The Buddha famously said, “You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” Yet, many people struggling with addiction forget this reality. This can be especially true for those struggling with the effects of meth use.
Better Understanding Methamphetamines
Many people may have heard of meth but are unfamiliar with what methamphetamines exactly are. According to the publication, Methamphetamine, by Doctors Yasaei and Saadabadi, “Methamphetamine is one of the powerful stimulants of the central nervous system (CNS). It is sometimes used as a second-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity; however, methamphetamine is better known as a recreational drug … Due to illicit trafficking and recreational use of racemic methamphetamine, levomethamphetamine, and dextromethamphetamine, the agent is a schedule II controlled substance in the United States and the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances.”
Meth is also one of the most addictive substances that you can use. People have described feeling addicted even after only one use. Like other addictions, once addicted, the individual loses control of the choice not to use.
It is also important to understand that meth addiction is not some type of moral failing or “choice.” It is a disease. In fact, meth addiction has more in common with other chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease than it does with a lifestyle choice. Meth addiction is also a “family disease,” which means that it affects everyone it comes into contact with, not just the one who is struggling. However, while perhaps they are the most affected, the family also has some of the best opportunities to find help for a loved one. But they must know the signs and the symptoms to watch for.
The Signs and Symptoms of Meth Use
Meth has some serious side effects. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “[Methamphetamine] can also cause serious negative health effects, including paranoia, anxiety, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, stroke, or even death. Long-term use may lead to insomnia, memory loss, development of a substance use disorder, and other health problems. Methamphetamine, taken alone or combined with fentanyl, contributes to the overdose crisis in the United States.”
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of meth use are going to vary based on the individual. However, there are some more universal signs. The following are just a few:
- Isolating away from family and friends
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Extreme and sudden weight loss
- Grinding one’s teeth and clenching one’s jaw
- Feeling anxious, nervous, and jittery
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness (depression)
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Committing self-harm or harming others
- Having suicidal ideations
As you can see, these can be very serious symptoms. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible can be critical. It can also help you to avoid the long-term cognitive effects of meth use.
The Negative Cognitive Effects of Meth Use
There are many negative cognitive effects of meth use. The cognitive side effects of meth use can be vast and varied. Essentially, the brain breaks down over time, both literally and regarding one’s consciousness.
The cognitive effects of meth use also lead to negative occupational, academic, and social consequences. Over time, you may begin to struggle at work (which can lead to termination), struggle at school (which can lead to expulsion), and struggle at home (which can lead to isolation).
Recovering From the Effects of Meth Use
The good news is that there are many effective treatments for recovering from the effects of meth use. These treatments may come from the realm of experiential therapy, holistic healing methods, and psychotherapy.
Psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help because they get to the essential underlying issues that lead to meth use. It is important to remember that it is less about the meth and more about what causes one to use the meth.
CBT can be particularly effective for meth recovery because it makes the individual an “active participant” in their recovery. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Cognitive Therapy and Research, “Consistent with the medical model of psychiatry, the overall goal of treatment is symptom reduction, improvement in functioning, and remission of the disorder. In order to achieve this goal, the patient becomes an active participant in a collaborative problem-solving process to test and challenge the validity of maladaptive cognitions and to modify maladaptive behavioral patterns.”
Finding Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
Recovery is out there. It’s time to go and get it!
Many people only see the negative physical effects of meth addiction (because they can be so pronounced). However, there are serious cognitive side effects of meth use that aren’t as visible. The good news is that there is always time to recover from meth use, no matter how severe the negative effects have become. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about methamphetamines and how to best recover from addiction, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
