A few years ago, a woman shared with Marie Claire, a website that publishes stories related to fashion, beauty, politics and more, her story of living with methamphetamine addiction. She explained that there was one point in time when she found herself waiting for an ambulance because she’d overdosed and couldn’t feel her legs or arms. Just a few short days later, she overdosed again; she stated:
“When I tried meth for the first time, I knew the nature of my disease. I knew that the minute I put the drugs into my body my brain would respond with uncontrollable obsession. I knew that the meth would hijack my frontal lobe…getting more drugs would become my one and only concern.”
It’s been estimated that around 1.6 million people have used methamphetamine within the past year; the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that an estimated 964,000 people had a methamphetamine use disorder in 2017, and more and more lives are being put at risk with this in mind. Addiction is an obvious long-term risk for those who experience methamphetamine abuse, but there are many other repercussions as well. For example, functional and molecular changes in the brain can lead to anxiety, confusion, mood disturbances, violent behavior or psychosis.
Psychotic symptoms can sometimes last for months or even years, and a number of crucial functions can become disrupted from methamphetamine abuse, such as:
- Emotion
- Memory
- Learning
- Motor Speed
- And more
Addiction essentially forces a person to lose out on the things that matter most to them – even if it involves a well-established career, a loving family or a successful hobby. Recovery is the only way to restore these processes; if you’re ready to speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu, call us today.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 844-857-5992 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you – it’s never too late to begin taking steps towards a happier, healthier life.
