Why Does Meth Cause Violent Behavior?

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive illegal stimulant drug, one that has been responsible for a significant number of violent crimes in recent years. People who use methamphetamine are liable to develop a physical and psychological dependence the very first time they use the drug, setting off a vicious cycle of drug-seeking and using behaviors that can quickly devolve into a range of serious – sometimes irreversible – consequences.

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1 Overcome Your Meth Misusing

Overcome Your Meth Misusing

If you have been abusing methamphetamine, you might feel like there is absolutely no way out. If you have attempted to quit on your own, there is a good chance that you’ve been unsuccessful and have fallen deeper and deeper into the vicious cycle of compulsive drug use.

The good news is that recovery is possible no matter how far down the scale you have gone. Even if you have been abusing methamphetamine for years, you can overcome even the most severe substance abuse disorder with a long-term treatment program in place. To learn more about Allure Detox and methamphetamine addiction recovery, contact us today.

How Meth Abuse is Related To Violent Behavior?

Why do people who use meth act out in angry and aggressive ways? Why are there so many violent crimes tied to meth use? According to an article published by the US National Library of Medicine titled Methamphetamine Use and Violent Behavior: User Perceptions and Predictors, most methamphetamine users who are studied reported that their violent outbursts were linked to psychological symptoms of chronic use.

For example, men and women who use methamphetamine for extended periods often experienced intense paranoia. They believe that people were out to get them; when they reacted violently, most of them said they believed it was in self-defense. Of course, to the outside world, these are nothing more than drug-induced delusions. A meth user who attacks another person will not be let off the hook because they believed they were acting in self-defense.

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For this reason, amongst many others, it is extremely important for anyone who has been dealing with meth addiction to seek professional help sooner rather than later. Without help, these psychological symptoms will continue to worsen over time, and the frequency of violent outbursts will only increase. This will, in turn, increase the risk of serious legal issues and potential harm to self and others.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms

If you or someone you love has been using methamphetamine for an extended period, it is entirely impossible to avoid undergoing withdrawal when used to stop suddenly. Therefore, it is always recommended that a person who has been abusing meth enters into a program of medically monitored detox where they will undergo a safe and pain-free withdrawal. The symptoms associated with methamphetamine withdrawal include:

Severe stomach cramping
Muscle aches and pains
Aching joints
An inability to fall asleep and stay asleep
Persistent nightmares
Intense headaches
Extreme anxiety, which can lead to panic attacks when left untreated
Depression, which can lead to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts when left untreated

Allure Detox and Methamphetamine Recovery

While methamphetamine withdrawal is generally not too physically uncomfortable, it can result in severe psychological symptoms that will need to be thoroughly addressed in a closely monitored detox facility. At Allure Detox, we have psychiatric professionals on staff who can treat all psychological withdrawal symptoms the moment they develop.

We also understand how addictive this particular chemical substance can be and how important it is that a person who is new to sobriety has ongoing support and supervision to not return to drug use.

Start Healing Your Methamphetamine Abuse

Our inpatient detox facility allows for 24/7 monitoring. In addition, we offer rehab placement services so that there is no significant period between medical detox and the next appropriate level of care.

It is generally recommended that a person struggling with methamphetamine addiction transfer directly into a residential treatment center after being physically stabilized and all psychological withdrawal symptoms have been addressed. To learn more about our methamphetamine detox program or begin with our simple and uncomplicated admissions process, contact us today.

FAQ

Why Does Meth Cause Violent Behavior?
Methamphetamine, also known as meth, can lead to violent behavior due to its effects on the brain and body. Here’s a brief overview of the key reasons:
1. Altered brain chemistry: Meth stimulates the central nervous system, flooding the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motor function. This flood of dopamine creates an intense rush of euphoria. However, with chronic use, the brain’s dopamine system becomes impaired, leading to difficulties in feeling pleasure without the drug, which can cause frustration and irritability.
2. Paranoia and hallucinations: Meth use can lead to a condition known as methamphetamine psychosis, which is characterized by paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. These symptoms can lead individuals to react violently if they feel threatened or perceive things that are not real.
3. Impulsivity and aggression: Meth can reduce inhibitions, leading to impulsive and sometimes aggressive behavior. The drug can cause a user to lose control of their impulses, potentially resulting in violent actions.
4. Withdrawal: Withdrawal from meth can lead to severe depression, anxiety, and agitation. These emotional states can potentially escalate into violence.
5. Physical effects: Meth use often leads to sleep deprivation and malnutrition, both of which can affect mood and judgment. Chronic sleep deprivation can cause irritability, cognitive impairments, and mood swings, which can contribute to violent behavior.
It’s important to note that not all meth users become violent, and other factors can influence this outcome, such as the individual’s environment, underlying mental health conditions, and the presence of other substances. Treatment for meth addiction often involves addressing these underlying issues, along with the physical dependency on the drug.