Living on the Border !!! - Thoughts On Meth Addiction and Mental Health Problems- JournalHome.com

Living on the Border !!! - Thoughts On Meth Addiction and Mental Health Problems- JournalHome.com Living on the Border !!!

About Me

Recent Posts

Home

View my profile

My Image Gallery

Archives

Email Me

Calendar

Friends

Links

Entry 1 of 335
Last Page | Next Page

12/12/2007 - Thoughts On Meth Addiction and Mental Health Problems

Gay community in particular is fond of this Drug Crystal meth that has spread across the country. Research shows that the gay, lesbian and bisexual population has a much higher rate of crystal meth Addiction than the "heterosexual world". While it is reported that the gay community leans toward the crystal meth high due to heightened sexual experiences, it could also be said that the gay population uses crystal meth to alleviate feelings of depression, lethargy or any other mental health issues caused by years of prejudice, discrimination or homophobia. All in all, the gay and lesbian population also has a higher incidence of dual diagnosis, than the general population. Crystal Meth and Mental Health Issues Many people already have mental health issues before they start using crystal meth. Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder are not uncommon. There are two aspects to consider when talking about crystal meth's impact - the symptoms of mental health problems and the root causes of these problems. Some people discover that crystal meth provides relief from some of their troubling symptoms. Maybe they feel less depressed or less anxious while they are high, for example. So in this way, many users would say crystal meth makes their mental health symptoms "better." This is often called "self-medicating." But this relief is only temporary. Often the symptoms can rebound even more strongly during or after the crash. So in this case, crystal meth makes the symptoms "worse." Also, for those with more serious mental health conditions (i.e. schizophrenia or psychosis), their symptoms actually get more severe when they get high on crystal meth. Crystal Methamphetamine is not a "cure" for dual diagnosis. It can't fix the root causes. In fact, using crystal meth regularly may only worsen the underlying issues or mask them completely. Regular crystal meth use can also interfere with your ability to take psychiatric medications as prescribed. And crystal meth can have harmful interactions with many psych meds as well. All of these issues simply complicate mental health conditions. Crystal Meth and Perscription Medications Crystal meth certainly interacts with plenty of psychiatric medications. Some of these interactions may be severe or even fatal. Therefore it is critical that you discuss your crystal meth Addiction or crystal meth use with your health care provider so you can seek help in a Drug rehab or Addiction treatment program near you. Crystal Meth and your Psychiatrist Because being high, crashing, withdrawing can often look like lots of mental health symptoms, it is often hard to tell which is which. Most mental health providers need a "clean slate" so to speak in order to assess what's really going on with your symptoms. Are they simply being caused by Drug use or is something else going on? They want to diagnose your condition accurately so they can treat you accurately. In general, most providers will prefer you to be off crystal meth for at least 6-8 weeks before they can reliably assess and treat you. Each provider has different standards about this. Many are willing to provide support while you work at cutting down your crystal meth use. If you are still using, providers may hesitate to prescribe a mental health medication. The reason for this is does not want to risk setting you up for destructive interactions between prescribed drugs and methamphetamine. These are common factors to consider when seeking treatment for a dual diagnosis problem or group of issues. Crystal Meth Intoxication Symptoms often resemble that of Major Psychiatry Disorders Including BPD, Bipolar, and more. Many people who Abuse Meth and other drugs are already suffering from one or more disorders and use the Drug as an escape, a release from Who they are, especially true with BPD as Borderlines frequently Do not know Who they are. It is important that when seeking treatment you are Clean at least a week as It takes that long for your system to begin to clean out The Drug. Hetrosexuals do Not face the same Issues that The Gay community does and that is why in my belief that Meth use is more rampid in the Gay Community, Often going hand in hand although it does not have to be this way at all. Meth is a drug that lies and decieves people and tricks your Brain into taking more of the Drug. People with Psych problems often have low self esteem issues and are not clear of who they are or what they want and that is why they seek out Drugs and Alcohol to escaper the reality of their existance. Drug Abuse is not something that can be overcome by sheer willpower and especially so one is already suffering from Other issues emotionally and mentally. Treatment is Often Needed and It is a process.

R.C