She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Sledge is a sought-after speaker in the industry, talking about the critical need to treat both the mind and body of those struggling with substance use disorder. In addition to working for Cumberland Heights, Dr. Sledge is an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Nick’s work highlights Cumberland Heights’ commitment to outcome-oriented care, using proven techniques to put those struggling with substance use disorder on a path to success.
Addiction Treatment for a Brighter Future
When someone who was addicted and who previously experienced psychosis comes under a significant amount of stress, the symptoms of psychosis have known to return. These and other problems reflect significant changes in the brain caused by meth addiction and misuse. Users of meth are also likely to feel the many unwanted effects of the drug, including racing of the heart, chest pain, dryness of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and physical tension. Methamphetamine abuse can lead to severe mood swings, contributing to a turbulent and unpredictable emotional state. Relationships fracture, families splinter, and communities bear witness to the emotional fallout of this insidious substance.
Methadone Weight Gain in MAT Treatment Explained: Our Guide
Methamphetamine, also called meth or crystal meth, is a highly addictive drug that inflicts havoc on its users and those around them. However, using meth often leads to devastating consequences as the drug is highly intoxicating and extremely destructive. In 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed November 30 as National Methamphetamine Awareness Day. The nationwide effort’s focus is on educating the American public about the effects of meth addiction and abuse on individuals, families, and communities. The designated day is a coordinated effort to reach potential meth users with a message of prevention and to educate current users on the facts about meth addiction, including available treatment options.
Illuminating Shadows: National Methamphetamine Awareness Day Sheds Light on the Dangers of Meth
Randal was also recognized in both 2000 and in 2015 as Professional of the Year by the Middle Tennessee chapter of the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). During World War II, methamphetamine was used by soldiers as well as pilots from various countries to enhance wakefulness and combat fatigue. It allowed them to stay alert for extended periods, increasing their performance and endurance. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 2.5 million people aged 12 or older in the United States reported methamphetamine sober house use in the past year.
Observing National Meth Awareness Day
- Share Personal Stories – Sharing a personal story about the impact of methamphetamine use can be a powerful tool to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
- However, to truly understand the problem, it is crucial to identify the facts and the myths by looking at what science says.
- Behavioral therapies like CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) are especially useful in the treatment of meth addiction.
- Best of all, many who recover can go on to help others do the same if they feel inspired, as many do.
- One of the parent drugs of meth, amphetamine, is synthesized by German chemist Lazăr Edeleanu to create phenylisopropylamine.
Although methamphetamine is legally available in the US by prescription, most methamphetamine used in the country is produced and distributed illicitly. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the drug’s availability, as well as harms, have been increasing in the country. Always seek professional help if you suspect you or someone close may be experiencing this issue. Fortunately, treatment and prevention are possible with the right tools and knowledge. Methamphetamine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of methamphetamine with the same stimulating properties as methamphetamine.
- National Meth Awareness Day focuses on the dangers of the addictive drug and highlights the impacts it has on individuals and families.
- Withdrawal from methamphetamine occurs when a chronic abuser stops taking the drug.
- Neurotoxicity becomes a grim reality, as the drug mercilessly erodes the very foundation of cognitive function.
- In 1887, Romanian chemist Lazăr Edeleanu synthesized amphetamine for the first time.
National Children’s Dental Health Month
Recovery from meth addiction must always start with supervised detox at a licensed facility. This is why it is crucial for meth addicts to seek help rather than try and fight their demons on their own. Since then, every year, on November 30, various events and campaigns have been held across the country to raise awareness about methamphetamine abuse and to provide education on its harmful effects. Still, as we continue to learn more about methamphetamine and increase cognition, the hope is that it will contribute to reducing its usage and impact. In response to the escalating methamphetamine crisis, governments at the local, state, and federal levels began implementing various strategies to address the issue.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these programs, click the link below to make a referral and take a vital step toward a path of recovery. As awareness continues to grow, more people are gaining the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and avoid the devastating consequences of methamphetamine addiction. The origins of National Meth Awareness Day can be traced back to a grassroots movement https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ of concerned citizens, community organizations, and professionals working in healthcare and law enforcement. These individuals recognized the urgent need to address the growing methamphetamine epidemic and came together to promote education, prevention, and access to treatment. While the best way to prevent meth use is to avoid it altogether, there are other effective strategies for addressing substance abuse. Educating individuals on the dangers of meth and the negative consequences it can have on their health can proactively help individuals more inherently understand the risks of consuming the drug and choose not to take it.
Because it presents such significant symptoms, the average person is easily able to identify its abuse. If you believe that someone you love is using methamphetamine, we encourage you to contact an accredited treatment center today. Because it is a stimulant, meth causes hyperactivity, talkativeness, reduced appetite and euphoria. In contrast to cocaine, a stimulant which is fast-acting and quickly metabolized, methamphetamine remains in the body for a much longer time. These two drugs also act very differently; cocaine blocks re-uptake of dopamine.
In 1996, the Meth Awareness Movement emerged to address the growing crisis of methamphetamine abuse. Concerned individuals and organizations came together to raise public awareness about the dangers and devastating effects of methamphetamine use. Their aim was to educate the public, promote prevention strategies, and support treatment and recovery options for individuals struggling with addiction. Recognizing this vital day helps many attain the support they need to achieve long-term sobriety and regain control of their life. So, keep reading to learn more about meth awareness day and how recognizing it helps you and others impacted by the drug.
The goal of this awareness day was to educate the American public about the effects of methamphetamine abuse and to underscore the dangers it poses to families and communities. People who use this substance often experience rapid, extreme weight loss. Often, this drug causes severe dental problems – you may notice that your loved one’s teeth have begun to yellow or rot, even if they always had great dental hygiene.
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