Statistics about
Methamphetamine use

1.7 MILLION

ADULTS AGE 26 OR OLDER IN THE U.S. ARE METH USERS, ACCORDING TO A NATIONAL SURVEY ON DRUG USE AND HEALTH.

11 MILLION

AMERICANS HAVE TRIED METHAMPHETAMINE AT LEAST ONCE

16,500

OVERDOSES

BETWEEN 2009 – 2019

5 Fast Facts about Methamphetamine

1

Meth use, whether injected or not, raises your risk for infectious diseases like HIV or hepatitis b & c.

2

Methamphetamine may worsen HIV progression and exacerbate cognitive problems from HIV.

3

Persistent stimulant use can lead to cognitive problems as well as other health issues, such as cardiac and pulmonary diseases.

4

Studies have shown structural and functional changes in the brains of chronic meth users.

5

While some neurological effects of chronic meth use are long lasting, some effects are at least partially reversible by abstaining from the drug.

Symptoms of Methamphetamine Addiction

Increased quantity or frequency of alcohol use

High tolerance for alcohol

Strong cravings to drink alcohol

Unsuccessful attempts to reduce

Drinking to inappropriate

Needing alcohol to function in everyday life

Hiding alcohol

Short Term Effects of Meth Abuse

- - Decreased appetite
  - Faster breathing
  - Rapid/irregular heartbeat
  - Increased blood pressure- dehydration
  - Sleep deprivation
  - Increased activity and wakefulness
  - Hyperthermia

Long Term Effects of Meth Abuse

- - Anxiety
  - Confusion
  - Insomnia
  - Mood disturbances
  - Memory loss
  - Weight loss
  - Violent behavior
  - Severe dental problems

Symptoms of Methamphetamine Withdrawal

When a long-term user of meth abruptly stops the drug, they will experience
withdrawal symptoms, which can include:

DEPRESSION

ANXIETY

FATIGUE

INTENSE CRAVINGS

SUICIDAL IDEATION

Symptoms of Methamphetamine Overdose

A meth overdose is a clear sign of a substance abuse problem and should be followed up by a professional addiction treatment once the person has been stabilized

TROUBLE BREATHING

SEIZURES

SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK OR STROKE

KIDNEY FAILURE

HYPER OR AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR

Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction

No matter how bad an addiction is, there is always hope for recovery with the right treatment. If you or someone you know is addicted to meth, there is help available.

1

Detoxification

Treating methamphetamine addiction requires detoxification. The detoxification process depends on the individual’s level of addiction to meth. For people with moderate addiction, detox can be done on an outpatient basis. More serious meth addictions will require detox to take place in an inpatient setting, such as a hospital or treatment facility, due to risk or relapse and the severity of withdrawal symptoms. If necessary, medications can be prescribed to help with detoxification and withdrawal symptoms, such as naltrexone.

2

Behavioral Therapy

Once detoxification is complete, the patient will need to participate in a treatment program to maintain their sobriety and address the psychological effects of meth addiction.

- Cognitive behavioral therapy– helps individuals recognize their reactions to emotional or environmental triggers and therefore stop an impulsive response, such as drug use.
- The Matrix Model– a 16-week program of behavioral treatment that includes behavioral therapy, individual counseling, group counseling, family education, the support of the 12-step philosophy, drug testing, and motivation to opt for non-drug-related activities.
- Contingency management – an approach in which recovering drug users are rewarded for negative drug tests.

3

Maintenance

- Support group work
- Inpatient care
- Outpatient support

Statistics about Methamphetamine use

1.7

MILLION