Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth is a powerful, very addictive drug. As a stimulant, it affects the central nervous systems and alters the brain chemistry. The drug takes the form of a white, somewhat transparent, and bitter-tasting powder. Meth can easily dissolve in alcohol and water Street names of methamphetamine include:
Medical use of meth
How Meth is usedMethamphetamine, as powerful stimulant comes in various forms and users either:
How fast meth can act on the system
Drug OverdoseChances of drug overdose increase when users fall in this binging occasion. They take too much of the drug in a small span of time. This can create a toxic reaction that leads to serious, more detrimental effects on the users which often results to coma even death.A drug overdose can lead to:
Methamphetamine Abuse in the country
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A lot of people mix up amphetamine and methamphetamine, no surprises there, as both drugs are similar in several ways. Even if they may sound alike there are huge differences between the two. It is important to understand they the two are not the same drug. Each one affects the body differently and produces different side effects. AmphetamineAs a central nervous system stimulant, amphetamine affects the brain chemicals and nerves which control hyperactivity and impulse control. The drug has been around for a long time. Doctors prescribed amphetamine to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The drug is also used to treat Narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder.MethamphetamineMeanwhile, methamphetamine or meth is derived from amphetamine. Over the past years, methamphetamine gained popularity as a recreational drug because of its highly addictive properties and addiction rates.History of the two drugsThe origin of both drugs can people in understanding the difference of amphetamine and methamphetamine.AmphetamineThe drug was developed during the 1900s but was not used until 1920s. During the early days of discovery, doctors use amphetamines to treat several illnesses like:
MethamphetamineMethamphetamine comes from amphetamine and was discovered in the 1950s. Before reports of its highly addictive properties, doctors used to prescribe the drug as a medical treatment for:
Research shows how dangerous the drug is, these include:
Similarities of the Drug: Deadly and AddictiveBoth drugs are central nervous system stimulants, increasing the user’s ability to stay awake and energy levels. Also, they affect the brain chemicals and functions, resulting in a production of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can cause to more psychological problems compared to other drugs.Other Side Effects include:
Withdrawal symptoms of both drugs include:
Other physical symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal include:
Amphetamine
Methamphetamine
The article What is the Difference between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine | West Palm Beach is republished from detoxofsouthflorida.com/blog from Best Florida Rehab Centers | Florida Detox Alcohol Centers - Feed https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/amphetamine-methamphetamine-difference/ from https://detoxofsouthflorida1.tumblr.com/post/162556238714 Cocaine came from the leaves of the coca plant or Erythroxylon Coca. For thousands of years, South American People ingested and chewed coca leaves because of the stimulating effect it produces. Cocaine tops the list as one of the most potent drugs in the world. When a person starts to use cocaine, it is almost impossible to break free from its deadly grip. Cocaine contains properties that can affect both the physical and mental aspects of an individual. Cocaine can over-stimulate brain receptors and nerve endings that can create a euphoric feeling or intense ‘high’. Black market dealers call cocaine in names which include:
Several Uses of Cocaine in the PastPeople use cocaine hydrochloride, the refined chemical form for more than a century. In the early 1990s, several tonics and elixirs contain this drug as their main ingredient. These tonics use to treat several diseases. Back in the days, Coca-Cola used to mix cocaine in their famous drink. Physicians use the drug before the discovery of synthetic local anesthetic to block pain for medical procedures. But over time, studies shows that cocaine contains addictive substances that can affect the structures and the function of the brain if used constantly.Government Controlled SubstancePresently, the United States Food and Drug Administration or FDA labeled cocaine as a Schedule II drug. This means cocaine contains properties that have a high potential for abuse. However, doctors can still use the drug for valid medical reasons like as local anesthesia for ear, throat and eye surgeries. As a recreational drug, cocaine looks like a fine, translucent and crystalline powder.Types of CocaineUsers misuse two chemical types of cocaine, the freebase cocaine or water-insoluble cocaine and the water-soluble (hydrochloride salt) type. The drug can also take the form of small white rocks. Users process this type of cocaine using ammonia or baking soda to get rid some of the impurities from the drug referred to as “freebasing”. Then they will let the rest of the mixture to dry to rocks. In the black market, these rocks are sold in small bags and smoked. The term crack refers to the crackling sound when users the mixture is heated and smoked. Crack cocaine contains the same addictive properties and side effects but is less expensive than its powdered counterpart. In its powdered form, users snort or dissolved cocaine and inject it into the bloodstream. When consumed, cocaine in this form can cause euphoria, extreme alertness, and energy. Others mix the drug with a flammable solvent which separates the impurities and inhale the vapors. Some users mix it with heroin, a mixture known as a speedball because of the intense rush high that it gives.A super expensive habitPowder cocaine is an expensive habit, people spends billions of dollar worldwide to funds their addiction. A single user can spend thousands of dollars in a short period of time because the drug can cause binges. Along with cocaine abuse, users may also use other substances and even prostitutes as a part of their high-spending lifestyle. Cocaine does not provide a long-lasting effect; in return, users may take it more frequently to get the desired high effect. This often leads to tolerance and users may need higher doses to get the same effect.One deadly powderCocaine abuse can cause several deadly effects such as panic attacks, psychosis, hallucinations, and paranoia. Excessive use of cocaine can lead to death because of stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, heart attack and respiratory failure. Even children of cocaine-addicted mothers suffer addiction when they came into this world. The drug can also cause several birth defects if the mother uses cocaine during pregnancy. However, despite the dangerous effect of cocaine, it still prevalent in most areas.Facts about Cocaine:
What is Cocaine? is republished from detoxofsouthflorida.com from Best Florida Rehab Centers | Florida Detox Alcohol Centers - Feed https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/cocaine-definition/ from https://detoxofsouthflorida1.tumblr.com/post/162424499989 A lot of people are saying that stopping addiction or drug addiction is not possible if the person will not undergo rehabilitation. However, few people still believe about quitting addiction without rehabilitation. Recovery from such challenges is still possible and many succeeded going through this road less traveled. Let’s try to explore on the thought of stopping addiction without going through rehabilitation. One of the main ingredients or components in wanting to stop addiction without going through any drug rehabilitation center is YOU. A lot of health experts and physicians would say that in order for an addict to stop, they must first be willing to stop. So the key to your rehabilitation without being confined to any rehabilitation facility is yourself. Psychologists would often say that addiction is caused by the person’s inability to cope with different situations in their life, such as depression, stress, anxiety, and problems. If the key factor to stopping addiction is yourself, you may need to bear the following things in mind: Your reason to change.The hardest and greatest motivator is your reasons to change. The most successful people are those who are able to discover their deepest WHY? Questions like: Why do I want to stop using drugs? Why do I want to change? This is a major factor that would determine your success in quitting the addiction. Knowing your deepest why and having that motivation of wanting to do whatever it takes in order to change your life and stop using drugs totally would be the best start to stop addiction without rehabilitation.Set your goals.If you really want to change, you need to set your goals and determined to finish it. In setting your goals, you have to bear in mind that your goals should be: Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. Setting your goals would give you a roadmap of how things are going to be. Goal-setting is essential because this is the blueprint of what you want to happen in your life. As successful people often say, if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.Focus.Just like in any other goal, you have to focus. There might have been previous attempts where you failed, previous scenarios when you said you want to quit, but then, when you start doing it, you slide back. If you focus on your goal of really wanting to quit, no matter how many times you slide back, you would always get back on your feet and try again.Change your environment.One of the things that often let you slide is due to the environment that you have. If you keep living in an environment that lures you into using drugs, then the tendency is that you would go back into using it. Changing your environment includes changing your friends. If your friends are the ones influencing you to use drugs, then take them out. Changing your environment means changing the people you interact with, changing the places that you go to, and totally removing all the stuff that would remind you to go back to use drugs again.Have a Support Group.Having a support group is essential if you would want to stop your drug addiction and resolve not to go back into it. Your support group can be your family, your best friend, or a colleague who has your best interests in mind. You should let them know of your desire, and keep an open communication with them so that during times when you feel like you want to go back into using drugs, they can provide you the appropriate support that you would need to prevent you from going into a relapse.Know your triggers.In every feeling, scenario, or moments when you wanted to use drugs, there will always be triggers. The important thing in your journey towards a drug-free life is knowing what triggers you to think of going back into the use of drugs. Knowing your triggers would allow you to avoid falling into those triggers. This can be associated with the previous topic where you would need to change your environment. Knowing what your triggers are would allow you to include this in the things that you need to change in your environment.Therapy.Therapy is also one effective solution to stop drug addiction. Since experts say that addiction is something that is triggered by our mental state, the best way to be able to fight it is through different therapy sessions. Some psychologists would even recommend going into hypnotherapy just to help a person remove their dependency on drugs. Some even state that drug addiction is just like an alcohol addiction or smoking addiction. People tend to use drugs because of some wrong belief or conception which should be changed and the only way to change it is through therapy. There are several other types of treatment that one can explore and find out about. There is no single treatment applicable for each drug dependent who wants to change and thus, it would be wise for one to explore his options in terms of seeking treatment, whether it be a medical treatment or psychological treatment. Last, there are several reasons that would want you to stop your addiction and dependency on drugs so just think of the positive impact it can have in your life, such as:
Stopping Drug Addiction without Rehabilitation is republished from https://detoxofsouthflorida.com from Best Florida Rehab Centers | Florida Detox Alcohol Centers - Feed https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/stop-drug-addiction-without-rehabilitation/ from https://detoxofsouthflorida1.tumblr.com/post/162385085649 Definition of CocaineCocaine is a strong stimulant mostly used as a recreational drug. It is commonly snorted, inhaled as a smoke, or as a solution injected into a vein. Historically speaking cocaine is being used as a topical anesthetic in eye and nasal surgery. Also as a result of improper use, one of the major disadvantages of the drug can cause vasoconstrictor activity. As well as a threat for a potential for cardiovascular toxicity. To control cravings of cocaine, Western medicine has long since replaced it with synthetic local anesthetics such as:
Duration of Cocaine in our SystemCocaine is a very fast-acting central nervous system stimulant that produces an intense but short-lived euphoric high, lasting for only 15 minutes to an hour. Usually, cocaine levels peak in the blood about 30 minutes after in gestation. However, this depends largely on how it’s taken.
What to test in order to obtain if someone has used or using cocaine?Cocaine can also be detected in the blood and saliva for an average of 12-48 hours after last use. Unlike many other intoxicants, cocaine will stay in a person’s sweat for an extended period of time, up to several weeks. It can also be found in a user’s hair for years after an individual stops taking the drug. However, urine is the most preferred method of testing for most medical facilities and in any legal situations. Anyone who regularly needs to be tested for cocaine is likely to have an addiction disorder. After a single use of cocaine, metabolism creates agents of the drug which are detected in a person’s urine for 2-4 days. However, for some chronic users, or if it follows a heavy binge, cocaine can be detected in urine for up to 12 days. The length that urine tests are effective also depends on the size of the dose and the purity of the substance. Extremely high doses can cause cocaine metabolites to be detectable for up to 3 weeks. If you’re wondering how long after last using cocaine that a drug test will be able to detect the drug in the body, the answer to that will depend on:
How Cocaine Stay in the System was originally published to Detox of South Florida from Best Florida Rehab Centers | Florida Detox Alcohol Centers - Feed https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/cocaine-in-the-system/ from https://detoxofsouthflorida1.tumblr.com/post/162345501364 The key player in addiction Yes, there really can be too much of a good thing. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain that relays feelings of pleasure to the brain when we engage in an enjoyable behavior or activity. While human beings inherently rely on dopamine to reinforce survival behaviors such as eating and procreating, this brain chemical also happens to be the key player in addiction. Out of Control Dopamine Activated by such things as eating certain foods we love or engaging in romance, dopamine signals the brain that a reward is on its way. When we engage in these pleasurable activities, dopamine sends its chemical message to the brain — the association between the stimulus and the reward become hardwired, a process called conditioning. This stimulus and reward pattern allows the human species to survive. But when it comes to drug or alcohol use, dopamine levels are released at five to ten times the normal level, flooding the mood center of the brain. The user’s brain associates the extreme rush resulting from the spiked dopamine levels with using the drug of choice, reinforcing the desire to repeat using it. Ultimately, the brain requires more and more of the alcohol or drug to achieve any feelings of pleasure at all, resulting in compulsive drug-seeking behaviors. Dopamine and Addiction Most drugs target the brain’s reward system, activating a surge of dopamine that overwhelms the brain. In response, the brain produces lower levels of dopamine and reduces the number of brain receptors. Ongoing drug or alcohol use will eventually impact the brain circuits and neurons, potentially causing permanent damage in the brain. The user will attempt to achieve feelings of pleasure at any cost, ramping up dosage levels and frequency of use, further cementing the drug dependency. The increased tolerance to the drug and the elevated level of addiction can become life threatening. Overcoming Addiction and Healing the Brain Thankfully, the plasticity of the brain enables it to change and rewire itself. Just as addiction produces unhealthy brain pathways through the dopamine-driven reward system, new neural road maps can be developed using holistic methods such as mindfulness training and meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Basically, retraining the brain to respond differently to thoughts or triggers can, in time, change brain chemistry. Changing ingrained neural pathways takes effort and patience. New behaviors have to be practiced and learned. New thought processes take time to become routine. Learning how to be present and utilize new relaxation tools takes practice. Over time, the pathways that were once active during addiction will wither up as new pathways are formed. SMART Recovery meetings can teach you self-empowering tools and techniques that will help you to maintain the motivation to make the changes you choose in your life, while you also learn how you can control your urges. Brain health can be improved concurrently with therapy by embracing a healthy diet that feeds brain cells. A strong association exists between nutrition and brain health, including cognitive functioning and mental health. Centering the diet around lean proteins like fish and turkey, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and pasta, nuts, and seeds will help restore brain health at the cellular level. About the author: With 35 years of experience working in the behavioral health field, Shelly Tichelaar understands the needs of her clients. Shelly is the C.E.O. and Executive Director at Ranch Creek Recovery, a non-12-step, residential addiction recovery program in California. She provides high-quality treatment by keeping client caseload low, offering holistic and experiential therapies, and working closely with a highly experienced treatment team. from http://blog.smartrecovery.org/2017/06/27/dopamines-role-in-addiction/ Drug Relapse: Ways on Preventing ItRelapse is one of the common challenges people who want to stop their drug addiction habit. Wanting to stop drug addiction takes time, patience, and practice. Often than not, people who have undergone drug rehabilitation slide back and go back to their drug addiction. Relapse though does not mean that the rehabilitation failed or that their stint did not work. Relapse is sure to happen when the same triggers of addiction re-appear. Relapse does not happen automatically and people who want to stop addiction should understand that prior to relapse, they undergo several stages. There are three (3) stages of drug relapse, namely:
How to Prevent Relapse | Okeechobee was originally published to https://detoxofsouthflorida.com from Best Florida Rehab Centers | Florida Detox Alcohol Centers - Feed https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/drug-relapse-prevention/ from https://detoxofsouthflorida1.tumblr.com/post/162303871149 Methamphetamine or popularly known as meth is a powerful synthetic central nervous system stimulant. It can generate short but rapid euphoric high, causing the user to seek more because of the sudden crash. The drug contains extreme addictive properties and deadly effects on the body. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration classified meth as Schedule II substance under the US regulations for drugs. Possessing and selling of the drug makes it highly illegal in the country. How users take MethUsers usually smoke meth in a small glass pipe or prepare it for intravenous injection. Even though the two methods are different from each other, it can both reach the brain very quickly. Compare to smoking meth, injecting it directly into the bloodstream is the fastest way to get high, as it reaches the brain more rapidly. When the drug rushes to the brain quickly it immediately causes euphoria. Along with this intense ecstasy sensation, users will often show signs of active energy. Some of the health effects of Meth abuse are as follows:
Long-term abuse of meth can cause:
Factors that affect the Length of Time for Detecting MethThere are several factors that play a vital role in detecting meth in the system. Usually, it takes about 2-10 days for the body to excrete all traces of the drug. However, these several factors can determine how fast the body can flushed meth or how long the meth stays in the system.
How the body Metabolize MethOne of the most important factors for detecting meth is how the body metabolizes the drug. When users take meth, the body immediately starts to metabolize the drug. Here are the stages on how the body metabolizes meth:
Meth and Various Drug TestsMeth, a fast-acting stimulant does not linger in the system for very long. Depending on the dosage of the drug, it can last for about 8-24 hours. The user’s body chemistry can also affect the duration of meth in the system. The drug has a plasma half-life of 12-34 hours. This means that it usually takes 12-34 hours for the body to process meth by half in the user’s blood.Urine TestUrine test typically detects meth up to 72 hours from the last drug intake. But for heavy, long-term meth users can still linger in the system and the test can detect the drug up to a week. When users ingest the drug, the liver and kidney can immediately process it. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, up to 54% of the drug passes out of the body unchanged.Saliva TestA saliva swab can detect meth from 1 to 4 days after the user’s last dose.Hair TestSynthetic drugs including meth can stay in the user’s hair for a longer period of time. The test can turn out positive for meth up to 90 days from the last use. In summary, drug tests can detect meth in different ways which include:
How Long Methamphetamine Stay in your System See more on: Detox of South Florida’s Blog from Best Florida Rehab Centers | Florida Detox Alcohol Centers - Feed https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/methamphetamine-in-the-system/ from https://detoxofsouthflorida1.tumblr.com/post/162263351559 It is a known fact that the brain serves as the most dynamic and complex organ in the body. Weighing about three pounds, the brain consists of gray and white matter that oversees all bodily function. The proper functioning of the brain ensures our very survival. In summary, the proper functioning of the brain ensures our very survival. It interprets and responds to everything that we experience, it shapes our emotions, thoughts and even behavior. When our brains function well, we are constantly adapting to our environment. Ironically, the adaptive ability of the brain contributed to the development of addiction. Addiction can cause four fundamental modifications to the brain. This includes:
# 1 Addiction changes the brain’s natural balance.Addictive behavior hampers in the biological process of the brain called homeostasis. Scientists and experts consider the human body as a biological system. For them, all biological systems attempt to maintain a normal balance as part of its functioning. The brain functions as the main overseer of this balance. It makes countless adjustments to maintain a balanced, well-functioning, biological system. The brain individually determined each person’s normal balance. Drug abuse and addictive behavior can lead to changes in this so called normal balance. Addiction can over stimulate and interferes with the balance of the brain. The brain makes a quick adjustment to maintain the balance, creating a new balance set-point. The creation of the new balance referred to as “allostasis”. The brain’s adaptive behavior triggers changes in the brain’s normal function. These changes account for many behaviors associated with addiction such as:
#2 Addiction Changes The Brain’s ChemistryGood communication is absolutely important, functioning as the major key to coordinate with family members or people from work. Our bodies are no different. Neuron systems deliver messages back and forth within the structures of the spinal cord, nerves and the brain. These complex networks regulate and interpret everything that we feel, see, think and do. To understand the effect of addiction on the brain system, one must understand how communication works. Communication systems consist of five senses, namely:
# 3 Addiction Changes The Brain’s Communication PathwaysNew neural pathways are formed as an addiction develops. This is because addiction chemically altered the brain’s communication system. When you take that drug away, the brain must again form new neural pathways. Just as when we had to forge a new trail in the woods. The experience is initially uncomfortable. Successful recovery cases can press on through this brief, uncomfortable period. Remember, it was difficult and uncomfortable to forge a new pathway around a fallen tree. The same is true for the initial period of recovery. It can be difficult and uncomfortable while these new neural pathways are forming. It is important for the recovering person to persevere and does not give up. Particularly in this initial stage of discomfort, new neural pathways will form for recovery. These new pathways will become more established and better developed over time. As they do, recovery becomes easier and more comfortable. Unfortunately, because the brain can adapt easily, it also serves as the root of addiction. The brain adapts to the strong effects of addictive drugs and activities. Changes that occur in the brain regions associated with the following:
# 4 Addiction Changes the structures in the brainThe brain is composed of many different regions and structures. The communication of the brain system allows these different regions to manage their activities. Each of these different structures has its own purposes. Addictions can alter these regions and structures and how the brain functions. It affects some regions and structures of the brain, such as:
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ABOUT MEHi my name is Anna. I got into cocaine and later heroin when I got into the club scene. My friends and I had a great time in our late teens and 20's. However things took a turn for the worse after I was not the cute young girl in the club anymore. I decided I did not want to be defined by drugs or the clubs. I have been living for Jesus ever since. Sharing my struggle and my glory which is revealed in him. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |