How many lives have been saved by meth addiction treatment centers? There have to be a lot.
The long-term effects of meth use can be dangerous. A continuing meth addiction typically leads to health complications or a fatal overdose, too. And with meth cravings and various physical discomforts making meth withdrawal difficult to get through successfully, it’s worth pointing out that methamphetamine is highly addictive. All of this makes meth addiction a problem that affects millions of people.
To improve the chances of meth addiction recovery success for many people, highlighting the importance of seeking professional help is a must. Are you looking for a meth addiction treatment center that will be helpful throughout the recovery journey? Reach out to Oceanfront Recovery by contacting us online or calling 877.279.1777.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant drug that usually appears as a crystalline powder. In its crystal methamphetamine form, the drug looks like shiny, bluish-white rocks or glass fragments. Chemically, meth affects the central nervous system (CNS) and is similar to amphetamine in prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Meth doses can be taken in various ways. For example, people with a meth addiction can smoke crystal meth. They can also snort the powder or mix it with a liquid to inject straight into their bloodstream.
As it hits the body, methamphetamine works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. The natural chemical dopamine is involved in body movement, motivation, and reinforcement of good behaviors. The consistently high levels of dopamine in the brain, due to meth doses, strongly reinforce addictive behavior.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Meth Addiction?
People who inject meth are at increased risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C (HCV). Injecting meth is generally considered the most unsafe way to get a meth dose. However, meth use can also alter decision-making skills – which can lead to risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, increasing the risk for infection.
Other long-term effects of meth addiction include:
- Changes in brain structure and function
- Changes in sleeping pattern
- Confusion, reduced coordination, impaired verbal learning, and memory loss
- Extreme weight loss
- Violent behavior
- Intense itching, involving skin sores from scratching
- Meth mouth, involving severe dental problems
- Paranoia involving unreasonable distrust of others
What Should Clients Expect from Meth Withdrawal and Meth Addiction Treatment?
Meth withdrawal can present differently for each client. However, most clients of meth addiction centers will have these symptoms in common:
- Anxiety or depression
- Sleepiness and fatigue
- Possibly hallucinations or delusions
- Increased appetite
- Meth cravings
In cases when symptoms are severe, consider seeking professional medical help as soon as possible. Going through a detox program at a meth addiction treatment center is often the best choice for clients because of safety and comfort. Access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help them deal with meth cravings and other distressing withdrawal symptoms that would otherwise hamper their recovery.
One of the most effective treatments for meth addiction is behavioral health therapy. Two of the main types of this therapy that may treat substance use disorders are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management (CM). CBT focuses on changing the thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to negative behaviors. CM uses conditioning and encourages meth abstinence, looking like clients receiving incentives for passing drug tests. 12-step support programs, family therapy, and individual counseling are other approaches that may also be used in addiction treatment.
Learn About Oceanfront Recovery’s Meth Addiction Treatment Center
Are you looking for a meth addiction treatment center – for yourself or someone you care about – that will provide complete and comprehensive help? Reach out to Oceanfront Recovery. Contact us online or call 877.279.1777.
