Meth, short for methamphetamine, is a highly addictive and potent stimulant drug that works by affecting the body’s central nervous system (CNS) resulting in euphoria and a powerful sense of energy. Meth is available in powder form but can also be found as a pill or rock crystal. Methamphetamine addicts can snort, smoke, or mix meth with a liquid and then inject the drug into their veins.
Once taken, it quickly produces a rush because it prompts a massive increase in dopamine activity in the brain. The surge of dopamine and serotonin produces a feeling of euphoria followed by a sense of well-being. This high can last for a long time –up to 12 hours in some cases. When it wears off, the user experiences a crash with a range of problematic symptoms.
Due to the effect it has on the central nervous system and the brain, meth is highly addictive. Repeated and long-term use can eventually lead to tolerance where the user ends up needing more of the drug to achieve the desired effect and may end up addicted to it.
Why Do Methamphetamine Addicts Rock Back And Forth?
Long-term meth use is often associated with severe health issues, most notably a rapid deterioration of an individual’s appearance and behavior. This includes the infamous meth mouth (characterized by rotting teeth) as well as other symptoms such as muscle tics and shaking hands or body.
So why do meth addicts rock back and forth? To answer this question, we need to understand how meth affects the brain and the CNS.
When an individual takes meth, it goes to the brain, resulting in overstimulation of the dopamine pathways. This release of dopamine leads to feelings of euphoria, well-being, and gratification. This explains how the drug becomes addictive as the person wants to repeat this pleasurable experience.
Meth also triggers the release of norepinephrine, better known as adrenaline. This is directly linked to the CNS and leads to increased alertness, energy, and sexual stamina. Other symptoms include increased heart rate, elevated body temperature, sweating, insomnia, and hyperactivity. Meth’s impact on the CNS explains why users can go for long periods without sleep or rest.
Continuous meth use may lead to overstimulation of these dopamine and norepinephrine pathways, eventually leading to a form of brain damage. This causes the user to develop Parkinson-like symptoms characterized by tremors, muscle tics, constant shaking, and involuntary body movements including rocking back and forth. This is known as “tweaking”. These symptoms may persist even after the individual stops using the drugs because of the damage done to the CNS.
Get Help Today
If you or your loved one is struggling with a meth addiction, help is available at Impact Outpatient Program in Louisville, Kentucky. We offer a range of addiction treatment programs on an outpatient basis including intensive outpatient programs and virtual telemedicine sessions.
Reach out to us today and see how we can help you get the assistance you need.