What Is Liquid Meth?
Liquid meth, a liquified form of methamphetamine, is a dangerous and highly addictive substance that can have serious consequences for those who use it. Treatment for liquid meth addiction should involve medical, psychological, and social support to ensure long-term recovery success.
Knowing the signs of liquid meth abuse and how to seek treatment for addiction are key steps toward recovery. In this blog post, we will discuss what liquid meth is, how it’s used, the symptoms of its abuse, and available treatments for those struggling with addiction to this powerful substance.
If you or a loved one is struggling with liquid meth addiction, Zinnia Health can help. We offer a variety of addiction treatment services specifically tailored to those in need. Call our helpline 24/7 at (855) 430-9439 to get started.
Definition of Liquid Meth
Liquid meth is a liquified form of methamphetamine. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), methamphetamine, or “meth,” is a highly addictive and dangerous synthetic central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug.
Commonly referred to as crystal methamphetamine, “crystal meth” or “ice,” this illicit drug can have long-term health ramifications, even culminating in death. Methamphetamine can be smoked, snorted, injected, and consumed orally. In some cases, users mix this drug with other substances for a heightened effect.
What Is the Drug’s Effect on the Body?
SAMHSA also reports that amphetamine drug use can create a fleeting sensation of joy, alertness, and vigor. This is because meth use amplifies dopamine, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain.
Dopamine plays an important role in body movement, motivation, and stimulating positive behaviors. When taking meth, dopamine is released into the brain’s reward centers at a much faster rate than normal, making people crave it again and again.
Meth also accelerates bodily processes to hazardous extremes, escalating blood pressure and heightening heart rate and respiration levels.
Excessive methamphetamine use may lead to an array of negative psychological effects, including:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Hallucinations
- Intense mood swings, leading to violent behavior
In the long term, meth can cause these side effects:
- Weight loss
- Brain damage
- Meth mouth (pronounced tooth decay)
A report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns of the specific dangers of injecting methamphetamine mixed with another substance.
In 2020, a man arrived at an emergency department in New Jersey,` reporting blurred vision, double vision, a drooping eyelid, and difficulty swallowing. A day or two before his symptoms began, he had injected methamphetamine mixed with water from a bottle that had been open in his home for an unspecified period of time. The man was diagnosed with wound botulism, a rare form of poisoning caused by bacteria.
For those struggling with drug abuse, Zinnia Health offers a road to recovery that can help you or your loved one regain control. Our treatment programs include counseling, medical detox, medication management, and support groups so you can achieve successful sobriety. If you’re ready to take the first step towards treatment for yourself or someone close to you, our 24/7 helpline is here for you. Call (855) 430-9439 to start today.
Why Do People Use Meth?
According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, while methamphetamine may be employed as a secondary treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity, it is primarily associated with recreational usage.
Methamphetamine was discovered in 1893 when a Japanese chemist combined two distinct chemical components: dextromethamphetamine and levomethamphetamine. During the 1930s, American physicians began prescribing it as a bronchial inhaler and nasal decongestant. Eventually, it was employed to treat obesity too.
Because of its recreational misuse and neurotoxic impact, American doctors rarely prescribe it nowadays. Fortunately, there are now medications with the same level of effectiveness but drastically reduced risks.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies methamphetamine as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means it has some accepted medical uses but also carries significant potential for abuse and addiction.
The DEA also notes that after prolonged exposure to low levels of meth, up to half of the dopamine-producing cells in the brain can become damaged.
Treatment for Liquid Meth Addiction
The following are treatment options for people with a liquid meth addiction:
1. Detoxification
Detoxification is the first step in treating liquid meth addiction. It involves removing toxins from the body and reducing withdrawal symptoms. This process can be done medically or naturally, depending on individual needs.
Medically-assisted detox includes medications to help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremors and seizures
- Raised body temperature
Natural detox may involve dietary changes to reduce toxin levels in the body and physical activity to promote healthy blood circulation throughout the body.
2. Therapeutic Interventions and Support Groups
After completing a successful detox program, individuals struggling with liquid meth addiction should consider enrolling in therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or motivational interviewing (MI).
These behavioral health therapies focus on helping individuals identify triggers for their substance use disorder and develop coping skills that enable them to make healthier choices when facing difficult situations.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps patients recognize damaging thought patterns and replace them with more positive ones. For example, a person may learn to replace the thought “I’m doomed” with “I can figure this out.”
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT helps patients understand and manage their emotions more effectively. For example, someone may learn to recognize their triggers and the warning signs of an impending relapse, and then develop skills to manage the situation without resorting to substance use.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
MI can help people recognize the benefits of abstaining from substance abuse and develop a plan for achieving their goals. For example, someone may identify the steps they need to take to remain sober, such as attending support group meetings or engaging in healthy activities.
Support Groups
Support groups can also provide valuable resources for individuals seeking recovery. Mutual aid groups, such as 12-step programs, can offer safe, judgment-free spaces to share experiences and receive support from peers in recovery. These meetings often feature educational components that help participants better understand their addiction and provide additional coping skills.
3. Medication-Assisted Treatment
In some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be used alongside other forms of treatment for those suffering from liquid meth addiction. According to the National Institutes of Health, in a clinical trial of adults suffering from moderate or severe methamphetamine use disorder, the combination of injectable naltrexone and oral bupropion was found to be safe and effective.
The research suggests that this therapy has the potential to supplement current treatments, including CBT and contingency management.
If you or a loved one is fighting the difficult battle against meth addiction, Zinnia Health is here to help. We understand that no two people are the same and create individualized meth addiction treatment options to best fit each person’s needs. Give us a call at (855) 430-9439 for immediate assistance.
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