What Does Using Crystal Meth Feel Like?
Methamphetamines have become one of the most widely used substances within American culture. Due to its highly addictive nature and low cost to purchase, many individuals have become addicted to methamphetamine. Meth users experience an increased risk of having a decline in physical health and mental health due to the toxic chemicals that are in a dose of meth.
With the many health risks associated with chronic methamphetamine abuse, many wonder what the effects of meth are that draw people in and make it difficult for people to stop taking it. People who use methamphetamine will often feel a rush of euphoric feelings that have been described as a “feeling like no other”. Individuals will feel a false sense of confidence and happiness along with increased energy and alertness. The effects of methamphetamine within the brain cause an increase in dopamine levels which leads to higher levels of happiness or “feel good” emotions. As these feelings fade as your high diminishes, it leaves people who use methamphetamine searching for a similar feeling by using another dose of meth leading to chronic methamphetamine abuse.
What to Expect During a Meth High
People who use methamphetamine will experience 7 stages of their meth high or experience that can contribute to becoming addicted to meth.
- The Rush- This stage is characterized by the initial effects of meth that occur after taking the drug. The individual will experience symptoms of meth use such as abnormal heart rate and changes in metabolism. Methamphetamine abusers will feel the effects of meth rush for up to 30 minutes.
- The High- This stage comes after the rush and is characterized by the methamphetamine abusers feeling aggression or becoming fixated on an insignificant object or task. The effects of meth high will last anywhere from 4 to 16 hours.
- The Binge- This stage occurs when methamphetamine abusers’ high begins to reduce and the drug abuse starts to search for a way to chase the feeling of a meth high again. Individuals will begin engaging in drug abuse in large quantities searching for the same feeling.
- Tweaking- When methamphetamine abusers begin the tweaking stage, this becomes the most dangerous stage of the meth experience. Individuals will reach this stage after they no longer feel the effects of meth high or binge. Methamphetamine abusers will begin to feel intense feelings of loneliness or despair followed by intense feelings of itchiness or as though there are bugs crawling under your skin. This stage is when individuals can exhibit violent behaviors and disillusioned thinking.
- The Crash- This stage occurs when the methamphetamine abusers begin to feel a physical crash after a binge. Meth users will experience long periods of sleep as the body tries to deal with the effects of meth on physical functioning. The crash can last 1-3 days.
- Meth hangover- Meth users will emerge from a crash feeling exhausted, dehydrated, and starved from having a decreased appetite throughout the meth experience. This stage can last 2-14 days.
- Meth withdrawal- Symptoms of meth withdrawal can include depression, loss of energy, and an inability to feel pleasure. Symptoms of meth withdrawal have the potential of being painful and difficult to manage which is why many meth users will return back to their methamphetamine addiction.
Meth Addiction Treatment Programs at TruPath
At TruPath, we provide meth users with a comprehensive addiction treatment program that will support them in overcoming their addiction to meth through evidence-based therapy methods. When people stop taking meth, there may be symptoms of meth withdrawal that should be treated within drug detox. Our team will support you in overcoming the physical effects of methamphetamine dependence to meth and reducing any severe drug cravings while gaining perspective on the underlying causes of meth addiction. Through inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab, patients will participate in behavioral therapies, dual diagnosis treatment to treat co-occurring disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression, trauma therapy, and 12-step programs to support them in successfully overcoming their meth addiction to enter into a life of addiction recovery free of substance abuse. Contact TruPath today to hear more about the effective treatments that will be provided to support you in overcoming your addiction to meth.