Methamphetamine is a major health concern throughout America. It goes by several street names, but no matter if people call it “ice,” “crystal,” or “speed,” it’s always a highly-addictive drug that has serious health consequences. Smoking crystal meth is one of the more popular ways of taking it; smoking it has a number of dangerous effects. Those suffering from addiction to methamphetamine may want to stop, but the incredibly potent nature of the drug can make it difficult to quit without professional help.
If you or someone you care about is addicted to crystal meth, it’s never too early to ask for help. Going through a meth addiction treatment program can be challenging, but professionally-administered medical detox can help ease withdrawal symptoms and make the process more comfortable. At Ashwood Recovery, we understand how difficult it can be to get clean on your own. Our experienced addiction treatment specialists are ready to guide you on the road to recovery. If you are in the Boise, Idaho metro area and need treatment now, you can call us at 888.341.3607.
How Does Meth Work?
Crystal meth is a cheap, potent drug that delivers a powerful high, which is why it is so popular among those with substance use disorders. After smoking crystal meth, the drug rapidly reaches a person’s brain and signals the release of a massive amount of dopamine. This flood of dopamine is responsible for the feeling of euphoria many people say they experience while on crystal meth. However, this high is unnatural and unsustainable, and the effects eventually wear off.
The positive feeling while on meth is so powerful that most people will quickly want to experience it again, leading to physical and psychological dependency. Tolerance to the effects of crystal meth builds up fast, and many people find that they need to use crystal meth more often or in greater doses. This increased use can escalate toward an overdose on crystal meth. Symptoms of an overdose may include:
- Chest pain
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Elevated body temperature
- Irregular breathing and heartbeat
Those experiencing a meth overdose require immediate help, as it is a life-threatening medical condition.
What Causes Numbness After Smoking Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth affects the central nervous system, creating the high that causes addiction. However, this is not the only effect of crystal meth; the other side effects can also be extremely dangerous. Some of the other impacts a person can experience from crystal include:
- Damage to the liver
- Increased body temperature
- Damage to the lungs
- Elevated blood pressure
- Constricted blood vessels
Many people complain of numb fingers after smoking meth or some other sort of lack of sensation in the extremities. There are several reasons that a person may experience numbness after taking meth, but the constriction of blood vessels is the most common culprit. However, this is not a harmless side effect, and the true cause may be much more severe, such as a heart condition worsening by taking meth.
Numbness after smoking crystal meth is just one of the possible effects of the drug, and long-term effects can be even more damaging to a person’s health and wellness.
Get Treatment at Ashwood Recovery in Boise, Idaho
If you need help with a meth addiction, the Ashwood Recovery team is ready to get you started toward sobriety. You may have heard people say that it is difficult to overcome a meth addiction, or you may have unsuccessfully tried to stop using it before. For many people, a professional treatment program is the key to long-term recovery. Let us guide you through detox and the therapy needed to quit for good. We have comprehensive treatment programs that consider your individual needs so that you have the best chance of success.
Call us at 888.341.3607 to learn more about how we can help you break free of meth addiction.