Marijuana use is common in the United States with 9% of people meeting the criteria of a marijuana use disorder at some time in their life. And while marijuana use has not directly caused death, marijuana use is implicated in deaths with other compounding factors¹. Signs and symptoms of marijuana use and addiction are important to know if you suspect anyone in your life has a problem with marijuana use. While some signs of marijuana addiction are similar to other drug addictions, some marijuana addiction symptoms are specific to that drug.

Symptoms of Marijuana Use

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug with 14.6 million people reporting marijuana use in the last year. Marijuana use is not related to race or age but more males (10.2%) than females (6.1%) report marijuana use in the last month. (read: marijuana facts and statistics)

Symptoms of marijuana use consist of both the positive feelings of getting "high" as well as some of the negative symptoms (read: positive and negative effects of marijuana). Most noticeable direct symptoms of marijuana use include²:

• Euphoria
• Relaxation, detachment, decreased anxiety and alertness
• Altered perception of time and space
• Laughter, talkativeness
• Depression, anxiety, panic, paranoia
• Amnesia, confusion, delusions, hallucinations, psychosis
• Mania
• Short term memory impairment
• Dizziness, lack of coordination and muscle strength
• Lethargy
• Decreased concentration
• Slurred speech

Signs of Marijuana Use

While symptoms of marijuana use are caused by the drug directly, signs of marijuana use are secondary effects or behaviors that might be present. Signs of marijuana use include:

• Mood swings from marijuana use to marijuana abstinence
• Anger and irritability, particularly during abstinence
• Signs of smoking like coughing, wheezing, phlegm production, yellowed teeth
• The smell of sweet smoke, attempts to cover smell
• Trouble concentrating

Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction is characterized by a pattern of harmful behavior fueled by the drive for marijuana use. Symptoms of marijuana addiction include not only this pattern of harmful behaviors but also increased intoxication symptoms and typically increased marijuana withdrawal symptoms during marijuana abstinence. Symptoms of marijuana addiction include those of marijuana use as well as:

• Depression, anxiety, panic, fear, paranoia
• Stomach pain
• Tremor
• Sweating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Impaired cognitive ability

Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction, like all drug addictions, is noticeable by the use of marijuana to the exclusion of all else. Compulsive marijuana craving and marijuana seeking behavior is seen. Signs of marijuana addiction also include:

• Frequent chest illness including lung infections
• Frequent illnesses due to a depressed immune system
• Infertility
• "Flashbacks" of drug experiences during abstinence
• Lack of appetite, weight loss during periods of abstinence
• Failure to fulfill major life obligations at work, home or school because of marijuana use
• Marijuana use continues in spite of recurring negative consequences, including legal consequences
• Weed use continues in spite of recurring social or interpersonal problems caused by or made worse by drug use
• Marijuana use in dangerous situations

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It was once thought marijuana addiction, also known as weed addiction and pot addiction, wasn't possible because pot was not thought to cause withdrawal symptoms. It is now known marijuana is addictive to some people, particularly chronic and severe users.

There is less potential for weed addiction than for tobacco, alcohol, heroin and cocaine but marijuana is more addicting than psychedelic drugs like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

Is Marijuana Addictive? - Weed Addiction vs. Dependence

Marijuana dependence, defined in the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual (DSM IV) of mental illness, is part of weed addiction. Nearly 7% - 10% of regular marijuana users go on to become dependent on it (read: marijuana use statistics). Marijuana's addicting nature is often seen once these signs of pot dependence appear:¹

• Tolerance - either an increasing dose of weed to achieve the same effect or a diminished effect with the same dose of weed
• Withdrawal - either presence of marijuana withdrawal symptoms or the taking of more pot to avoid withdrawal symptoms
• More marijuana is used, or is used longer, than intended
• There is a strong desire to cut down on drug use (may include failed attempts)
• Significant time is spent on marijuana-related activities
• Other aspects of life are neglected in favor of pot use
• Marijuana use continues in spite of recurrent negative consequences

Weed dependence doesn't always lead to weed addiction (marijuana addiction).

Is Marijuana Addictive? - What is a Weed Addiction?

Cannabis abuse, which includes marijuana addiction, is a recognized disorder in the DSM-IV. While weed addiction is often not diagnosed by medical personnel, it is a major concern for many of the people who access drug addiction services. In the United States, 100,000 people are treated yearly for marijuana addiction (read: marijuana addiction treatment).² It is estimated that up to 50% of daily marijuana users develop a weed addiction.³

Characteristics of weed addiction include:

• Compulsive marijuana-seeking behavior
• A pattern of self-destructive behavior due to weed use
• Failure to fulfill major life obligations at work, home or school because of pot use
• Marijuana use continues in spite of recurring negative consequences, including legal consequences
• Weed use continues in spite of recurring social or interpersonal problems caused by or made worse by drug use
• Marijuana is used in dangerous situations

Is Marijuana Addictive? - Marijuana Addicting Dangers

Because weed addiction can cause serious legal, social, family, work, school and interpersonal problems, pot addiction should be taken seriously. Marijuana users have decreased mental abilities, memory problems, more chest and lung infections and an increased chance of cancer, among other things. Marijuana addiction also increases the likelihood of the user engaging in behaviors like driving while intoxicated which can be dangerous.

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Meth addiction is difficult addiction to break. This is often because meth addicts are addicted to methamphetamines for years before seeking meth addiction treatment. A meth rehab center can help someone with a drug-based lifestyle receive the structure and support they need to start moving their drug-free life forward.

Meth Rehab: Meth Rehab Centers

Meth rehab centers are focused on everything a person going through meth rehab needs. Typical services at a meth rehab center include:

• Medical assistance during initial meth rehab
• Therapy, both individual and group
• Education on addiction and drugs
• Teaching of life, relapse and stress tolerance skills
• Drug screenings
• Ongoing meth rehab support

Meth Rehab: Inpatient or Outpatient Meth Rehab

A meth rehab center may offer both inpatient and outpatient meth rehab. Both types of meth rehab can be useful but individual circumstances may make an individual prefer one over the other. Cost is often a factor in deciding type of meth rehab as inpatient meth rehab can be very expensive.

For inpatient meth rehab, the addict lives at the meth rehab center and staff are available for assistance 24-hours a day. Inpatient meth rehab stays may happen at the beginning of meth rehab and then the addict transitions to outpatient meth rehab. Inpatient meth rehab has the following advantages:

• Addict is removed from potentially unsafe environment
• Addict is removed from influences that may cause them to use meth
• Addict is supported 24-hours a day both physically and psychologically
• Addict can focus only on meth rehab and not on the worries of everyday life
• Addict is provided with a healthy living environment, including a healthy diet, to improve the physical health of the addict which has typically vastly diminished (read: side effects of meth)

Outpatient meth rehab is often chosen by those who have a safe place to stay each night. Outpatient meth rehab is typically intensive and requires meth rehab activities to be completed daily. Usually, the addict spends time at the meth rehab center at least three days a week. When not at the meth rehab center, they attend support groups elsewhere. Even in outpatient meth rehab, the addict is required to take drug tests ensuring they have not been using meth or any other drugs.

Meth Rehab: How to Find a Meth Rehab Center

For anyone wishing to enter meth rehab, seeing a doctor can always be a starting point. A doctor can screen the meth addict for health issues prior to their entering a meth rehab center. The doctor can also point the addict to meth rehab resources locally or online.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also has a locator program to help find a meth rehab center. Meth rehab is often found as part of general drug rehab centers. The SAMHSA tool for locating meth rehab centers also provides information on the types of programs offered and payment accepted. Some meth rehab centers charge based on what a client is able to pay.

Use the following information to find a meth rehab center:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): http://www.samhsa.gov/

SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment helplines:

• 1-800-662-HELP
• 1-800-228-0427 (TDD)

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Treatment for meth addiction has become extremely important as meth use in urban centers continues to grow. And the need for meth addiction treatment continues to grow: In 2002 admissions into methamphetamine treatment programs was five times that of 1992 in the US.

Meth addiction treatment is particularly challenging, as meth addicts use meth for an average of seven years before seeking treatment for meth addiction. These meth addicts then, are more permanently attached to the drug culture and have a much harder time getting out of that culture in order to facilitate successful treatment for meth addiction.¹ Long-term, structured methamphetamine treatment programs which involve frequent contact show the best success at meth addiction treatment.

Treatment for Meth Addiction: Evidence-Based Meth Addiction Treatment

As meth treatment professionals began to realize that it was extremely difficult to succeed in meth addiction treatment, new methamphetamine treatments have been developed to get addicts off the drug and to keep them off meth. The most effective treatments for meth addiction are now based on cognitive behavioral approaches. These methamphetamine treatments aim to challenge a meth addict's assumptions, and over time, change their thoughts and behaviors around meth use.

Components of treatment for meth addiction typically include:

• One-on-one counseling
• Drug tests
• Group therapy
• Drug education
• Life skills education
• Family therapy
• Continuing treatment plans

More detailed information on meth rehab centers.

Treatment for Meth Addiction: Matrix Model of Meth Treatment

The Matrix Model of meth treatment has been developed over 20 years and is used at the Matrix Institute of Addictions and throughout the U.S. in a variety of centers. The Matrix Model of meth addiction treatment has been studied and demonstrates more program completions and reduced methamphetamine use when compared to standard available meth treatment.²

Because relapse is so common, the Matrix Model of treatment for meth addiction is designed to be intensive, outpatient meth treatment over 2-6 months. While this may seem like a long time for methamphetamine treatment, it is short compared to the amount of time the meth addict has been addicted to drugs.

The Matrix Model of treatment for meth addiction includes:³

• Motivational Interviewing (MI) - Also evidence-based, this non-confrontational therapy focuses on client respect and help in moving forward in treatment and in life. The therapist and client form a positive relationship to foster success.
• 12-Step Facilitation - Including 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous provides a backbone of support, long-term.
• Family Involvement - Family and friends are encouraged to participate.
• Education - Because the Matrix Model is a scientific approach to methamphetamine treatment, the model also educates about drugs, addiction and the latest addiction research is easy-to-understand ways.
• Contingency Management - Positive behaviors are reinforced during treatment for meth addiction and plans are made in advance of any possible relapse.
• Continuing Care - Meth addicts who stay connected to the methamphetamine treatment environment have better long-term outcomes.

Treatment for Meth Addiction: Special Methamphetamine Treatment Considerations

Meth addiction treatment is difficult, but not impossible. The damage done to the meth addict's brain can take months to heal, and is sometimes permanent. Working with this brain damage requires special methamphetamine considerations such as:

• Memory and concentration problems
• Time-management and chaotic life issues
• Co-occurring addictions
• Co-occurring mental illness

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Meth withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the specific meth user. Meth withdrawal can range from unpleasant fatigue, depression and hunger to debilitating anxiety, paranoia, restlessness and suicidal ideation. While most crystal meth withdrawal symptoms are not lethal, when meth use has been long-term, severe or combined with other drugs, withdrawal can be a more complicated and possibly lethal situation.

Meth Withdrawal: Factors that Influence Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

The physicality of a meth addict will always affect meth withdrawal symptoms, for example, a large man can consume more meth, with few withdrawal effects, than a small woman. However, it is important to remember that meth use rarely happens in a vacuum. Meth addicts commonly use other drugs either to augment the effects of meth or because meth is not available. These additional drugs can hugely impact methamphetamine withdrawal.

Some factors that influence observed meth withdrawal symptoms include:

• Age and body weight of meth addict
• Amount of meth consumed
• How long the addict has been using meth
• Previous meth withdrawals
• Substances consumed with meth
• Other preexisting medical (especially mental illness) conditions

Meth Withdrawal: Crystal Meth Withdrawal Seen in Short-Term Use

Crystal meth withdrawal from short-term use, assuming no complicating conditions, is typically unpleasant but not life-threatening. Medical professionals treat this type of meth withdrawal with "supportive measures." Supportive measures for meth withdrawal include actions to keep the user comfortable; like with an IV bag of fluids to rehydrate the person going through crystal meth withdrawal.

Crystal meth withdrawal symptoms seen in short-term meth use include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Increased appetite

Meth Withdrawal: Crystal Meth Withdrawal Seen in Long-Term Use

Crystal meth withdrawal from long-term use, assuming no additional complications, is also generally not life-threatening. Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms may be self-limiting in that they cease shortly after the addict stops using meth but some meth withdrawal symptoms can be longer lasting and require treatment by one or more medical professionals.

Crystal meth withdrawal symptoms seen after long-term meth use:

• Fatigue
• Depression (often treatment-resistant)
• Increased appetite
• Anxiety, agitation, restlessness
• Excessive sleeping, deep sleeping, sleep cycle disruption
• Vivid or lucid dreams (typically unpleasant)
• Suicidal ideation
• Psychosis (resembling schizophrenia)
• Paranoia

Often, a person undergoing meth withdrawal will present in the emergency room with the following meth withdrawal symptoms:¹

• Disheveled, pale skin
• Slow moving
• Poor eye contact
• Speaking quietly
• Few, guarded thoughts
• Depressed, suicidal thoughts
• Flat, unemotional affect, withdrawn
• Poor insight and judgment

Meth Withdrawal: Treatment of Crystal Meth Withdrawal Seen in Long-Term Use

Treatment for crystal meth withdrawal symptoms, as seen in long-term meth addicts, often consists of supportive measures also. However, due to the increased severity of the meth withdrawal symptoms, there are additional precautions.

Treatment for meth withdrawal in the case of long-term use includes:

• Treatment of any psychosis with the use of antipsychotic medication
• Treatment of depressions lasting longer than two weeks with antidepressants
• Treatment of anxiety lasting longer than two weeks with tranquilizers (nonbenzodiazepines)
• Treatment of mania lasting longer than two weeks with an antimanic drug such as lithium
• Sleep medication for 1-2 weeks
• Careful assessment of any suicidal thoughts

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Meth addicts are often isolated from their friends and families after long periods of crystal meth addiction. However, no matter what a meth addict's circumstances, a crystal meth addict can get help from a variety of places in many forms. Some meth addiction treatment methodologies like those found at the Matrix Institute (or the matrix model) have been developed specifically for meth addicts. More information on evidence-based meth addiction treatments can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.

Meth Addicts: Help for Meth Addiction

The first and easiest step to make when a meth addict wishes to get treatment for a meth addiction is to go to the doctor. Meth addiction, like all addictions, is a medical and mental health issue and should always be handled by professionals. Meth addiction is serious and the health effects of meth addiction and meth addiction treatment should not be taken lightly.

A doctor can assess a meth addict's health and whether they require an inpatient or outpatient setting for meth addiction treatment. A doctor can also provide the crystal meth addict with meth addiction resources and meth addiction treatment information.

Meth Addicts: Help for Meth Addiction - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Meth addiction is known to be a huge problem, particularly in urban areas, so the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, has built a Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.

The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator provides information on where a crystal meth addict can get help, also where people suffering from other addictions can get help. There are more than 11,000 treatment programs listed and they include:

• Residential treatment centers
• Outpatient treatment programs
• Hospital inpatient programs

Treatment centers listed typically help any drug addiction, meth addiction included. These treatment facilities also typically handle mental health issues as well as meth addiction treatment. The benefit of SAMHSA facilities to a meth addict is that these facilities must meet guidelines such as:

• Are included on SAMHSA's Substance Abuse Treatment Services (I-SATS)
• Are approved by the State Alcohol and Drug Abuse authority as a substance abuse treatment facility
• Have responded to the most recent annual National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (This information is not collected on an individual basis, only on a statistical one.)

More detailed information on meth rehab centers.

Meth Addicts: Paying for Meth Addiction Treatment

Many meth addicts are homeless or jobless by the time they seek addiction. Many of the programs listed in the SAMHSA's facility locator work on something called a sliding scale. A sliding scale means that facility charges based on how much a client can pay. Individual meth addiction facilities should be contacted regarding specific policies.

For low or no-cost meth addiction treatment, crystal meth addicts may also contact the State Substance Abuse Agency or call a SAMHSA help line for further details on meth addiction services.

Meth Addict: Resources for Finding Meth Addiction Treatment

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): http://www.samhsa.gov/

SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator: http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/

State Substance Abuse Agencies: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ufds/abusedirectors

SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment help lines:

• 1-800-662-HELP
• 1-800-228-0427 (TDD)

SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices: http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/Search.aspx

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Crystal methamphetamine effects can be devastating both on the addict and those around them. Methamphetamine is thought to be one of the most addictive drugs and quickly shows detrimental short term effects of meth. Methamphetamine highs can last up to 20 hours, but many users keep taking meth over and over in what's known as a binge. The long term effects of meth can include heart, liver and brain damage and are sometimes lethal.

Crystal methamphetamine effects are variable depending on a number of factors, including the following:

• Age and body weight
• Amount of meth consumed
• How long the person has been using meth
• Method of ingestion
• The environment
• Any pre-existing psychiatric disorders
• Any additional drugs, supplements or alcohol consumed

Effects of Meth: Short Term Effects of Meth on the Body

The effects of meth are seen both on the body and in the mind of the addict. Both types of crystal methamphetamine effects can be equally serious. Short term effects of meth on the body are easier to recover from, but in rare cases can still result in death.

Typical short term effects of meth on the body include:

• Compulsive behavior, a need to repeat the same action
• Aggression, violent behavior
• Talkativeness
• Increased libido
• Lack of appetite
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Lack of sleepiness, insomnia
• Increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature
• Palpitations irregular heartbeat
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Tremors, convulsions
• Fatigue

Once the user begins meth withdrawal, the following short term meth effects can be seen:

• Increased appetite
• Agitation, restlessness
• Excessive sleeping

Effects of Meth: Short Term Effects of Meth on the Brain

While the effects of meth on the body can be seen, the effects of meth on the brain are also taking place. In fact, it's the effects of meth on the brain that can cause the greatest problem as they can be a major driving factor in keeping a user addicted to meth.

One of the major effects of meth on the brain centers around a brain chemical, a neurotransmitter, known as dopamine. Dopamine is one of the major neurotransmitters that signal pleasure in the brain. When methamphetamines are used, the brain releases abnormally large amounts of dopamine. The effects of meth on the brain also include chemical changes that make dopamine's pleasurable effects last longer than they normally would.

Effects of meth on the brain include many other chemical changes in the brain. Short term effects of meth on the brain include:¹

• Euphoria, known as a high
• Increased energy and alertness
• Agitation, irritability, sudden mood changes
• Anxiety, panic, paranoia. confusion
• Hallucinations
• Depression, suicidal ideation
• Vivid or lucid dreams

Effects of Meth: Long Term Effects of Meth on the Brain and Body

While the short term effects of meth like an elevated heart rate and blood pressure can cause serious side effects of meth like a heart attack, the long term effects of meth increase the likelihood of these serious effects of meth. Most crystal methamphetamine effects will decrease over time, but in some cases, severe effects of meth can be permanent.

One of the commonly seen long term side effects of meth is known as "meth mouth." Meth mouth is a massive increase in tooth decay leading in many cases to teeth falling out. Meth mouth is thought to occur for many reasons. Some of the reasons for meth mouth include:²

• Dry mouth
• Lack of dental hygiene
• Preference of meth addicts for sugar such as sugary carbonated drinks
• Teeth grinding and clenching, often seen as a part of withdrawal

Other long term effects of meth occur in both the body and the brain. Some of the long term effects of meth are thought to be caused due to the prolonged lack of dopamine in the brain. Long terms effects of meth include:³

• Impaired cognitive abilities, memory
• Seizures, tremors
• Muscle stiffness or weakness
• Psychosis, violent behavior, self-harm
• Hallucinations, delusions of "bugs under the skin"
• A sexually transmitted disease or infection
• Heavy metal toxicity
• Coma
• Heart problems including heart attack, stroke
• Kidney problems including kidney failure
• A neurodegenerative disorder similar to Parkinson's
• Using meth during pregnancy can kill both mother and child
• Death

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Any of the meth signs are signs of meth addiction as most people believe there is no such thing as a recreational meth user - methamphetamine is just too addictive. There are many meth symptoms and meth signs noticeable in meth addiction, as meth addiction effects the users both psychologically and physically. While those around the user may not want to see the signs of meth addiction, it's important to address these crystal meth signs as soon as possible so the addict can get the help they need and have the best chance at recovery. (read: meth rehab)

Meth Symptoms: Psychological Methamphetamine Symptoms During Meth Use

Methamphetamine symptoms during meth use are generally considered to be pleasurable and are known as a high; however, not all meth symptoms are positive. Many crystal meth symptoms can put a person in a hospital or even cause death.

Meth symptoms vary with the amount of meth used, method of ingestion and the other factors. General, psychological methamphetamine symptoms during meth use include:¹

• Euphoria
• Anxiety, irritability, aggression, paranoia
• Increased libido
• Energy, alertness
• Increased concentration
• Self-esteem, self-confidence, grandiosity
• Sociability
• Hallucinations, psychosis

Meth Symptoms: Physical Methamphetamine Symptoms During Meth Use

Methamphetamine symptoms are also common physically, and again, vary by individual. Physical methamphetamine symptoms include:

• Restlessness, hyperactivity
• Twitching, tremors, numbness, repetitive and obsessive behaviors
• Anorexia
• Dilated pupils, flushing
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Heart arrhythmias
• Blood pressure changes
• Increased body temperature, sweating
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Blurred vision, dizziness
• Insomnia
• Dry and/or itchy skin, acne
• Convulsions, heart attack, stroke, death

Meth Symptoms: Methamphetamine Symptoms During Withdrawal

Methamphetamine symptoms during withdrawal are rarely life-threatening in and of themselves, but crystal meth symptoms during withdrawal can cause states where a person may be a threat to themselves or others. These methamphetamine symptoms may require short-term hospitalization.

Methamphetamine symptoms during withdrawal include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Increased appetite
• Anxiety, agitation, restlessness
• Excessive sleeping
• Vivid or lucid dreams
• Suicidal ideation

Meth Symptoms: Signs of Meth Addiction

While the meth addict themselves is going through many meth addiction symptoms while using and withdrawing from the drug, only some of these meth addiction symptoms can be seen by others. The most obvious meth addiction symptoms are the signs of most addictions: loss of money and secretive behavior. The longer a person uses meth, however, the more obvious signs of meth addiction become.

Signs of meth addiction include:²

• Irritability, nervousness, paranoia, fear, violent behavior
• Wide mood swings, depression, suicidal ideation
• Significant weight loss
• Irregular sleep pattern
• Clogged, runny nose
• Sunken, baggy eyes
• Paleness
• Dental problems including tooth loss
• Neglect of work, studies
• Withdrawal from family
• Change in friends
• Impairment in thinking and memory; inattention
• Psychosis (may be treatment-resistant)

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Meth addiction may seem new, and certainly is an increasing concern in urban areas, but addiction to meth has been a problem since the 1930's when methamphetamine began being produced in an inhaler for treatment of breathing problems. It was shortly after methamphetamine started being used for legitimate, medical reasons that its euphoric side effects were noticed, leading to methamphetamine addiction.

When methamphetamine is used a chemical, dopamine, is released in the brain, bringing about a sense of well-being. When subsequent dosages of meth are taken, this chemical is depleted leading to a lesser high creating a need to take more methamphetamine in an attempt to regain the first high. This repeated use is a common cause of addiction to meth.

Meth Addiction: Addiction to Meth as a Party Drug

Crystal meth addiction can happen due to use in party settings. Crystal meth is often considered a party drug as its stimulant properties can keep partiers up and energetic for hours, or even days, without sleep. In spite of tighter drug laws in the United States, meth is still inexpensive and easy to find.

Other reasons people develop an addiction to meth on the club scene include:

• Euphoria
• Increased sex drive
• Increased sexual pleasure

While gay men have been depicted as commonly engaging in meth addiction-fueled sex orgies, 80% of male meth users identify as heterosexual.¹

Unfortunately, meth user's sex obsession makes them most likely to engage is risky sexual behavior. Addiction to meth often means extended periods of risky sexual encounters producing a serious risk of HIV or a sexually-transmitted infection.

Meth Addiction: Addiction to Meth as a Functional Drug

Methamphetamine use and methamphetamine addiction are also common in populations needing extended energy or wakefulness, or those looking to lose weight. Addiction to meth happens to these people due to their extended perceived need for the drug and the lack of knowledge of the risk.

Why is Addiction to Meth So Common?

Meth addiction is common because it's used in several populations and because there is little knowledge about the risks involved. Few people understand the substantial brain chemical changes being made during a meth binge or the long-term effects of meth on the brain and body. Few people think that by taking a drug to lose weight or work the night-shift think it will develop into a meth addiction.

Methamphetamine produces a prolonged sense of well-being and energy but after the high there is a crash often comprised of severe depression, fatigue and irritability. These highly unpleasant symptoms combined with a chemical craving for the drug lead the user to use more meth, leading rapidly to addiction to meth.

Similar to other drug addictions, it can be very difficult for someone addicted to meth to stop using the drug as meth addicts often exist in a subculture permeated by meth creation, use and sale. The person addicted to meth can find it very difficult to separate from that kind of the environment.

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Opioids and alcohol are deadly together. Drinking alcohol and taking prescription opioid painkillers such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and many others can lead to coma, permanent brain damage, or death. Mixing alcohol with illegal opioids like heroin is equally dangerous. The danger isn’t random. There is a reason that mixing opioids with alcohol is so harmful.

What Happens When Opioids and Alcohol are Combined

The biggest danger of opioids and alcohol interaction is respiratory depression. Taken by themselves, opioids slow breathing, and this is at the heart of opioids overdose and death. When alcohol is added to opioid use, breathing slows by a much greater degree.

The risk of depressed breathing applies to everyone who mixes opioids and alcohol. In the elderly, however, it is even more dangerous and potentially deadly than in the younger population. This is likely due to respiratory systems that are already weakened and prone to problems. The elderly are especially vulnerable, but the mix of alcohol and opioids doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can suffer side effects, and anyone can die as a result of using them together.

Both alcohol and opioids are sedatives. Together, they can slow someone’s respirations until he stops breathing temporarily. Someone under the effects of these two substances might have repeated stop-and-start breathing as the oxygen supply diminishes. The respiratory system is so suppressed that it simply can’t sustain breathing. Without enough oxygen, the brain shuts down various organ systems in the body. If it doesn’t begin to receive sufficient oxygen, the brain will suffer irreversible damage. And if treatment isn’t given immediately, the person will die.

Side Effects of Combining Opioids and Alcohol

While death is obviously the worst and most extreme effect of taking opioids and drinking alcohol, there are other negative side effects that can happen as well. Each substance has its own harmful side effects. Put them together, and they bring out the worst in each other. Opioid side effects are intensified when alcohol is involved.

Opioids and alcohol use side effects can be short- or long-term. Short-term side effects include:

• Instant rush of emotions, including euphoria
• Drowsiness
• Confusion, difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness or loss of coordination
• Anxiety
• Abnormal behavior
• Nausea or vomiting
• Apathy
• Slow movement
• Slow breathing
• Dehydration

Long-term effects that come from regularly combining opioids and alcohol are

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Constipation
• Increased usage of both opioids and alcohol because of tolerance
• Changes in blood sugar, often leading to seizures
• Irregular heart rate
• Changes in blood pressure
• Fainting
• Permanent brain damage
• Coma

Opioids and Alcohol Together are Dangerous and Deadly

If help is received immediately, it’s possible to treat opioid overdose as well as alcohol overdose. When someone drinks alcohol while taking prescription painkillers or illegal opioids like heroin and overdoses, the combination of the two substances in the system makes treating overdose much more difficult. Even continuing to drink alcohol in moderation while taking a prescription painkiller can increase someone’s risk of brain damage or death.

The tranquilizing effects of opioids and alcohol can increase drowsiness. With the respiratory system drastically depressed, it’s not uncommon for someone to fall asleep and never wake up.

Because treatment for opioids and alcohol side effects and overdose is hard, the best approach to prevention is not taking them together at all. Avoiding drinking alcohol while taking opioids can quite likely save your life.

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