Do you get addicted to meth right away?

Answer 1

You mean, do you become addicted to it the first time you use it? No, that is absolutely, 100% false. Unlike alcohol and opiates, speed (amphetamines and methamphetamines), as well as cocaine and benzodiazepines (Xanax and Valium) are not physically addictive, meaning that a round-the-clock user will not suffer physical withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly quit. They won't get sick, the way an alcoholic or a heroin addict gets sick when they suddenly stop using.

Speed, cocaine, and benzodiazepines are not physically addictive, but they have a high potential for psychological addiction. When someone uses these drugs on a regular basis, they build up a tolerance to them. They are so accustomed to being on the drug, that they actually feel normal when they are on it, and they feel distinctly abnormal if they stop. They feel as though something is missing from their brain when they stop using. When you are psychologically addicted to a drug, the craving to do it is constant and almost irresistible.

Doing meth once will not create a psychological addiction. In order to become psychologically addicted to speed (or cocaine), you need to do it at least once a week for a couple of months.

However, drug use is a slippery slope. You may think that, since you can't get addicted to meth from doing it once, that it is safe to use. That is not true. Chances are, you will love the way it feels, and you will be strongly tempted to do it again. And again. And again. And before you know it, you are addicted. There are some people who are able to use hard drugs (cocaine, speed, heroin) without getting addicted, but for most people, doing just a little bit, every once in awhile, just isn't feasible.