What Is a Meth Addiction?
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. It is a white, odorless crystalline powder which easily dissolves in either water or alcohol, while it can also be transformed into rock-like chunks known as crystal meth. Most known for being smoked in glass pipes, meth can also be snorted, injected, or orally ingested.
The drug has a similar chemical structure to amphetamine, a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Comparably in clinical settings, methamphetamine is used in very limited contexts. It can help treat ADHD as well for instance, while it is also used for weight loss and and bronchial dilation. However, its clinical use is rare and strictly controlled due to its high potential for abuse and dependence.
A meth addiction is highlighted by the inability to control the use of methamphetamine – despite being aware of the harmful consequences. Yet the feelings delivered by the drug can override rational thought. Meth acts by increasing the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, movement, and reward. The result: it supplies an intense rush of euphoria and increased energy, making it a highly addictive substance.
The misuse of methamphetamine is a significant issue for the United States – and more specifically, in Massachusetts. It can cause a range of serious health issues that have both physical and mental effects. The widespread availability of meth – supported by its easy synthesis in makeshift laboratories – further contributes to its prevalence as a misused drug across the US.
Topsail: Professional Meth Treatment in Massachusetts
Topsail is one of the leading methamphetamine addiction treatment centers in Massachusetts. Our modern meth rehab center is ideal for those requiring intensive outpatient programs to treat their addiction. This is a recommended next step in the recovery process after detoxing, as it offers a combination of effective treatment with flexibility. The latter means individuals are able to continue working, go to school, maintain family obligations, etc. while still completing their meth addiction treatment program.
With our treatment for meth addiction, we provide multiple programs that feature different levels of intensity and duration. The three main forms of substance abuse treatment programs available at Topsail are listed below:
Overview of Topsail's Meth Treatment Programs
Full-Day treatment programs, sometimes called “partial hospitalization programs” or “PHP,” is the highest level of drug and alcohol treatment in an outpatient setting. Consisting of 5 to 6-hour sessions 5 days a week, the intensive Day program at Topsail Addiction Treatment has been created to help patients with significant addiction, and substance abuse issues. It is well suited for individuals who are either beginning their rehab journey or as a transition for people who have recently completed inpatient addiction treatment (PHP is usually the next step after detox and/or residential treatment is complete).
An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, is an immersive treatment program that helps individuals with substance abuse and addiction or alcohol problems while they live at home. IOPs are programs designed so the patient can live in their own residence or a sober living home and take part in an immersive program of continuing treatment at the facility
Weekly Outpatient addiction treatment (OP) tends to be more flexible and less restrictive than inpatient programs. Outpatient recovery programs usually require a specific number of hours and days per week spent visiting a local treatment center.
During these treatment sessions, patients will focus on drug abuse education, individual and group counseling, and learning coping strategies for living with addiction. Outpatient alcohol rehab can be an excellent standalone option or part of a long-term treatment program. Outpatient addiction treatment can last three to six months — something similar to inpatient treatment — or for longer if required.
With our methamphetamine abuse treatment options, we decide which route to take following an initial meeting. Our medical professionals asses each person’s medical history, current situation with methamphetamine, family support, and other pertinent points to construct the most effective personalized treatment plan to achieve long-term recovery.
Why Is Meth Addictive?
Meth is highly addictive due to its potent impact on the brain’s reward system. Like any other drug, meth alters the way the brain works. Meth does that by stimulating a rush of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, through the brain. This surge of dopamine results in intense euphoria and a powerful sense of wellbeing, driving users to seek the drug repeatedly.
Over time, meth alters the brain’s chemistry. This diminishes the natural production and response to dopamine, which, consequently, makes it increasingly difficult to experience any form of pleasure without the drug. Meth has a much longer duration of action compared against other stimulants, and this results in prolonged effects. All of this leads to a dependency, as users consume more meth to chase the initial high – despite the growing impact of the consequences.
The practicality of meth cannot be overlooked in terms of its addictive nature. The drug is relatively cheap when matched against the likes of cocaine, making it a preferred option among those who cannot afford more expensive controlled substances.
Meth Addiction Symptoms
A methamphetamine addiction manifests through a range of physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms. Below are some of the most common signs someone is suffering with a meth substance addiction:
Physical changes
Prolonged meth use can cause drastic physical changes. Addicts are known to be afflicted by severe dental problems, which are commonly known as “meth mouth”. They can also have skin sores, weight loss, and exhibit signs of aging rapidly.
Increased energy
One of the negative consequences of meth use is increased energy and wakefulness. This surge in energy may not seem too bad on the surface, but it causes users to stay awake for extended periods. This hyperactivity can cause health problems like insomnia.
Behavioral changes
Another common sign of meth use is significant behavioral changes. These changes can include increased aggression, impulsivity, and risk-taking behaviors. A significant decline in personal hygiene is a further sign of addiction.
Psychological symptoms
Meth users frequently exhibit psychological symptoms like paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. These symptoms can not only be severe, but also potentially lead to violent behavior – whether self-inflicted or to others.
Social withdrawal
As addiction takes hold, individuals often withdraw from family, friends, and social activities. They may become isolated, where the drug becomes central to the user’s daily life – often at the expense of relationships and responsibilities.
The Side Effects of Meth
Along with the noticeable symptoms listed above, there are various severe side effects that can crop up due to meth addiction. These side effects include:
Neurological effects
Meth is well-known for causing severe neurological issues. This can include memory loss, impaired cognitive functions, and even an increased risk of stroke. Addicts can also experience the likes of increased confusion, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Cardiovascular problems
Meth abuse significantly increases the risk of heart problems. Irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure are common issues, while, in extreme cases, heart attacks can also be possible. The strain caused on the cardiovascular system can be acute and chronic.
Infections
It is known that meth users typically develop skin sores as a result of scratching and picking at the skin. These open up the possibility of infections developing, while the sores themselves can cause significant scarring.
Psychotic symptoms
Different symptoms of psychosis can make an appearance with long-term meth use. The likes of paranoia and hallucinations may not just appear before or during meth withdrawal, either – they can even persist on a long-term basis after drug use has stopped.
Meth Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
The treatment process for meth detoxification involves a two-stage process, each with their own distinct symptoms and challenges.
The first stage, known as the acute phase, typically lasts for up to two weeks. During this two-week period, individuals generally experience intense – and often overwhelming – symptoms. These include severe depression, anxiety, fatigue, and an intense craving for the drug.
This is followed by the subacute withdrawal stage. This phase can extend into several weeks and is, for the most part, a continuation of some symptoms – albeit in a less intense form. Mental health issues like depression, irritability, and cravings persist. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or vivid dreams, are also common.
Attend Our Meth Addiction Treatment Center Today
If you need professional treatment for your meth addiction, Topsail is a leading option in Andover, Massachusetts. Our specialist treatment team knows how to help those attempting to move on from their methamphetamine use. With the care, experience, and expertise to make a difference, let us guide you towards a healthy life with our meth addiction treatment programs.
