According to Statista, between 2009 and 2022, the number of U.S. residents using methamphetamine more than doubled to 2.7 million people. It is used as an available drug for pleasure and to combat anxiety disorder. At some point, it seems like a way out of a difficult situation. But mistakes come at a price. In the case of meth, with your health and even your life. But that’s not what we’re going to talk about today. We’re going to talk about what the connection is between meth and anxiety.
Remember, any addiction can be defeated. It just takes the right tools and a safe environment. New Breath Recovery provides a comfortable environment for rehabilitating people with methamphetamine addiction. The use of effective modern therapies will allow you or your loved one to start your life with a clean slate.
What is Methamphetamine?
Meth or methamphetamine is a powerful synthetic drug that causes rapid addiction and severe withdrawal syndrome. Addicted people smoke it, snort it through the nose, inject it into a vein. Once in the bloodstream, the substance increases the level of dopamine in the brain. This leads to improved mood, concentration, energy. And addiction, where the time between uses is constantly decreasing and the dosage is increasing. As a consequence – health problems, severe mental disorders, antisocial lifestyle, high risk of overdose.
How Does Meth Cause Anxiety and Panic Attacks?
Methamphetamine alters behavior and entails the manifestation of anxiety states. For example, they can appear immediately after taking the drug against the background of inadequate hyperactivity. The release of dopamine leads to an acceleration of the heartbeat, increased breathing, increased blood pressure – all these changes in the state of the body can cause a panic attack. Meth affects the brain, so it is often the cause for the development of psychosis: paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, etc.
Paradoxically, meth is often taken to cope with an anxiety disorder. But in subsequent attempts to withdraw from the drug, the symptoms of anxiety are repeatedly intensified due to severe withdrawal. It’s a vicious cycle that is almost impossible to get out of on your own – you need the help of medical professionals.
What does research say about this? In the work of Suzette Glasner-Edwards, Ph.D. in 2010, a sample of 526 people addicted to methamphetamine for 3 years after treatment was studied. Results showed the presence of anxiety disorders in 26.2% of subjects. A direct correlation was found between the frequency of methamphetamine use and the likelihood of experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. The longer a person used meth prior to treatment, the more severe the anxiety disorders manifested.
Another study was conducted by Zoe Duncan and her team in 2021. It found that out of 725 meth addicts, 60% were diagnosed with moderate to severe anxiety and depression. The link between anxiety disorders and meth was found to be most pronounced among the women surveyed.
The relationship between anxiety levels and withdrawal syndrome caused by drug withdrawal cannot be overlooked. In a 2017 paper by Hang Su, MD and his team on a sample of 210 patients on meth withdrawal diagnosed mild anxiety in 20% of patients, moderate anxiety in 11.9%, and severe anxiety in 2.4%. That is, approximately one-third of addicts experience an exacerbation of anxiety symptoms during treatment for meth addiction.
Managing Anxiety During Meth Recovery
Methamphetamine addicts may experience the first symptoms of anxiety disorders after the decision to quit. During the detoxification phase, they are usually exacerbated, so detox is accompanied by supportive drug therapy. Drugs are always prescribed individually, they can be antidepressants, anxiolytics, beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, etc.
Treatment of anxiety and addiction is carried out simultaneously. This is due to the fact that both diseases can reinforce each other. If you do not pay attention to one of them, then the risk of relapse increases many times.
The following approaches are actively used for treatment:
- drug therapy. Aimed at supporting the body at each stage of recovery, provides symptomatic treatment;
- individual psychotherapy. Provides full communication with an experienced professional, determines the cause-and-effect relationship between lifestyle, addiction and anxiety disorders;
- cognitive behavioral therapy. Helps identify and change patterns of thinking and behavior;
- motivational interviewing. Supports the patient, keeps them motivated to continue treatment;
- group therapies. Offer collaborative coping, sharing of experiences and emotions among people with similar drug problems;
- family therapy. The support of friends and loved ones has a favorable impact on the dynamics of addiction and mental health treatment;
- holistic approaches. Physical exercises, meditation, yoga, art therapy may be used, which have a favorable effect on the general state of health.
Much of the focus of treatment is on returning sleep to normal and reducing stress. The process is multilevel and requires monitoring by doctors. That is why it is recommended to undergo rehabilitation in specialized clinics.
Getting Help: Treatment for Meth Addiction and Anxiety
The manifestation of anxiety disorders against the background of methamphetamine abuse is one example of a so-called dual diagnosis. This is when a mental illness is combined with drug addiction. Such diseases require a special complex approach to treatment. Recovery programs are always individualized – there is no one-size-fits-all method of returning to a normal life.
At New Breath Recovery (California), we offer expert medical care, including methamphetamine addiction treatment, to help you or your loved one. Addiction, anxiety, and panic attacks will be controlled 24/7. Treatment is carried out in comfortable conditions: modern apartments are provided for accommodation, individualized menus are offered, and a detailed treatment and recreation plan is developed for each patient.
Remember, the sooner you seek help, the sooner we can help you start a new life without drugs and unnecessary anxiety.