Methamphetamine Addiction

Many people don’t realize how quickly an addiction to meth can occur. Addiction can occur with just one use. Using meth creates a very euphoric feeling. For someone struggling with day to day life, being able to escape to a world of euphoria can be very appealing to them.

There are many side effects that come with meth use. When someone first starts using meth, they may notice that they start to lose weight rapidly. This is because the meth suppresses appetite and causes nausea. Consequently, the person won’t eat as much and will likely suffer some amount of weight loss.

Someone may also notice that the person seems more anxious or nervous. Meth can cause someone to hallucinate or become paranoid. They may think that people are after them or that they are seeing things that aren’t there. Thinking that someone is being followed can be very scary, especially when they’re not thinking clearly. To Christians, it will come as no surprise that many meth users believe there is a dark spiritual component to meth use. Some ex-meth users have recounted stories of being chased by demonic entities, or hearing voices instructing them to carry out terrible acts. The feelings of evil all around them can engulf them and send them into a panic where they hurt themselves or others.

When people use meth for extended periods of time, they often start to suffer damage to their liver, lungs and even their kidneys. Many people with a methamphetamine addiction have significant dental issues. The drug causes tooth decay that can be very difficult to control or treat. Snorting the drug can cause nasal issues because it destroys the lining of their nasal cavities. It’s also common for someone who injects the drug to contract a deadly disease. Many drug users don’t take the time to use clean needles when they inject meth. This causes diseases to transfer from person to person very quickly.

All of these effects of meth can be detrimental to a person’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. Ministry leaders, families, and friends must come together to intervene if someone close is using meth.

The Escalation of the Problem

Methamphetamine addiction escalates quickly because once someone uses it a few times, their body can build up a tolerance to it. This causes them to increase their dosage with each use to achieve the same high that they first experienced. It’s often referred to as “chasing a high”. They want the same high that they first had but can’t seem to reach it again. It’s likely they will never feel the same intense high as they did in the beginning, as the brains dopamine and serotonin centers become more and more dysfunctional.

When the intense high from methamphetamine fades, it can be difficult to deal with. As someone comes down from the high, they often start to feel withdrawal symptoms. This causes them to use more drugs before those symptoms start. People often think that they can quit using drugs whenever they choose, but that’s not true. Quitting meth on one’s own can be near impossible.

Even if someone is able to stop using on their own, the chance for relapse is high. Many people relapse because they go back to hanging out with the friends they had when they were using. Finding new friends after being addicted to drugs can be very difficult. It’s best to separate themselves from temptation and seek help at one of the faith-based treatment centers in their area.

The Need for Healing and Restoration in God

Turning away from sin is essential in the eyes of God. Being able to stop using drugs isn’t easy for someone to do on their own. When someone is ready to get clean, the Lord is ready and willing to support them. In Psalms 107:19-20 it says, “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”

In Christian meth recovery, the addicted person will be surrounded by other Christians looking to get clean from drugs. The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” This means that people need to stay away from those who use drugs in order to better their chances of staying clean.

Being able to get off of drugs requires someone to truly turn their life over to the Lord. Remember that Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If someone is ready to make a change in their life, the Lord is ready and willing to provide them with the help that they need.

Gaining a solid understanding of the Christian worldview while recovering from methamphetamine addiction can help put things into a clear perspective. Understanding that as humans we are fallen in nature and that our propensity towards sin leads us to addictions and the idolization of false gods (meth) can be quite eye-opening. As an individual begins the process of recovering from methamphetamine addiction, this knowledge will help them understand the importance of drawing near to Jesus and He will make their paths straight. Rebuilding life after a methamphetamine addiction doesn’t have to be an arduous task, but it is one that must be done diligently and with constant introspection. Every aspect of life must be taken into consideration and sifted through the word of God. This includes building relationships with new people who love God and are not afflicted with addictions

It’s important to avoid temptation. Staying away from known users can make staying on the right path easier.

Helping a Meth Addiction

When a person that someone loves has a problem with meth, they may not know what to do to help them. Keep an open mind and be patient. Direct them to a reputable program specifically dedicated to treating those battling addiction.

It’s also essential that ministry leaders and family members try to gauge exactly where the individual is on the Stages of Change. It’s important to understand that when interacting, each stage of change has an effective and ineffective mode of approach.

Sobriety can seem elusive and unattainable to someone in active and ongoing methamphetamine addiction. Being able to seek counseling in a Christian environment can make sobriety easier to achieve. If an individual feels stigmatized or looked upon in shame, they will likely not want to reach out their hand for help until things have gotten beyond a point they can bear.

If they do reach out to you for help, please know you can contact us at any time for help and guidance on how to move forward. Choosing an addiction recovery center that takes both evidence-based and faith-based approaches is going to be essential for long term recovery.

Many evidence-based and Christian rehabs offer medications to make the detox process easier. Medications reduce withdrawal symptoms during recovery. The faith-based rehab can also provide someone with the opportunity to learn about the Lord and His forgiveness. Knowing that the Lord will see someone as more than just a meth user is essential to their recovery. The Lord will not turn away from someone when they seek Him out for help. He is just that good.

People with addictions should contact Chaplain Mike if they are ready to find Christian addiction help. They may be surprised to learn that Chaplain Mike has had his own struggle with addiction in the past. He knows how hard sobriety can be firsthand. His experiences have helped others feel more comfortable about reaching out for the help they need.