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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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Methamphetamine Addiction and Pregnancy

Methamphetamine, also known as meth, crank, ice and speed, is sometimes prescribed by a physician, but is usually always used illegally. Meth can be used in a variety of ways: it can be smoked, inhaled, injected and snorted. The drug works by sending chemicals to the brain make people feel good, mimicking their natural reward system. It also acts as a stimulant on the body (much like caffeine), causing an increased heart rate, increased sweating, a loss in appetite, anxiety, paranoia and dizziness. Overdoses of meth can also lead to death or - some might argue even worse - brain damage. Additionally, chronic users can suffer from many problems that casual users don't suffer from, and it is easy to become addicted. The drugs are not only addictive to the woman, but also to her unborn child if she takes them while she is pregnant.

The Canyon is a full-service rehab center that provides patients with the tools that they need to break their addiction and get back to a healthy, normal life. With help from the staff and physicians, both traditional and nontraditional treatments are used to help patients both break their crystal meth addiction and maintain abstinence.

Methamphetamine Addiction and Pregnancy: Birth Defects

One of the worst side effects of taking methamphetamines are the birth defects it can cause if taken during pregnancy. Because of this possible devastating effect on the unborn child, it should not be taken while you are pregnant. Other problems these drugs can cause include things like premature births, miscarriages and problems with the child during its newborn period such as trouble eating, jitteriness and trouble sleeping. There is no safe level of methamphetamines known, and since it is an agent of drug abuse, it should be avoided especially during pregnancy. Because the baby's brain is in development during the entire pregnancy, mental defects can arise if these drugs are used at any time during the pregnancy.

How Methamphetamine Addiction During Pregnancy Affects The Birth

The major problem with babies who are exposed to methamphetamines during the prenatal cycle is being born too early and too small. Babies who are born too early have problems with many of their body's systems, since they haven't had enough time to fully develop. There is also the possibility for an increase in SIDS in children who are exposed to methamphetamines.

Methamphetamine Addiction and Pregnancy: Babies Born Addicted to Crystal Meth

If a woman uses methamphetamines during pregnancy, the babies can show signs of going through withdrawal symptoms after being born. These can include difficulty eating, being jittery and having trouble sleeping.

Methamphetamine Addiction and Pregnancy: Has it Hurt Your Baby?

The best thing to do if you are using methamphetamines and you are pregnant or you think you are pregnant is to stop using them. If you are concerned, your doctor can offer options to check for birth defects. Once your baby is born, you should consult a pediatrician about your history and seek treatment advice.

Methamphetamine Addiction, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Methamphetamines also get into breast milk and can be found in the body of babies who breastfeed from women who take methamphetamines. The best thing to do if you are breastfeeding, just as if you are pregnant, is to stop taking methamphetamines immediately.

Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment During Pregnancy at The Canyon

At the core of The Canyon's Healing Life Program is the goal to help you reconnect with your authentic relationship with life by helping you develop a positive relationship with yourself. Traditional and nontraditional drug treatments are used to help you break free from your meth addiction and reclaim your life. You can do it, and The Canyon can help at .

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