Heavy Methamphetamine Users at Risk for Developing Schizophrenia

Methamphetamine is a very addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. It is a Schedule II stimulant, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled. However, its medical uses are limited and the doses prescribed are much lower than those typically abused. Most of the methamphetamine abused in this country comes from foreign or domestic superlabs, although it can also be made in small, illegal laboratories, where its production endangers the people in the labs, neighbors, and the environment. The laundry list of negative effects that come with methamphetamine abuse include extreme weight loss, severe dental problems, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, violent behavior, and increased potential for developing schizophrenia according to a new study.

In the first worldwide study of its kind, scientists from Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) found evidence that heavy methamphetamine users might have a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. This finding was based on a large study comparing the risk among methamphetamine users not only to a group that did not use drugs, but also to heavy users of other drugs. Methamphetamine and other amphetamine-type stimulants are the second most common type of illicit drug used worldwide so any new developments or findings concerning health risks could potentially affect a large group of people. Chronic methamphetamine abuse significantly changes how the brain functions and the potential dangers of the underground production combine to make methamphetamine abuse significantly hazardous. Anyone who abuses this drug should immediately seek professional help in order to save themselves from the dangers of the drug.

Currently, the most effective treatments for methamphetamine abuse are behavioral. For example, the Matrix Model, a comprehensive behavioral treatment approach that combines behavioral therapy, family education, individual counseling, 12-Step support, drug testing, and encouragement for nondrug-related activities has been shown to be effective in reducing methamphetamine abuse. Finding the right rehab center is crucial for the recovery because if the patient doesn’t feel welcomed and committed, then the recovery will reflect that. Seabrook employs highly credentialed professionals in the addiction field, whose specialties encompass every area of medical, clinical, psychological and spiritual treatment of the disease of addiction. Patients who choose Seabrook will benefit from the individual based programs that are offered to cater to the specific patient. Each patient is unique so therefore each recover is unique, and the attitudes and programs at Seabrook reflect this thought. Our main rehab facility is located in rural Bridgeton, New Jersey (NJ), a location that is close to many east coast cities and states. If you are ready to stop your methamphetamine use and stop increasing your risk for schizophrenia, call Seabrook today to get on the road to recovery.