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Click here to read "Addressing the Complexities of Chronic Pain," by Dr. James Gagne, an internist at The Canyon. The article was published in Marin Medicine Magazine. (This link is provided solely for educational purposes.)

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Effects of Crystal Meth Addiction

Crystal meth has many different effects on the body. Some of these effects include addiction, brain damage and psychotic behavior. Damage done to the brain is similar to the damage done in the brains of sufferers of Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy victims and stroke victims. Chronic users can experience even more problems with their mental and physical states, such as anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, delusions, violent behavior, aggressive tendencies and even moderate to severe paranoia. Symptoms of withdrawal from the drug include anxiety, depression, fatigue, aggression and intense cravings for crystal meth.

The Canyon provides drug addiction rehabilitation for patients who want to break free from their addictions and go on to lead a normal, healthy life. The Canyon understands that addiction is a disease, and with a certified and highly trained staff working with you, they'll help you defeat the disease and get on with your life.

Types of Crystal Meth Addiction

In general, people who have a crystal meth addiction suffer from three types of abuse: low intensity abuse, binge abuse and high intensity drug abuse. A low intensity abuse addict is a person who is not psychologically addicted to the drug, but instead uses it once in a while, usually by snorting or swallowing the drug. Binge and high intensity abusers, however, are psychologically addicted to the drug, and usually smoke or inject it. This allows them to get faster and stronger highs than swallowing or snorting it does. Although (as far as we know), meth does not create a physical addiction in the user, it does create an extremely powerful psychological addiction that is very difficult to break.

How Crystal Meth Affects the Brain

Meth has an effect by increasing arousal in the CNS (central nervous system), and achieves this by increase levels of two neurotransmitters, the main one of which is dopamine. In low quantities, meth increases the user's alertness and blocks hunger and fatigue, and in higher quantities, meth causes euphoria and exhilaration. In very large quantities, meth can cause agitation, bizarre behavior and paranoia. These effects can last anywhere from six to eight hours, and after the initial high, there is usually a period of high agitation that can lead to violent behavior.

Psychological Effects of Crystal Meth Addiction

Paranoia, emotional mood swings and anxiety are common effects from meth. Other symptoms include the following:

• Severe paranoia and extreme suspicion
• Visual hallucinations
• Sound hallucinations
• Suicidal tendencies
• Aggressiveness
• Irritability

Physical Effects of Crystal Meth Addiction

Some physical effects include short term memory loss, wild rages, mood swings and damage to the immune system. Others include the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Long periods of sleep
• Welts on skin
• Involuntary body movements
• Shortness of breath
• Hyperactivity
• Severe depression
• Itching
• Prolonged sluggishness

Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment at The Canyon

The Canyon's Healing Life Program focuses on helping you rediscover an authentic relationship with life by helping you develop a positive relationship with yourself. Trained staff and therapists, using a combination of traditional and non-traditional drug treatments, will help guide you on your journey from addiction to recovery and abstinence. Some of the therapies and treatments include expressive therapy, psychodrama, ropes/adventure therapy, and individual psychotherapy. In addition, family, group and individual counseling/therapy sessions help patients recover in the setting that best suits them. In-house chefs are also on hand, working with the finest quality organic ingredients to create a diet that will aid in your recovery, both mentally and physically. Regardless of your situation, The Canyon is here to help at , and we are committed to your well-being and success.

Articles on Crystal Meth Addiction

• Methamphetamine Addiction and Crystal Meth Labs
• Methamphetamine Addiction and Pregnancy
• How Methamphetamine Can Become Addictive
• Interventions for Crystal Meth Addiction
• Effects of Crystal Meth Addiction