect, however, lasts only a few minutes. Snorting or oral use cause euphoria, but only 3-5 minutes after consumption. Effects are longer: 15-20 minutes. Over time, people using meth can change their method of use, amount taken, and frequency of use. 

Being highly addictive, its use is likely to result in dependency and later addiction, heavily impacting the lives of users and their loved ones. There are many negative health consequences, some of which are irreversible. Seeking professional help from rehab centers in California in the earliest stages of struggles with meth can prevent potentially lethal consequences.

Can Meth Cause Mental Illness? Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Meth Use

Meth use can have a variety of effects. Some of them are immediate, and they are usually the reason people lean into using it again. Euphoria is one of the immediate effects, as is the dopamine rush in the reward circuit that teaches the brain to repeat the pleasurable activity, in this case, meth abuse.  

Here are the most prevalent short-term meth use effects: 

• euphoria and rush
• increased attention and decreased fatigue
• increased activity and wakefulness
• decreased appetite
• increased respiration
• rapid/irregular heartbeat
• hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)

There are also long-term effects, some of which can be detrimental. Meth use will undoubtedly have both physical and psychological consequences. Chronic meth use can result in these long-term consequences even if someone stops using the drug:

• Permanent damage to the heart and brain
• High blood pressure which leads to heart attacks, strokes, and death
• Liver, kidney, and lung damage
• Anxiety, confusion, and insomnia
• Paranoia, hallucinations, mood disturbances, delusions, or violent behavior (psychotic symptoms can sometimes last for months or years after meth use)
• Intense itching that causes skin sores from scratching
• Premature osteoporosis
• Severe dental problems

The psychological effects of meth use are often the reason people wonder can meth cause mental illness.

Can Crystal Meth Cause Mental Illness?

Can meth use cause mental illness? It is a common question for chronic meth users. It´s a question that piques the interest of the research community as well, as there are higher rates of certain psychiatric states among crystal meth users. The connection between meth use and mental disorders can be linked to meth´s impact on the nervous system. 

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Meth easily penetrates the central nervous system (CNS) and impacts several neurochemical systems. Its effect on dopamine can explain addiction. The impact on both dopamine and serotonin is related to the impaired ability to experience pleasure, often resulting in depression. Other than depression, research shows that anxiety and psychosis are the most commonly reported mental illnesses among meth users. 

Methamphetamine can induce psychosis, which is characterized by hallucinations and persecutory ideation. Symptoms typically last a few hours, but in some cases, they can be prolonged and resemble schizophrenia. The history of mental illness, as well as other factors associated with heavy meth use, can explain higher incidences of psychosis among meth addicts. Even after a person stops using meth, the symptoms of psychosis can reemerge with repeat usage or in stressful situations. 

So, can crystal meth cause mental illness? Yes, by impacting brain chemicals and damaging the CNS.

Treatment and Recovery from Meth Addiction

Treatment for meth dependence and addiction is a process that requires external, professional support. Each rehab center employs its own approach, and we at We Level Up California take a holistic approach when treating any substance addiction and its comorbidities. This means we aid the body, mind, and spirit and employ a variety of evidence-based and alternative therapies for maximum effect. 

To start a substance abuse disorder treatment program, a program for drug detox California ought to be the first step. Detox aims to cleanse the body of the substance and its metabolites and prepare a person for therapies and treatments further required for full rehabilitation.

For those struggling with methamphetamine addiction, a specifically crafted medicine-assisted meth detox California is the approach that will give the best results. 

Detoxification on its own is not enough to overcome the substance abuse problem. The next step should be tailored psychotherapy sessions that would help identify underlying issues and causes of addiction. A therapist would work with you on replacing dysfunctional thinking patterns and maladaptive behaviors with functional ones. Additionally, group therapies might be suggested, such as family counseling or support groups. They are a great way to get a sense of belonging, understanding, and support.

Finally, a long-term plan will be developed for you to keep you in check even after you leave We Level Up CA facilities. Alumni programs, ongoing therapy, and regular check-ins can be some of the steps required for a long-term recovery. 

Meth addiction treatment is a long-term commitment and requires a lot of resources on your end. Luckily, insurance companies can help with the financial side of the treatment. We work with the majority of insurance providers. If, for instance, you have BCBS California drug rehab insurance, your meth treatment may be fully or partially covered, depending on your insurance plan. Knowing this, you can focus your energy solely on your recovery.

The Connection Between Homelessness and Meth Use

Substance abuse and homelessness often co-occur. As the prevalence of mental illness among homeless people is high, one might wonder about the interconnection and further strengthen the need to know can crystal meth cause mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 26% of homeless people in the US struggle with a drug addiction. 

The connection between homelessness and drug addiction is a two-way one. A person might become homeless due to their addiction and the costs related to it. A person can also become a meth addict as a way to escape the reality of being homeless.

Unfortunately, the homeless are often outside of any support system, making it impossible to address their meth addiction problem. Knowing their co-occurring conditions and nearly impossible life circumstances, they would benefit the most from a comprehensive treatment.

Help for Meth Users

Meth use can destroy your life and the lives of your loved ones. It can quickly take over, make you dependent, and cause severe negative health consequences. And now you know the answer to the question: can meth cause mental illness?

The earlier you react to your meth use issues, the higher your chances of achieving full recovery and avoiding those physical and mental health problems that can arise from heavy and prolonged meth use. Still, it´s never too late to react to a drug addiction. With professional help and care, you can find the strength in yourself to overcome meth addiction.

Call We Level Up California and learn how to get your life back on track and live to your full potential.

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Voluntarily testimonials from the We Level Up Treatment Center network vary. Not intended as a guaranteed treatment or outcome as each person's journey is unique.