METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTION TREATMENT
METHAMPHETAMINE
a potent synthetic psychostimulant that affects the Central Nervous System
Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment
This drug is commonly known as Meth, is a potent synthetic psychostimulant that affects the Central Nervous System. Although it was initially used as a decongestant and weight loss aid, its misuse resulted in its classification as a Schedule II controlled substance. Desoxyn is the only prescription methamphetamine drug available, and it is used to treat obesity and ADHD.
Meth is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can lead to severe physical and psychological effects, including addiction. In 2018, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that 1.6 million people in the U.S. had a methamphetamine use disorder. However, the magnitude of the issue is evident from the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s report, which states that over 23,000 people died in 2020 due to an overdose involving methamphetamine and stimulants.
Dangers Of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine can be ingested in various ways, such as by smoking, swallowing, snorting, or injecting. The drug’s effects are rapid but short-lived, leading users to take multiple doses to sustain the high, which increases the risk of overdose and a binge-and-crash pattern.
Meth has several street names, including “crank,” “ice,” and “crystal.” It is available in pill form or as a white powder.
Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment
At Still Detox, we understand the effectiveness and safety of medical detox in supporting individuals dealing with methamphetamine addiction. We stress the significance of having a qualified medical professional perform proper assessment and monitoring during the detoxification process, to guarantee the safety and comfort of those on the path to recovery from methamphetamine addiction.
signs of meth addiction
Methamphetamine is notorious for causing respiratory problems, and in severe instances, even respiratory failure.
Physical Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction
Rapid heartbeatElevated blood pressure
Hyperthermia
Weight loss
Dilated pupils
Skin Sores
Needle Marks
Behavioral Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction
Agitation and irritabilityRestlessness and hyperactivity
Anxiety and panic attacks
Paranoia and hallucinations
Decreased inhibition
Tremors & Twitching
Emotional Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction
Euphoria and pleasureIntense mood swings
Depression and apathy
Feelings of grandiosity
Blunting
Hostility
Methamphetamine Addiction & Abuse
Methamphetamine affects the brain’s reward system by significantly increasing dopamine levels. This rush of dopamine results in a feeling of pleasure and reward, which can be highly addictive and cause people to compulsively seek out the drug. Prolonged use and abuse of methamphetamine can lead to physical dependence, making it difficult for people to function without using the drug. Dependency on methamphetamine can have serious long-term effects on physical and mental health, emphasizing the severity of addiction to this substance.
Short-term impacts of Methamphetamine Abuse
These effects are extremely dangerous and can lead to serious negative consequences if left untreated.
Moreover, meth overdose has the potential to be life-threatening and often requires emergency medical attention.
- Increased wakefulness and a decreased need for sleep
- Sudden bursts of energy resulting in increased physical activity
- Reduced appetite with some users going days without eating
- Rapid increase in respiratory rate
- Rapid heartbeat potentially leading to an irregular rhythm
- Elevated body temperature that may resemble a fever
- Marked increases in blood pressure
Risks associated with long-term meth use
- Damage to the cardiovascular system, including increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and weakened blood vessels
- Kidney failure
- Liver damage
- Lung damage
- Dental problems due to grinding teeth or lack of saliva production
- Extreme weight loss
- Skin sores from picking at skin due to hallucinations or delusions caused by the drug
- Malnutrition due to decreased appetite
- Paranoia, aggression, confusion, memory loss, insomnia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and psychosis.
- Impaired judgment and decision-making abilities.
Methamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms
Methamphetamine withdrawal is associated with severe risks, including the most alarming risks such as severe depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, self-harm, or suicide. Exacerbation of mental health conditions, intense cravings leading to relapse, and physical exhaustion that weakens the immune system are also common dangers. It is important for individuals seeking to withdraw from methamphetamine to seek professional help and support to minimize these risks and avoid negative outcomes.
Acute Withdrawal (1-2 Days)
Dysphoria, anxiety, agitation, cravings
Acute Withdrawal (3-10 Days)
Depression, fatigue, insomnia, increased appetite
Protracted Withdrawal (2-3 Weeks)
Lingering symptoms of acute withdrawal
Post-Acute Withdrawal (Up to 2 years)
Depression, anxiety, cravings, and difficulty sleeping
It is important to note that the timeline and severity of withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. Seeking medically managed withdrawal with the use of medications can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent increase in drug overdose deaths involving stimulants such as methamphetamine can be attributed to the presence of highly potent and deadly synthetic analogs, which are often mixed with or sold as methamphetamine.
signs of Meth Overdose
If you suspect that someone is experiencing a methamphetamine overdose, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
Physical Signs of Methamphetamine Overdose
Dilated pupils
Seizures or convulsions
Chest pain or tightness
Rapid heartbeat and breathing
Tremors
Nausea and vomiting
Behavioral Signs of Methamphetamine Overdose
Confusion or disorientationPanic or anxiety
Paranoia or hallucinations
Violence or aggression
Loss of consciousness or coma
Cardiac arrest or sudden death
Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment
Types Of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine comes in different forms that are generally identified by their appearance and perceived purity.
These forms include:
Powder
A white or off-white powder commonly referred to as ‘speed’. It is the least potent form of methamphetamine and is often mixed with other substances such as glucose. Powder can be snorted, injected, or swallowed. Sometimes it is pressed into pills.
Base
A damp or oily substance that has a white, yellow, or brown color. Base is more potent and purer than powder, and its appearance can vary significantly. It is also known as ‘pure’, ‘paste’, or ‘wax’. Base is usually injected and sometimes swallowed.
Crystal – Ice
A crystalline substance that is translucent to white in appearance. Crystal methamphetamine is the most potent form of methamphetamine and is commonly smoked or injected.
What is Crystal Meth (Ice)
Crystal methamphetamine, which is also referred to as ice, is a potent and pure form of methamphetamine that is typically smoked or injected. This substance is known by various names, including meth, d-meth, glass, crystal, batu, or shabu.
Can you quit meth cold turkey?
It is not recommended to quit meth cold turkey, especially at home, as this can be problematic if the home environment is a triggering space. Individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions or dual diagnoses should also avoid attempting home detox. Meth withdrawal can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous, making medically supervised detox essential for many individuals.
Willpower alone is often inadequate during withdrawal to prevent individuals from using more meth or other drugs. Additionally, individuals can become a danger to themselves or others during the withdrawal process.
Quitting cold turkey can also increase the risk of relapse, overdose, and other drug use. Although the withdrawal period typically lasts only a week or two for many people, some individuals may develop post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which can cause symptoms to persist or recur for months or even years, making it challenging to remain sober without support.
How long does meth stay in your system?
The duration of time that methamphetamine can be detected in the body depends on the method of consumption. When smoked or injected, meth can be detected in urine tests for up to three days, while oral ingestion can result in detection for up to four days.
However, other individual factors, including age, weight, metabolism, and overall health, can also impact the length of time meth stays in the system. Those with higher metabolisms and better health may process drugs more quickly than those with lower metabolisms and poorer health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with methamphetamine addiction, Still Detox specializes in meth addiction recovery and offers a variety of treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and 12-step programs.
Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment
in Boca Raton, Florida
At Still Detox, we understand that Methamphetamine addiction can be a difficult journey, but we are here to provide a safe and effective path to sobriety. Our medically supervised Methamphetamine detox program helps manage the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting Methamphetamine.
We believe in a gradual and safe approach to detoxification, which is why we use a tapering method to ensure your comfort and safety during the process.
However, we understand that detoxification is just the first step in recovery from Methamphetamine addiction. That’s why our comprehensive recovery approach includes mental health counseling and support groups to help you address the root causes of addiction and develop the skills necessary for long-term sobriety.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Methamphetamine addiction, we encourage you to take the first step towards recovery and contact us today.
Treatment
We develop customized treatment plans that are tailored to each client's unique needs, ensuring they are best positioned to achieve a successful recovery from addiction.
Experienced Staff
Our team comprises a skilled cohort of physicians, counselors, and nurses, among others. We possess the expertise to equip you with the necessary resources to overcome substance abuse and establish sustainable healing.
Environment
Still Detox is located in Boca Raton, FL in a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing location that will allow anyone the chance to get away and focus on their recovery.
Coverage
Receiving the necessary treatment for addiction should not be limited by financial means, although it can pose a difficulty. For this reason, We have various self-pay and financing options available.
