Methamphetamine addiction has spread like a wild fire across the country. Here is some details about consequences of meth addiction.

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Methamphetamine can cause a variety of cardiovascular problems. These include rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and irreversible, stroke-producing damage to small blood vessels in the brain. Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) and convulsions occur with methamphetamine overdoses, and if not treated immediately, can result in death.

Chronic methamphetamine abuse can result in inflammation of the heart lining, and among users who inject the drug, damaged blood vessels and skin abscesses. Methamphetamine abusers also can have episodes of violent behavior, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia. Heavy users also show progressive social and occupational deterioration. Psychotic symptoms can sometimes persist for months or years after use has ceased.

Acute lead poisoning is another potential risk for methamphetamine abusers. A common method of illegal methamphetamine production uses lead acetate as a reagent.

Treatment of Meth addiction has been particularly difficult. Success rates have been as low as 20%. So it is indeed good news when a breakthrough presents itself.

Dare To Dream MH Library

A common antidepressant, bupropion, can reduce the craving for methamphetamine, providing the possibility of a drug treatment for the powerfully addictive stimulant, according to a study by UCLA researchers published today. Dr. Thomas F. Newton, a UCLA psychiatrist who led the study, found that subjects who were given bupropion reported a lesser high after a meth injection as well as a less intense craving after watching a video of actors favorably portraying meth use.

The next step is more research to see if Wellbutrin can be consistently helpful. Meanwhile, the medication is readily available and one of the successful medications for treating depression.