Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction
What is Methamphetamine Addiction?
Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly-addictive central nervous system stimulant. Also known as Meth, blue, ice, and crystal, it is a white, odorless, crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Meth is often smoked in glass pipes but may be crushed into powder and snorted or injected.
Methamphetamine was overshadowed by the Opioid crisis in the past decade, but it has made a comeback in recent years. The ease of manufacturing and access to over-the-counter ingredients has allowed Meth to be made and sold in urban areas, suburbs, and even rural towns across America.
In a clinical setting, Methamphetamine has legal purposes and is used pharmaceutically for bronchial dilation, to help patients lose weight or, to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Why Is Meth So Addictive?
Like any drug, Meth alters how the brain works. This particular drug stimulates a rush of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, through the brain. However, prolonged use of Meth impairs brain chemistry, making it unable to experience pleasure without the drug.
Unlike other stimulants, such as Cocaine, Methamphetamine has a much longer duration of action, and Methamphetamine remains in the brain longer, which ultimately leads to prolonged effects from the stimulant.
Another reason Meth is so addictive is more practical. Meth is relatively cheap, making it the preferred option for those who cannot afford other, more expensive controlled substances.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Use
Physical signs of Meth use include initial bouts of euphoria or sudden and overt self-confidence. The user may seem hyper-alert, often talking fast and excessively. They may also sweat profusely even when inactive.
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Short-term side effects of Meth use may include:
- Increased attention and decreased fatigue
- Increased activity and wakefulness
- Decreased appetite
- Euphoria and rush
- Increased respiration
- Rapid/irregular heartbeat
- Grinding of teeth
- Hyperthermia
- Erratic and impulsive behavior
- Repetitive behavior patterns
- Agitation
- Twitchiness
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Sleep deprivation resulting in delusions, hallucinations, paranoia and/or violence
Meth Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
Detoxing from Meth is challenging, and the withdrawal process has two stages. The intense initial stage may begin in the hours after last use and can last up to two weeks. Initial stage symptoms may include overall sadness and depression, fatigue, muscle weakness, and lack of motivation.
The second stage is less intense and may last up to two or three weeks. Withdrawal symptoms in this stage may include depression, fatigue, and anxiety. “Hypersomnia” which means consistently sleeping for 11 or more hours, is also common as the body attempts to recover from the physical toll of Meth addiction.
Treatment for Meth Addiction
Once a patient has completed the detoxification process, they may begin their addiction treatment. Many people choose an outpatient treatment setting because it provides them with flexibility and allows them to work, go to school, or meet other personal and family obligations.
Because Meth is a stimulant, fatigue, and lethargy are common side effects even after detox. Sleep is frequent and prolonged during the early stage of recovery, and many patients find that they can better recover physically while sleeping in their own homes.
TOPSAIL offers multiple programs for outpatient addiction treatment and will customize a program based on the individual’s needs and the severity of their addiction.
Topsail offers three types of outpatient treatment for Meth Addiction.
- Full-Day Treatments – Comprehensive treatment programs that meet 3-5 times a week at our facility in Andover, MA.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment – An immersive treatment program that helps individuals with substance abuse and addiction problems while they live at home.
- Outpatient Treatment – Customized treatment plans that accommodate work, school, or other responsibilities living at home.
All three types of treatment utilize a clinically-proven combination of therapy, counseling, life coaching, and group education and support programs. The highly trained TOPSAIL staff will help you decide which programs are the best for you and develop a treatment plan to help guide you toward recovery.
Meth Treatment in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire
Meth Addiction continues to increase in Massachusetts and New Hampshire as the drug regains popularity and its potency and purity continue to rise.
Topsail Addiction Treatment has developed programs to help people overcome their Meth addictions and take back control of their lives. We have assembled a dedicated, caring, and professional staff with proven experience in helping people recover and created a safe, comfortable, and convenient place to work on your sobriety.
We have purpose-built our new facility in Andover, MA to offer a serene and discrete environment to work through your substance abuse challenges. We serve the communities of Greater Boston, the North Shore, Lowell, Lawrence, Metro-North, and Southern New Hampshire and our treatment center is convenient to Route 128, Route 495, Route 95 and Route 93.