Dangers of Meth Use and How Meth Addiction Treatment Can Help
Abusing methamphetamine is one of the most harmful forms of substance use disorders, but fortunately there are a number meth addiction treatment options available.
Meth is one of the most addictive recreational drugs available. Most people become hooked with the first use. Sadly, due to meth’s potent stimulant effects, a person may start taking it to stay alert for school or work but end up developing a use disorder. When a person tries to stop, withdrawal and cravings often prove too great.
Sadly, methamphetamine overdose rates have reached an all-time high.1 Luckily, meth addiction treatment is available so that a person can return to sobriety.
Meth Brings Extreme Highs and Lows
Individuals get a strong sense of euphoria from using meth. On the other hand, it also brings crashing lows. These make a person feel downright miserable. Many adverse side effects come from taking and stopping meth, such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Appetite changes
- Intense itching sensations
- Altered sleep patterns
During binges, a person uses the drug repeatedly to sustain the “high” for as long as possible. Throughout this period, a person may not eat or sleep for days. After discontinuing use, the crash lasts even longer and is more severe.
Delivery Methods
Another reason why meth is quite dangerous is the numerous ways that a person can ingest it. To begin, it may be smoked or snorted. It is available in pills as well. However, the riskiest method of delivery is by injection. When people are desperate for drugs, they will share needles, which leads to the spread of dangerous viruses.
Fatal Side Effects of Meth Misuse
Besides raising the chances of transmitting a deadly disease, other fatal side effects may come from misuse, such as:
- Increased body temperature
- High blood pressure
- Labored breathing
- Racing heart
- Stroke
Long-Term Risks of Meth Misuse
Even a person without heart problems may suffer long-term effects of meth misuse, including:
- Danger to major organs, including the liver and kidneys
- Permanent damage to the brain’s dopamine system
- Lost memory, coordination, and ability to speak
- Long-term emotional issues
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Psychiatric symptoms, including delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations
- “Meth mouth”
- Aggressive and violent behavior
Difficult to Quit
Meth withdrawal symptoms are horrible. They bring intense cravings, extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues. When a person decides to quit, it isn’t easy without help.
Most Common Meth Addiction Treatments
When a person is determined to get past a meth misuse disorder, it is essential to have assistance. There are a variety of treatments that may help a person regain long-term sobriety.
Detox
Detox is the first step in treatment. Since it can cause several awful symptoms and health issues, it is wise to have professional help. Research shows that methamphetamine withdrawal follows a pattern.2 Usually, symptoms appear 24 hours after the last use. The worst symptoms appear up to 10 days later. Detoxification rids the body of the substance. Having help during detox lowers the likelihood of relapse as well.
Medication Through Treatment
Many new medicines are being developed to help people overcome meth misuse disorders. For example, Naltrexone3 been studied for its positive effects, and the results show it helps lower cravings.
Therapeutic Treatments
One of the most successful treatments for meth misuse is behavioral therapy.4 This targets the underlying reasons for the negative actions. A therapist helps a patient develop healthy coping mechanisms to have positive alternatives to drug use within everyday life. A person struggling with a drug misuse disorder may participate in individual or family counseling, support groups, and a 12-step program.
Holistic Treatments
Since no two individuals are alike, treatment must be specialized for the needs of each patient. At Silver Sands Recovery, we offer a variety of holistic therapies that concentrate on a person’s whole body, mind, and spirit. For example, we recognize the importance of exercise to release natural hormones that improve a person’s mood and physical health. Also, we encourage group sports like basketball and golf. These keep the main focus on other things and teach people how to communicate with each other.
Meth Addiction Treatment at Silver Sands Recovery
At Silver Sands Recovery, Arizona Drug Rehab, we recognize the dangers of methamphetamines. We provide a safe environment for individuals who want to work through their problems and find long-term solutions. Our intimate setting and small size allow our staff to connect with patients on a one-on-one basis. For more information about meth addiction treatment, contact us today.
Sources:
[1] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2774859?guestAccessKey=95ca43ca-bfbc-4805-8b74-e542fa167f1b&utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_content=tfl&utm_term=012021
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16128721/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883750/
[4] https://adai.uw.edu/pubs/pdf/2018methtreatment.pdf
About the author:
Lisa Waknin is the Founder and Director of Silver Sands Recovery, located in Prescott, Arizona. Lisa started Silver Sands Recovery after immersing herself in the addiction treatment world for several years to figure out what could be done differently to help her daughter and others like her to overcome addiction and stay sober. She believes in a hands-on treatment approach, which includes taking someone out of their environment, providing a 90-day program in a structured environment. During treatment, clients not only recover physically but also learn to live their life again. Lisa is a sought-after expert speaker for recovery support groups, charities, schools, communities, and companies wanting to educate themselves on the explosion of opiate and heroin abuse in our country and the best way to understand, treat, and beat it.
