Meth Addicts And Root Beer: An Unlikely Combination?

Methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive psychostimulant that has become one of the fastest-growing drug problems in the United States. It has been found to be the drug of choice for many, replacing crack cocaine and marijuana. One of the many side effects of meth use is meth mouth, which is caused by both the consumption of very sugary foods and the drug's tendency to cause intense dry mouth, leading to tooth decay. This side effect has been found to have striking similarities with soda mouth, which is caused by excessive consumption of sugary sodas.

A study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles found that MA users consumed, on average, 35.3 sodas per month. This is much higher than the recommended intake of less than three cans per week. The same study also found that increased soda consumption was associated with more self-reported dental problems among MA users.

While there is a clear link between meth use and increased soda consumption, it is important to note that even people who do not consider themselves soda addicts are at risk of dental erosion if they exceed the recommended intake of one 12-ounce soda per day.

Meth mouth and soda mouth

Meth Mouth

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can lead to "meth mouth", a condition characterised by tooth decay and dental erosion. Meth mouth is caused by a combination of factors, including dry mouth (xerostomia), increased sugar consumption, and poor oral hygiene. The decreased salivary flow associated with meth use can contribute to the development of dental caries, and users often report craving sugar, leading to the consumption of large quantities of soft drinks. Additionally, during periods of heavy drug use, oral hygiene practices may be neglected, further contributing to dental problems.

Soda Mouth

"Soda mouth" is a term used to describe the dental erosion and tooth decay that can result from excessive soda consumption. While it may not be as severe as meth mouth, soda mouth can lead to similar lesions on the teeth due to the high levels of citric acid in sodas, which erode tooth enamel and dentin. This can occur even in those who do not consider themselves "soda addicts", as citric acid is also present in energy drinks and citrus juices. The American Beverage Association denies that beverages are a unique factor in tooth decay, stating that other factors also contribute to dental health.

Similarities and Prevention

Both meth mouth and soda mouth can result in severe dental erosion and tooth decay, with similar clinical features observed in both conditions. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to limit soda consumption to no more than one 12-ounce can per day and to substitute alternate beverages such as water. Additionally, good oral hygiene practices and regular dental care are essential to maintaining dental health.

Meth and alcohol co-use

Methamphetamine (MA) and alcohol are often used in combination, with nearly 80% of people diagnosed with amphetamine dependence also having an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The co-use of these substances can have dangerous effects on the body, including cardiovascular problems such as heart failure and an increased risk of overdose.

People may use meth and alcohol together to enhance certain physiological effects or to reduce the negative effects of one substance by taking the other. Meth is a potent stimulant that can cause jitteriness, wakefulness, and anxiety. Alcohol, a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, can temporarily relieve some of these negative side effects. However, the stimulant effects of meth can also mask the effects of alcohol, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning.

Health Risks of Mixing Meth and Alcohol

Mixing meth and alcohol can alter the time course and severity of intoxication and acute effects of both substances in unexpected ways. The depressant effects of alcohol are masked by the stimulant effects of meth, increasing the risk of overdose from alcohol. Additionally, blood pressure may increase, and the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart failure also goes up. The combination can also lead to kidney issues, including kidney failure, due to increased risk of dehydration and hyperthermia.

Treatment for Meth and Alcohol Addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with meth and alcohol addiction, treatment can help. While addiction cannot be cured, it can be managed through rehabilitation programs, including detoxification, inpatient rehab, and outpatient rehab. These programs can provide medical support, therapy, and counselling to help individuals overcome their addiction and reduce the risk of relapse.

Cardiovascular consequences of mixing meth and alcohol

Mixing methamphetamine and alcohol can have dangerous cardiovascular consequences. The combination of these two substances can lead to a range of negative health effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, and elevated myocardial oxygen demand. The mixture may also increase the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart failure and can lead to kidney issues, including kidney failure, due to an increased risk of dehydration and hyperthermia.

The combination of meth and alcohol can also mask the effects of alcohol, leading to a greater risk of alcohol poisoning. This is because the stimulant effects of meth can delay the onset of sedative effects from alcohol, leading to increased consumption and a higher risk of overdose. The depressant effects of alcohol are also masked by the stimulant effects of meth, increasing the risk of overdose from alcohol.

In addition to the cardiovascular consequences, mixing meth and alcohol can have other dangerous physical, psychological, and behavioral effects. These can include cognitive functioning issues, increased drug-seeking behavior, and a greater risk of severe safety problems such as driving under the influence or engaging in risk-taking behaviors. The combination of these substances can also increase the likelihood of aggressive behaviors and violence due to the synergistic effect on aggression.

The dangers of mixing meth and alcohol are compounded by the fact that people with stimulant use disorders commonly use multiple substances, including alcohol. This polysubstance use is associated with worse physical and mental health outcomes and increases the likelihood of recurrent use of the primary substance. It also makes it more difficult to manage the person's substance use disorder.

Given the serious cardiovascular and other health consequences of mixing meth and alcohol, it is crucial to seek professional treatment for polysubstance use and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. Treatment options include medical detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient treatment programs, tailored to the individual's specific needs.

Meth and alcohol treatment options

Meth and alcohol addiction are serious conditions that can have dangerous consequences if left untreated. The good news is that there are effective treatment options available. Here are some important things to know about meth and alcohol treatment:

Detoxification

Detoxification, or detox, is often the first step in treating meth and alcohol addiction. This process involves ridding the body of the toxins associated with the drugs. Detox can be a challenging and even dangerous process, so it is usually best done under the supervision of medical professionals, especially in the case of alcohol withdrawal, which can be life-threatening. Detox is a necessary precursor to other forms of treatment and usually involves medical and psychological support.

Inpatient Treatment Programs

Inpatient treatment programs offer a structured environment with 24/7 medical and counselling staff on hand. They also offer intense treatment for co-occurring disorders and provide medical detox services. Inpatient treatment is often recommended for those with severe addictions or those who do not have a stable, substance-free home environment.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

Intensive outpatient programs can help people transitioning from inpatient treatment or those who need more support than a traditional outpatient program can offer. IOPs typically involve attending classes for up to 30 hours per week, focusing on addiction and mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient treatment programs are usually recommended for mild to moderate cases of meth and alcohol addiction. They offer counselling and support in an outpatient setting, allowing individuals to return home after treatment sessions. A stable, substance-free, and supportive home environment is crucial for the success of outpatient treatment.

Behavioural Therapies

Behavioural therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and individual counselling, are often a key component of meth and alcohol treatment. These therapies help break the cycle of drug abuse by re-configuring negative thoughts and beliefs around substance abuse. Studies have shown that psychotherapy can lead to reductions in meth use after just two to four sessions.

Support Groups

Support groups such as Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer additional emotional support and guidance. These groups are valuable additions to treatment programs and are typically managed and run by people who are also working through their recovery.

Medication

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage withdrawal symptoms during detox. For example, medications like bupropion and naltrexone have been found to help individuals remain abstinent during the detox process.

Treatment Duration

The duration of rehab treatment for meth and alcohol addiction can vary depending on the individual's needs. Treatment typically lasts between 30 to 120 days, with the average stay being less than 90 days. For those with severe physical dependence on meth, detox may take longer and may require an inpatient program.

Insurance Coverage

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurance companies to cover at least a portion of addiction treatment. Some insurance providers cover high levels of care, such as inpatient rehab stays, while others may only cover outpatient program costs.

It is important to note that seeking professional help is crucial for treating meth and alcohol addiction. Attempting to detox or recover from these addictions without professional support can be dangerous and may lead to relapse. If you or someone you know is struggling with meth or alcohol addiction, there are resources available to help.

Meth and alcohol's impact on cognitive functioning

Methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive psychostimulant that has become one of the fastest-growing drug problems in the US. It is a potent stimulant drug with a few approved medical uses like the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and has many illicit uses.

Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused intoxicating substance in the US. Most adults drink alcohol, at least in moderation, and many adolescents abuse the substance illegally.

People who struggle with addiction to methamphetamine are very likely to combine this intense stimulant with alcohol. Mixing a stimulant drug with a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, like alcohol, can temporarily relieve some of the negative side effects associated with stimulant abuse; however, on a long-term basis, these side effects will get worse faster.

The acute effects of methamphetamine on cognition are highly dependent on the neurotransmitters and brain structures that are impacted by the drug. Acute administration of moderate doses of MA can improve cognitive performance, such as measures of reversal learning, working memory, and the preference for larger, delayed rewards over smaller, immediate rewards. However, chronic administration of moderate doses can impair cognitive performance, including measures of working memory and object recognition memory.

The impact of larger drug doses administered repeatedly over extended periods is less clear owing to ethical considerations that limit drug exposure during participation in laboratory studies. An alternative approach to determining possible detrimental effects of large methamphetamine doses on cognitive performance has been to study the brain and cognitive performance of abstinent long-term methamphetamine abusers.

The impact of MA abuse on cognition is highly dependent on the neurotransmitters and brain structures that are impacted by the drug. Acute administration of moderate doses of MA can improve cognitive performance, such as measures of reversal learning, working memory, and the preference for larger, delayed rewards over smaller, immediate rewards. However, chronic administration of moderate doses can impair cognitive performance, including measures of working memory and object recognition memory.

The impact of larger drug doses administered repeatedly over extended periods is less clear owing to ethical considerations that limit drug exposure during participation in laboratory studies. An alternative approach to determining possible detrimental effects of large methamphetamine doses on cognitive performance has been to study the brain and cognitive performance of abstinent long-term methamphetamine abusers.

The evidence for cognitive improvement associated with abstinence from MA use in MA-dependent individuals is mixed. Two of three cross-sectional studies of abstinence suggest that some cognitive functions (eg, executive functioning) do improve with abstinence. However, the only longitudinal study with a strong experimental design that assessed 1 year of abstinence found that only a certain subset of MA-dependent individuals (those impaired at baseline) improve with abstinence, whereas other MA-dependent individuals do not improve.

Longitudinal studies show convincing changes in the neurochemical markers (ie, DAT, glucose metabolism) and gray-matter structure of MA-dependent subjects compared with control subjects who were tested at similar intervals. Although three of four studies that included cognitive data found relationships between changes in the brain and changes in cognitive performance, it is unclear whether the changes in cognitive performance reflect practice effects from repeated testing, longitudinal changes in cognitive function, or both. However, these findings do suggest that changes in the brain during abstinence may be linked with individual differences in cognition.

The vast majority of research has not found a relationship between cognitive performance and duration of MA use. Findings from studies utilizing potentially more accurate measures of MA administration such as frequency of use or amount of recent use have been mixed, with the majority of studies not finding a relationship between cognition and estimates of cumulative lifetime dose. In addition, most of the statistically significant relationships cited previously were found in post-hoc analyses that analyzed the relationships between multiple MA use parameters and multiple cognitive tests, without consideration of Type I error rate or confounding factors. As such, the available evidence for a linear relationship between self-reported MA usage and cognitive performance is weak.

Overall, evidence from five of our six a priori hypotheses received at least some degree of support for the notion that MA abuse causes cognitive decline. Animal studies, cross-sectional human studies, and brain studies provided fairly consistent indirect evidence for MA-induced cognitive decline. Studies of twins and cognition during abstinence provided weaker but supportive evidence, whereas studies of the dose–response relationship between MA consumption and cognition were generally not supportive. On the whole, the data support the perspective that, across individuals at the age of early-to-middle adulthood, MA abuse causes mild declines in cognitive function. These declines are likely to be observable in some, but not all, individuals who abuse MA. In addition, the extent of cognitive decline exhibited by a given individual is likely to vary depending on moderating variables such as age, educational level, and genotype.

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