Crystal methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant, is a dangerous substance which can induce severe mental health problems. Any dormant mental disorder can flare up with methamphetamine abuse. It stimulates the central nervous system and can cause severe social, occupational, legal and health predicaments.

Meth accelerates the pace of transmission of messages to and from the brain to abnormal level. Its abuse is associated with a host of conditions, like stroke, anxiety, depression, violent behavior and psychosis. One can smoke, snort, swallow or inject meth which triggers an adrenalin rush in users and gives a sudden gush of energy.

Meth can exacerbate symptoms of any co-occurring disorder and can come in the way of faster recovery of patients of dual diagnosis.

Meth alters brain functionality

Meth use can drastically alter the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. It can increase the activity of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure, motivation and numerous motor functions. A surge in the dopamine level results in heightened feelings of pleasure. This euphoric and pleasurable feeling can motivate the user to repeatedly use the substance. Chronic use of meth can result in memory impairment, learning disability, psychomotor impairment or problems in processing information.

Effects of meth on depression

Among meth users, depression is one of the most common co-occurring mental disorders. Most of the meth users have a lifetime history of depression. Depressed people mostly remain secluded and severely lack motivation. Use of meth for a prolonged period can worsen the condition, making the treatment more difficult. Depression and meth use can up the risk of self-harm in patients and can trigger suicidal thoughts.

Effects of meth on psychosis

Psychosis and schizophrenia are common problems among meth users. Since symptoms of meth-induced psychosis are similar to symptoms of schizophrenia, the risk of a misdiagnosis is high. This, in turn, can hinder and delay the treatment. Psychosis triggered by the use of meth needs intensive and lengthy treatment and may also instigate criminal behavior in users.

Meth use and anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorder is a common occurrence in meth users, both during the abuse and the withdrawal period. The most common anxiety disorders found among these people are social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Meth users with an anxiety disorder are more likely to be hospitalized than those meth users without an anxiety disorder.

Meth use and ADHD

Those identified with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more prone to meth use because of a previous exposure to stimulants. To treat symptoms of ADHD, patients are administered drugs like Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse, which are also stimulants. Thus, some of them may get dependent on these drugs and go on to abuse them beyond prescribed period. Since the effects of meth are similar to that of these drugs, people tend to abuse meth. ADHD is common in meth users, presenting a case for dual diagnosis.

Recovery roadmap

Long-term abuse of meth can result in severe complications that can turn fatal at times. Chronic use may exacerbate conditions and make treatment intervention difficult. So seeking treatment at the earliest is the solution. Not only for meth, addiction of any substance is perilous and capable of jeopardizing the lives. And when it is accompanied by a mental condition, the quandary gets worse.

Hence, if a loved one is in the grip of any substance addiction and is also suffering from a mental condition, seek immediate help from the California Dual Diagnosis Helpline. You may call at our 24/7 helpline number 855–980–1736 to know about the best dual diagnosis treatment in California where recovery is comprehensive and long-term. Call today and avail the services of the top-of-the-line dual diagnosis treatment centers in California.