In the world of illicit substances, a new term has surfaced causing concern and raising questions: super meth. What is super meth, and how does it differ from regular meth? More importantly, what makes it so dangerously potent? Here, we delve into the shadows, shedding light on the origins, consequences, and treatment options for this new super meth substance.
What Is Super Meth?
When U.S. drug legislation moved ephedrine and pseudoephedrine behind pharmacy counters in 2006, meth cartels completely reinvented their processes. The result was a more potent, accessible, and affordable version of standard methamphetamine: super meth. Originating primarily from unregistered super meth labs in Mexico, this variant’s potency surpasses that of regular meth, posing heightened risks to individuals and communities alike.
While regular methamphetamine is already a highly addictive and harmful stimulant, super meth takes these dangers to a new level. Super meth is at least 93% pure and the high can last up to 24 hours. Some users add fentanyl to try and balance out their high, but that combination makes it more deadly.
What Makes Super Meth Dangerous?
The danger of super meth lies in its strength and the covert nature of its production. Unlike regulated pharmaceuticals, Mexican super meth is manufactured in an illicit, unregistered super meth labs. Each super meth lab operates outside the bounds of safety regulations, leading to an unpredictable and hazardous final product.
The increased potency of super meth intensifies the risks associated with its use. Users are exposed to elevated health risks, including severe cardiovascular issues, neurological damage, and a higher likelihood of addiction. The unregulated production process also introduces the potential for harmful contaminants, making the health hazards associated with this new super meth even greater.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Meth Abuse?
Individuals under the influence of meth can exhibit various physical, behavioral, and psychological.
Physical signs of meth addiction include:
- Decreased appetite
- Rapid weight loss
- Skin sores because of picking at skin
- Dilated pupils
- Burns on lips or fingers resulting from holding red-hot pipes or smoking from them
- Poor dental hygiene, known as “meth mouth”
- Chest pain
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Flushed skin
- Raised body temperature
- Drug cravings
- Long-term physical signs of meth addiction include:
- Heart disease
- Rotten teeth
- Respiratory issues
- Liver failure
- Kidney failure
- Premature aging
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Malnutrition
Behavioral signs of meth addiction include:
- Neglecting responsibilities, such as work or school
- Spending more time with new friends
- Losing interest in or giving up previously enjoyed activities
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Eating less – Meth suppresses the appetite.
- Picking or scratching at skin – Meth creates the sensation of bugs crawling on the skin, causing itchiness.
- Sleeping less – People using meth can go several days, or even weeks, without sleeping.
- Aggression
- Acting suspiciously and secretively
- Long-term behavioral signs of meth addiction include:
- Disrupted sleep schedule
- Loss of friends and disconnection from loved ones
- Stealing or borrowing money
- Legal trouble resulting from violent behavior
Mental and emotional signs of meth addiction:
- Euphoria (intensely pleasurable feelings of excitement and happiness)
- Hyper alertness
- Bursts of motivation to complete tasks
- Paranoia
- Anger
- Delusions (beliefs that are not grounded in reality)
- Hallucinations – Seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, or smelling things that are not there
Understanding these signs helps friends, family, and community members to identify potential cases of meth abuse, prompting timely intervention and support for those in need. Overdosing on meth is extremely dangerous and can lead to multiple organ failure, so immediate action is essential.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
As meth use continues, the body becomes more tolerant of the drug. The user will need to consume higher doses to get the same effects. Once you stop taking meth, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms as your body readjusts to functioning without it.
Meth withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Intense cravings for meth
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Psychosis (a break from reality)
- Seizures
Withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to cope with, and they may last for weeks or even months. Many people who try to quit meth on their own relapse because the withdrawal symptoms are so uncomfortable. This is why it’s so important to seek help from a reputable addiction treatment center.
How Is Meth Addiction Treated?
Addressing methamphetamine addiction requires a multifaceted approach. The treatment process typically involves several key components:
Detoxification
The first step is often detoxification, where the body is cleansed of the drug. Medical supervision may be necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe transition to sobriety.
Therapy
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are instrumental in addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. These therapies help individuals understand and modify destructive patterns of thinking and behavior.
Support Groups
Support groups provide a sense of community and understanding. Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can be a powerful motivator for those on the path to recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications, when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, can support individuals in their journey to recovery.
Aftercare
Aftercare is a crucial component of long-term recovery. It may involve ongoing therapy, support group participation, and strategies to prevent relapse.
Meth Addiction Treatment at Aliya
Whether you’re addicted to meth or super meth, or care about someone who is, Aliya Health Group is here to help. It can be difficult to seek treatment on your own and just as hard to confront your loved one you suspect is using meth. It’s important to face the issue before you or your loved one fall too far into meth addiction.
Aliya Health Group offers different levels of care are available depending on how severe the meth abuse is. Our meth addiction treatment options include:
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Outpatient rehab
- Aftercare planning
- Sober living environment
We offer evidence-based treatment for meth abuse that includes approaches like:
- Individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to meth addiction
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), focusing on mindfulness and emotion regulation to cope with difficult situations and triggers
- Motivational interviewing (MI), to explore uncertainties about change and develop the motivation to recover
- Alternative therapies like art therapy, music therapy, and biofeedback
- Co-occurring disorders treatment (concurrently treating anxiety, depression, etc.)
- Specialized trauma treatments like EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
- Holistic approaches like yoga, art therapy, fitness, and nutrition counseling
- Aftercare planning, such as connecting you with community resources
- 12-step groups and alternatives
If you’re looking for more information about our meth treatment programs or would like a confidential consultation, contact us today.
