ADHD impacted around 366.33 million adults globally. People with ADHD using methamphetamine require close investigation.
But, what does meth do to someone who has ADHD?
Methamphetamine is seriously addictive and harms mental and physical health. For people with ADHD taking it, the damage can be worse and lasting.
Do you need expert help? Reach out to Grace Healthcare. We offer various treatments for ADHD, medicine, therapy, and personalized guidance for symptom control.
Let’s look in detail at ADHD and methamphetamine and how meth affects someone with ADHD.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for a brain issue named attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Mainly, it shows up in the early years and could continue into adulthood.
It has constant distractions, rash decisions, and too much action. These may lower a person’s standard of living.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Meth is a shortened form of Methamphetamine, a powerful habit-forming stimulant. It affects the central nervous system, much like prescribed stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall. Yet, it carries notable distinctions.
Meth’s illegal status marks it as a Schedule II controlled drug due to its high potential for misuse.
It’s often seen as “crystal meth,” a shiny form traded unlawfully, leading to misuse and dependency issues everywhere. Meth use can notably affect conditions such as ADHD.
What Is Crystal Meth?
Crystal methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is a strong and habit-forming substance. It lacks any recognized medical benefits.
On the streets, it goes by names like “ice” or “glass” and is commonly found at parties.
People usually smoke crystal meth through a glass pipe. However, it can also be taken in, sniffed, or injected.
Despite giving a quick feeling of extreme happiness, it carries serious hazards to people’s bodies and minds.
What Does Meth Do to Someone Who Has ADHD?
For people with ADHD who get addicted to meth, there are serious problems:
Drug Tolerance
As methamphetamine use continues, the body can build a tolerance, making addiction more severe. Extended use of meth can lead to:
- Serious health problems
- Higher chances of overdose
- Risk of death from taking too much
Possibility of Addiction Increase
Meth creates a strong pleasure wave by increasing dopamine in the brain. People with ADHD, typically having low dopamine, might find this sensation particularly tempting.
This could make them more prone to addiction. They might also grow tolerance quicker, needing more meth over time to achieve the same high
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Co-Occurring Disorders
People battling ADHD and using meth have a higher chance of having other mental concerns, like worry or sadness. It could make a mental habit worse, as they might use drugs to deal.
The mix of ADHD and a meth habit can majorly impact a person’s life, so treatment must tackle both issues.
How Does Meth Affect Someone with ADHD?
Methamphetamine has a range of intense effects, particularly for those dealing with ADHD. Here’s a quick rundown of what this substance can do:
- Accelerate heart rate and Blood Pressure: You’ll notice your heart pace quicken and your blood pressure spike.
- Decrease Hunger and Weight Loss: You might notice your cravings wane, potentially leading you to shed pounds.
- Profound Fatigue: Following the rush, extreme exhaustion may strike you.
- Cognitive Disruptions: Recall problems and focus issues can plague you.
- Tooth Decay: Serious dental problems are other results of meth use.
- Psychological Challenges: Depression, anxiety, and heightened suspicion can arise.
Additional effects may comprise a surplus of energy, confusion, pronounced happiness, insomnia, and an increased interest in sexual activity.
Does ADHD Cause Hyperfixation?
Yes, ADHD can lead to hyperfixation. People with ADHD struggle to regulate attention. This can create intense focus on certain tasks or interests.
Such focus makes them ignore other responsibilities or interests. While it can boost performance in favored areas, it also makes time management and balancing tasks hard.
Hyperfixation shows the broader attention control issues in ADHD. This can affect daily life.
Why Are Individuals with ADHD More Susceptible to Meth Addiction?
What does meth do to someone who has ADHD? People with ADHD are more likely to get addicted to meth for a few reasons:
- ADHD and Dopamine: Lack of dopamine, necessary for motivation and rewards, is common in ADHD. Meth provides a temporary dopamine surge, making it attractive to ADHD people.
- Self-Care: Some people might use meth to manage their low dopamine levels and ADHD struggles.
- Coping with Symptoms: Young adults faced with ADHD turn to meth to alleviate the symptoms of hyperactivity and stress.
- A Short-lived Solution: Meth initially enhances focus and serenity but replaces healthy coping mechanisms with a serious addiction.
- Worsening the Problem: Prolonged meth use can amplify ADHD symptoms through its brain-damaging effects.
- Increased Dependence: Substituting meth for good habits raises the possibility of addiction.
Treatment Options for ADHD and Meth Addiction
For those struggling with meth addiction and ADHD, there are some helpful treatment strategies to consider:
Medication and Support
Use medication to treat ADHD and support recovery from meth addiction.
Dual Treatment
Look for a treatment that treats both the ADHD and meth addiction at the same time.
Talk Therapy
People frequently pair this with other things. L-theanine supplements are also taken by some to manage ADHD.
Therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are popular. They build skills for solving problems, managing urges, and handling ADHD and addiction-related challenges.
Personal Counseling
Attend private sessions with a counselor or therapist. These sessions can help understand the root causes of addiction and provide much-needed support for managing ADHD symptoms.
Conclusion
What does meth do to someone who has ADHD? Meth can be very harmful to people with ADHD. It may make them feel more alert and happier at first.
But it’s dangerous and can worsen ADHD symptoms. ADHD makes it hard to focus and control impulses.
Using meth to try to handle ADHD is not safe. If you or someone you know is dealing with both ADHD and meth addiction, it’s important to get professional help.
For support with ADHD and its effects, contact Grace Healthcare for assistance.
FAQs
Q: Does meth make you hyper?
Yes, meth can make you feel extremely energetic and alert. However, this heightened state is often followed by severe crashes and long-term health issues.
Q: What crystals are recommended for managing hyperactivity?
Amethyst and lepidolite are great for calming hyperactivity. They help relax the mind and reduce stress.
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