Today, methamphetamine is associated with many mental illnesses, violent crimes, and the worsening homelessness problem in America. Being a potent and highly addictive stimulant, meth has become a severe problem in the country.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that almost 15 million people in the U.S over 18 years old have used methamphetamine at least once. Meth abuse often begins as an occasional recreational activity and, with time, becomes all you can think about and do.
Life can be challenging for those battling addiction as their world seems smaller and narrower. However, with the right meth treatment programs, you can regain complete control of your life and be free from meth. It is recommended that addiction treatment is sought if you or a loved one have a meth drug abuse. A meth addiction treatment program or also known as a meth rehab center might be the best place to look for help.
What Is Methamphetamine Addiction?
Data from NSDUH shows that more than one million Americans misuse methamphetamine to a certain degree. This means they will experience withdrawal symptoms, a persistent urge to use, and an inability to meet daily obligations like school and work. Meth addiction is rapidly growing owing to its affordability and easy access. It is also considered the most dangerous addiction, surpassing the misuse of opioids.
Meth is a powerful stimulant that targets the nervous system. This is similar to amphetamine but gets absorbed into the brain much faster and has longer-lasting effects. Its misuse impacts your ability to think logically by rewiring the brain’s reward pathways and overall circuitry.
Meth mostly comes as a white powder that can be snorted, smoked, injected, or consumed orally. Smoking and injecting are considered the worst methods for consuming meth since the high comes faster, encouraging more regular use.
Anyone can be addicted to meth; its addiction crosses all boundaries of age, gender, race, social status, level of education, etc. Factors such as personality traits and genetics may play a role in who is at a greater risk of being addicted. The effects are usually devastating and can even be fatal. In most cases, addicts often need intervention from a reputable drug and alcohol rehab center.
What Makes People Develop Addiction to Meth?
Understanding why people develop addictions begins with knowing that addiction is not a choice, a moral failure, or a personal flaw. Instead, it is a diagnosable illness, with certain factors contributing to it. Many people suffering from meth addiction began as recreational users or taking it to self-medicate. Over time, they started to depend on the drug to function and become addicted.
Addiction changes the brain and impairs how it works. As a stimulant, meth intensifies activity in some regions of the brain.
As a result, it heightens the functions of the central nervous system. Upon consumption, meth triggers the massive release of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, along with others. These neurotransmitters have a potent euphoric effect and other psychoactive effects.
Dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ hormone, allows us to experience pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. Sex elevates dopamine to about 200 and cocaine to 350. While researchers suggest meth use spikes dopamine levels to up to 1250 units.
After a one-time use of meth, the brain registers the experience and often tries to recreate it. This attempt to recreate the feeling is usually impossible. The only way to experience the same feeling of euphoria is by using the drug. Over time, the brain relies on it as its sole source of pleasure.
The Effects of Meth Addiction
Many people are unaware of meth’s effects on physical, emotional, and mental wellness. The degree of effects will often vary depending on whether one is a chronic user or an occasional one. They include:
1. Short-term effects
The short-term mental effects of meth include:
- Euphoria
- Heightened alertness
- Increased sense of well-being
- Anxiety
- Wakefulness
- The urge to engage in repetitive or meaningless tasks
The physical effects include:
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Rapid breathing rate
- High body temperature
- Dilated pupils
- High blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Nausea/ vomiting/ diarrhea
- Uncontrollable clenching of the jaw
- Twitching
2. Long-term effects
Some of the long-term effects of meth may persist even after you stop taking meth. The long-term effects on your mental health include:
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Difficulty sleeping
- Psychosis
- Delusions
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Homicidal and suicidal thoughts
- Memory loss
The long-term physical effects of methamphetamine include:
- Anorexia
- Extreme weight loss
- Skin sores due to scratching
- Increased risk of hepatitis B & C
- Hearty problems
- Liver and kidney damage
- High blood pressure
- Lung disease
- Symptoms resembling Parkinson's or Alzheimer's due to brain damage
Besides the short and long-term effects, there is also the potential to overdose on meth, which can cause symptoms like:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Convulsions
- Severe high body temperature
Types of Meth Addiction Treatments in Meth Rehab Centers
Fighting meth addiction is complex and can take up to 2 years to conquer, while the effects may last a lifetime. Recovery is not always a straight line, and there isn’t a one-fits-all treatment solution. A full recovery from meth addiction requires a comprehensive treatment plan that often consists of detox, counseling, and therapy. This is why it is crucial to seek professional help to ensure you get the most effective and suitable treatment program.
Patients can choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab programs. Inpatient treatment is often reserved for patients suffering from chronic meth abuse and experiencing extreme withdrawal symptoms. They can last between 30 and 90 days. On the other hand, doctors may suggest outpatient rehab if one still has commitments like school and work and the addiction is mild.
Detox
The withdrawal symptoms are perhaps the worst part of treating meth addictions. They include symptoms like anxiety, depressed mood, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, paranoia, and psychosis. Patients will notice withdrawal symptoms after 24 hours of their last dose. Symptoms will grow in severity within 7 to 10 days of abstinence and then vanish between 14 and 20 days of abstinence.
- Counseling and Therapy
After the withdrawal symptoms subside, structured counseling begins. Counseling and therapy target the physical and mental aspects of meth addiction. A variety of behavioral therapies are approved for treating meth addiction, and they include:
This therapy aims to help patients stop unhealthy patterns. CBT helps patients learn and adopt drug-free ways to cope with life’s pressure. It teaches how to recognize one’s reactions to environmental or emotional triggers and stop negative impulsive responses.
This therapy is modeled to reward patients in tangible ways for their effort to stay sober and commit to treatment. The longer you commit to progress, the bigger the incentive may get.
It involves patients meeting in small groups for about 16 weeks to learn in detail about meth addiction. They learn how to overcome substance use disorder and embrace non-drug-related activities. Other components covered include family therapy, 12-step meetings, drug testing, and behavioral therapy.
Is There Medication For Treating Meth Addiction?
Although there are some promising developments for meth addiction medication, the FDA is yet to approve any. However, evidence from clinical trials shows that anti-methamphetamine monoclonal antibodies can reduce the effects of meth on the brain. Ibudilast and naltrexone are other drugs also thought to help treat addiction.
Get Help to End Meth Addiction Today
Contact Bellagio Residential Treatment Center if you or your loved one are battling meth addiction disorder and need help. We are located in Lancaster, California, but we also serve the surrounding areas to provide quality and personalized meth addiction.
Bellagio Residential Treatment Center uses a variety of treatment approaches to help patients succeed. Our team of professionals provides patients with comprehensive treatment for substance use disorder. We work with our clients to provide them with the support they need for long-term substance abuse recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help.
