Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. A report by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reveals that approximately 964,000 people aged 12 or older had a meth use disorder or addiction. Because the need for meth addiction treatment is so common, people have asked, “Is meth a narcotic?” The question might arise from a general belief that all controlled substances or addictive drugs are narcotics.
What Is a Narcotic?
The answer to, “Is meth a narcotic?” depends on how the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defines narcotics. The word “narcotic” comes from the Greek word “narke” which means “numb.” Today, the term “narcotic” describes a class of drugs called opioids or opiates, whether natural or man-made. The illegal drug heroin and prescription medications such as fentanyl, codeine, and morphine are all narcotics.
Opioids are narcotics because they numb or relieve pain. At the same time, opioids have the potential to impair the user’s mental state. The drugs produce euphoria and make the person feel sedated or sleepy. People who misuse or abuse opioids often do so to get the same calming effects.
Is Meth a Narcotic or a Stimulant?
Based on the DEA’s description of narcotics, it begs the question, “Is meth a narcotic?” Methamphetamines, or meth for short, are Schedule II stimulants that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Meth, also known as an “upper,” is legally prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity. The medication works by increasing energy, alertness, focus, and wakefulness. It also enhances mood and gives a pleasurable sense of well-being (euphoria).
An illegal form of meth called crystal meth is also made and distributed by clandestine drug labs. Street names for illegal meth include crystal, blue, ice, glass, shards, and speed. People use, misuse, or abuse both types of meth for their effects or ability to increase function and performance. Those who smoke, snort, or inject the drug get the full blast of its effects and are more likely to develop meth addiction. With any addictive drug, some people are able to manage medications, and some people are not. If meth use has started causing more harm than good in your life, contact a Portland sober living center to give yourself the best chance at recovery.
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Meth Addiction, Misuse, and Abuse
So you see, the main thing in finding out whether meth is a narcotic is to look at why doctors prescribe the drug. Also, consider how meth affects the brain and body. While narcotics decrease brain activity, stimulants such as methamphetamines increase brain activity and function. Therefore, meth is not a narcotic, at least not according to the DEA. However, the drug is highly addictive and popularly used among adults and school-aged individuals who misuse it to boost work or academic performance.
Meth dependence or addiction happens because the drug increases the level of a brain chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for making people feel good. After prolonged use, the body relies on the drug to provide pleasure. But once a person is addicted to meth, no amount of it will provide enough pleasure.
How You or a Loved One Can Get Over Meth Addiction
Meth addiction rehabs give men and women the opportunity to quit drug abuse. Taking the first step to recovery is not always easy. The first hurdle is detox and withdrawal. Detox in a medical setting is considered the safest way to remove the drug from the body. A doctor and therapist are usually present to oversee the withdrawal process and help you manage withdrawal symptoms.
But detox alone is not enough to end meth addiction. In fact, it’s just the beginning of the journey toward recovery. Follow-up treatment at a rehab like Crestview Recovery can help increase your chance of long-term sobriety. After detox, clients who come to us can enroll for treatment at our outpatient, intensive outpatient, or partial hospitalization facility. Even if you have lost all hope, the therapists at Crestview’s sober living program take pride in helping people restore hope and move forward in their lives.
There are also extended care (90-day) addiction treatment and aftercare programs suitable for individuals who require more time in treatment. Core treatment involves behavioral therapy by a master-level therapist who will help you develop a plan to prevent relapse. You will be living with a group of people who are also in recovery. Other addiction therapies include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment: A type of mental health condition where one or more mental disorders occur at the same time as a substance use disorder.
- Individual therapy: Private meetings between you and your therapist in which you can discuss your specific concerns or problems.
- Family therapy: A form of psychological treatment that involves the family or significant others of an individual struggling with addiction.
- Trauma therapy: A specialized form of counseling designed to help people cope with the psychological effects of traumatic events.
- Holistic therapy: A type of therapy that aims to treat the person as a whole, rather than focusing solely on the substance use or addiction itself.
We Will Walk You Through Sober Living to Recovery
The right programs at Crestview Recovery, your commitment to sobriety, and support from family can get you on the path to recovery. We are a reputable Joint-Commission-accredited treatment center located in Portland, OR. We also serve men and women from the Pacific Northwest states of Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Talk to a counselor today by calling 866.262.0531.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
