Methamphetamine Addiction
A Brief Introduction to Meth and Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine, or crystal meth, is one of the most addictive substances someone can abuse. It is classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II stimulant. Though prescribed infrequently, it sometimes can be used by patients to treat ADHD or to help with short term weight loss. More commonly we find meth sold on the streets either as a white, powdery or clear, crystal substance. Methods of administration include smoking, snorting, ingesting, or injecting. It is a very powerful stimulant that releases large amounts of dopamine, the pleasure causing chemical in the brain, while simultaneously destroying the brain’s dopamine receptors. In other words, each time a person uses the drug they need a higher dose to get the same effect. This causes a perpetual cycle of need and use that becomes increasingly difficult to end.
Sign and Symptoms of Methamphetamine Abuse
Since methamphetamine is a powerful drug with a number of dangerous side effects it is important to familiarize yourself with some of the more prevalent symptoms of use. This way, if you suspect a family member or friend of abusing methamphetamine you have the proper information to help. The following symptoms could be indicators that a friend or loved one may be abusing meth:
- Anxiety
- Constant grinding of teeth/tooth damage
- Depression
- Hair loss
- Insomnia
- Irrational behavior
- Isolation
- Loss of appetite
- Manic behavior
- Open sores
- Paranoia
- Unsafe sexual behaviors
- Hyperactivity
- Twitching, facial tics, jerky movements
- Dilated pupils
- Noticeable or sudden weight loss
- Rapid eye movement
- Reduced appetite
- Agitation
- Burns, particularly on the lips or fingers
These are just a few of the many symptoms that accompany meth use. Additionally important to note, symptoms may differ when someone’s intoxicated as opposed to when they are sober, i.e. mania vs. depression.
Additional Information on Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine users find a lot of physical and emotional pleasure from getting high, so it is unusual that an addict will seek out treatment on their own. It is also very difficult to engage in logical conversation with an active user; if your loved one needs treatment convincing them can become a long and difficult process. It is often best to wait until they hit rock bottom or come to you seeking help to find treatment. While it can be tempting to try to influence an addict, it is best not to try to push them towards treatment or to treat them yourselves. Drug addiction is a tricky, dangerous disease and its best handled by trained professionals.
It is wise to prepare yourself with information and to develop an action plan for if/when they come to you for help. It’s important to know that this may be when things seem most hopeless or when the addict’s given no other options. For example, this might occur when someone’s faced with jail time or court appointed treatment. Don’t get upset given these circumstances. Many addicts find success in court appointed treatment because it is the final straw that pushes them towards help.
Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment
Here at Silicon, we have a multi-faceted approach catered to the individual to be the best way to treat methamphetamine addiction. It is common, particularly among meth users, to come into treatment addicted to more than one drug. In addition to this, it’s also common for meth users to be suffering from mental and/or behavioral health issues. Treatment by an inexperienced or untrained individual can make the problem worse. If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to methamphetamine, don’t wait, click here to see the treatment options that we have available. Since meth is one of the hardest drug addictions to treat we recommend inpatient care for those struggling with addiction to this substance. Here are some things you can expect if you go that route:
Inpatient Care
During the intake process we interview each patient, learning more about their use and history, to help design a treatment program specific to their needs. Additionally, this is an important period for detox. Patients usually arrive having recently used the drug, and little can be accomplished towards their mental and emotional rehabilitation while in the state of withdrawal. Therefore, it is important to detoxify the body from the drug. Detox can be dangerous and physically debilitating for an unsupervised user. We ensure each patient has the care they need so they can safely purge the substance from their system while being as comfortable as possible.
After the detox process has been completed the patient is ready to start treatment. This can last one to three months and typically consists of both group and individual therapy sessions. These sessions are overseen by therapists and psychiatrists who specialize in drug addiction treatment. Additionally, a counselor is appointed to each patient helping to design their personalized treatment plan. Our drug detox facilities and their affiliates are medically supervised so we can ensure the comfort and safety of our patients.
Outpatient Care
Furthermore, we offer outpatient services depending on the individual’s needs. We work with patients and our experienced staff to create a program that will specifically address their treatment and help them to attain and maintain lasting sobriety from meth and other substances. Overcoming meth addiction, like addiction in any form, can be difficult.We’re here to assist you as best we can. We believe that anyone who makes a mistake with meth addiction deserves another chance to live a better life.
To contact us for more information, please feel free to reach out to us via phone at 833-LA-REHAB. You can also reach us via email at info@siliconbeachtx.com as well. We look forward to helping you and/or your loved one get back to having a productive and happy life without having to depend on methamphetamine and other substances.
