People who use methamphetamine experience an increase in the amount of dopamine in their brains. Dopamine plays a role in body movement, motivation, and the reinforcement of rewarding behaviors. Because it can quickly release high levels of dopamine in the brain’s reward areas, meth can make the individual want to repeat their drug use as it reinforces drug-taking behavior.1
Methamphetamine is powerful and highly addiction, but it doesn’t have to control your life. If you think that you or someone you care about may have a problem with meth, it’s important to know that treatment is available so that people can overcome their addiction. This article will help you understand meth addiction, symptoms, and explain the treatment and support available for someone with a meth addiction.2
Yes, meth is highly addictive. If an individual who is using meth stops taking it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms including:1
The release of dopamine in the reward circuit is a defining feature of addictive drugs. The high levels of dopamine that is released through meth use is believed to play a role in the drug’s harmful effects on nerve terminals in the brain.6
There are various health risks that may result from meth abuse. A meth overdose can result if an individual has a toxic reaction after taking more meth than the body can handle.
Meth users may experience two different types of overdoses:7
Effective treatment and support are available to help people dealing with meth addiction and substance use disorder (SUD).8 Treatment may be obtained through private rehab, via state or local treatment programs in either an inpatient or outpatient setting, through support groups, or in various other ways.
For more information about methamphetamine abuse and addiction treatment, you may want to reach out to your doctor. Or you can contact one of our admissions navigators at for the information and support you are looking for as you look for meth abuse treatment.
There are various treatment programs and strategies available for meth addiction, so don’t give up if the first program you check out doesn’t meet your individual needs.
