Methamphetamine, or meth, is a potent stimulant drug often used illicitly in the form of crystal meth, which, as the name suggests, resembles small crystals or rocks. Using the drug puts you at risk of various side effects, ranging in severity. One of the most detrimental mental health effects of methamphetamine is a condition known as meth psychosis. Learn the risk factors for meth psychosis and how to recognize if you are someone else is experiencing this condition so you can seek the appropriate help.
The long-term effects of meth can ruin your health and well-being, but you can overcome addiction by enrolling in treatment at My 5 Palms. Our meth rehab in sunny Florida provides you with a comprehensive treatment plan combining the most effective behavioral therapies and medications for your recovery needs. Call us at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one put a stop to meth addiction.
What Is Meth Psychosis?
Meth psychosis is a term used to describe the development of psychotic symptoms in a person who misuses methamphetamine. Anyone misusing meth, crystal meth, or the FDA-approved methamphetamine medication Desoxyn—used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD—is at risk of meth psychosis, especially when taking high doses or misusing the drug over a long period.
Symptoms of meth psychosis include:
- Aggression – Becoming violent or combative
- Agitation – Becoming irritable or restless
- Delusions – Having beliefs that are not based in reality
- Hallucinations – Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- Paranoia – Feeling suspicious or fearful of others
- Thought broadcasting – Believing others know what you are thinking
Since these symptoms can also mimic the serious mental health condition schizophrenia, it is important to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and relevant treatment.
Causes of Meth Psychosis
Meth psychosis is due to the way methamphetamine impacts the brain. As a powerful stimulant, methamphetamine increases dopamine levels in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and reward. This fuels the desire to keep using the drug, and over time, the brain chemistry will change, causing severe alterations in one’s perception and cognitive function.
Factors that increase the risk of developing meth psychosis include:
- Taking large doses of meth
- Using meth recreationally
- Using meth long term
- Taking meth at a young age
- Using meth when you have schizophrenia
- Having a genetic predisposition to psychotic symptoms
- Using other addictive substances alongside meth
- Having a co-occurring mood disorder like bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder
If you have risk factors for meth psychosis, you should seek the guidance of a meth rehab if you have trouble discontinuing the drug.
The Long-Term Effects of Meth
Meth psychosis can wear off within hours or days of taking the drug, although in severe cases, the condition can last for months or years. In addition, there are other long-term effects of meth to consider, such as:
Physical Effects
Chronic meth use is most well known for causing tooth decay, a condition known as “meth mouth.” Those who hallucinate when under the influence of meth may also develop skin sores from scratching their skin since they might imagine insects are on or under their skin. Some people who use meth long term also lose a significant amount of weight.
Mental Health Effects
Since meth causes changes in the brain, people who use this drug may experience memory loss, inability to pay attention, and difficulty with decision-making. They can also develop mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
Get Help for Meth Addiction Today by Calling My 5 Palms
When you are in the grips of meth addiction, quitting can feel virtually impossible. My 5 Palms can help you get through the challenges of withdrawal through a combination of medications and therapies designed to minimize symptoms and address the underlying contributors of meth misuse. We also offer dual diagnosis treatment since mood disorders and other mental health conditions are known to contribute to the incidence of meth psychosis. Find out more or enroll in meth rehab by calling us at 1.844.675.1022 or filling out our online form.
