Meth addiction is a chronic, relapsing form of drug addiction characterised by compulsive meth seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It develops through various pathways, including recreational use, self-medication and, in the few countries where meth is still administered medically, prescription use.
On a physical level, the intense high from meth leads to repeated use, which alters the brain’s chemistry and functioning over time. Over time, users require more and more meth to get the same effects, a process known as tolerance. This can quickly lead to dependence as the person finds it increasingly difficult to experience pleasure from any other source and causes withdrawal symptoms when they don’t take it.
Meth addiction also has psychological, social and emotional aspects. Some of the factors that can contribute to addiction include:
Genetic factors
If there is a family history of substance abuse, particularly methamphetamine abuse, some users may have a higher genetic predisposition towards addiction. This increased risk is often due to inherited traits that affect the brain’s reward system and how it responds to meth use.
Mental health disorders
Individuals suffering from mental health disorders like depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety often turn to substances like methamphetamine for temporary relief or self-medication. Meth can initially mask symptoms of these conditions but over time, it exacerbates them and leads to a vicious cycle of addiction and mental health problems.
Environmental influences
Growing up in an environment where drug use is normalised or having close associations with meth users increases the risk of trying and subsequently becoming addicted to meth. Environmental factors can also include peer pressure, easily available meth in the community, family dynamics and socioeconomic status.
Early exposure
Early exposure to drugs, including meth, can significantly increase the likelihood of developing an addiction later in life. Adolescent brains are more susceptible to the effects of drugs and early use can disrupt normal brain development, leading to a higher risk of substance abuse disorders.
Stress and trauma
Individuals who have experienced chronic stress, trauma or adverse childhood experiences are at a higher risk of substance abuse, including meth addiction. They may use meth as a way to cope with or escape from their traumatic experiences, leading to a cycle of addiction as a form of self-medication.
Lack of awareness
A lack of awareness about the addictive potential and dangers of meth can lead individuals to experiment with the drug, underestimating its risk. This casual or experimental use can rapidly escalate to regular use and meth addiction.
