Methamphetamine Use and Addiction

Methamphetamine (meth), which is classified as a stimulant, is a highly addictive drug. The withdrawal symptoms are not overly dangerous, but can lead to severe depression and relapse is a common phenomenon. There are organizations that can offer assistance with relapse possibilities – such as Crystal Meth Anonymous.

Another side-effect of meth addiction is a condition known as anhedonia which is caused by an over-stimulation of pleasure centers in the brain. With this condition, the normal pleasures that a person can experience are no longer available without the continued introduction of the drug. It’s been theorized that daily doses of certain amino acids (L-Tyrosine and L-5HTP/Tryptophan) can assist in the rehabilitation/recovery process. These acids are thought to help, by reversing the depletion of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. However, this form of treatment has not been demonstrated as effective on a consistent basis.

Vitamin C, in the form of ascorbic acid, taken prior to using meth has been demonstrated to reduce the toxicity of the drug. This treatment, however, will do little to address the serious behavioural issues associated with methamphetamine use and addiction. Even so, a large dose of ascorbic acid will reduce the half-life of the drug’s actions by lowering urinary pH.
In order to deal with addiction, doctors have also incorporated dextro-amphetamine in an effort to break the cycle of addiction. This is similar to the use of methadone in heroin addiction treatment.

Unfortunately, there are no commercially available drugs, like naloxone, which is used for the treatment of opium addiction. There have been experiments, though, with monoamine reuptake inhibitors, such as indatraline, which will block the action of methamphetamine. Other drugs designed to reduce cravings are bupropion, imipramine and fluoxetine.

Research has also suggested that modafinil can assist addicts with quitting meth. However, modafinil is a Class IV scheduled drug. In Europe, there has been some success with Ibogaine which is a Class I scheduled drug and, as such, is only available for research.

Methamphetamine is one of the most difficult addictions to treat and the depression resulting from withdrawal is more severe and longer lasting than that of cocaine. Abruptly stopping methamphetamine use will result in immediate withdrawal symptoms in over 90% of the cases.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

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