Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful and addictive stimulant drug that can be used either as second-line treatment or for recreation. It comes in the form of a white powder or pills. The powder can be dissolved in water and injected into your bloodstream.
Alternatively, you can snort it in powder form. We also have crystal methamphetamine, and it is pale blue. Its appearance is similar to glass fragments. When you take meth, you’ll feel an intense high, and it will fade away fast. If you stop taking the drug, however, you’ll experience physical and emotional symptoms such as insomnia and depression. Before we look into methamphetamine treatment, let’s look into what leads to addiction.
Causes of Addiction
Different causes will lead to addiction. Some relate to life experiences or the environment you’re exposed to. Your brain chemistry will change when you use drugs regularly, and how you experience, pleasure will change. You’ll then find it difficult to stop using the drugs.
Signs of Addiction
The following signs are an indicator you’re addicted to methamphetamine:
- Mood changes- you may experience depression or mood swings.
- Physical changes- you may lose or gain weight. Your hygiene habits may also be poor.
- Behavioral changes- you may develop paranoia, secrecy, and your behavior may be aggressive.
- Social withdrawal- you may isolate yourself from others and experience relationship issues.
- Health issues- you may sleep too much and lack energy. You may also develop a chronic illness relating to the use of drugs.
- Legal or money issues- you may start to steal from your friends.
- Poor work performance- you may experience a lack of interest in work.
What Should You Do If You’re Addicted to Methamphetamine?
First, look into all the misconceptions around you revolving around drug and substance abuse. Keep in mind ongoing drug abuse will alter your brain structure, and it will be hard to stop taking drugs. Look into the side effects of the use of methamphetamine. We have listed them above, but you can go ahead and research the risk of an overdose.
Finally, what treatment options are available? You need to share your concerns regarding your addiction. By doing so, you’ll get the assistance you need. When you ask for help, that is a major step toward recovering from your addiction. You can check into an alcohol and drug rehab facility, and your doctor will assess the overall situation through a physical exam.
How Do You Find a Treatment Center?
You can ask for recommendations. Also, you can conduct a search based on your area of residence. If you’re to undergo detox, here’s what you should expect when it comes to withdrawal symptoms:
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Decreased sexual pleasure
- Itchy and red eyes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depressed mood
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Increased appetite
- Paranoia
- Lack of motivation
When you stop taking methamphetamine, the withdrawal will have a predictable pattern. The symptoms will start appearing 24 hours after your last dose. The symptoms will then peak within seven days. After avoiding the use of methamphetamine within 14 days, the symptoms will start to fade away.
Detox ensures you’ll stop taking the drugs safely. It also helps to ease the withdrawal symptoms. Before you undergo detox, an assessment will be carried out, and you should also share information about your medical history. The doctor will use the provided information to minimize the risk of complications and drug interactions. When the drugs are out of your system, you can now undergo methamphetamine treatment.
What Should You Expect from Treatment?
After detox, treatment can commence, the treatment will ensure you can lead a healthy life without taking meth. The treatment will also address any underlying issues such as anxiety or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Some of the available treatment options include:
1. Therapy
Behavioral therapy is effective for people who are addicted to methamphetamine. You can opt for contingency management interventions or cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy will focus on the learning process that led to your drug addiction. You’ll work with a therapist, and they’ll help formulate coping strategies. Contingency management involves offering incentives to ensure you can abstain from the use of meth.
2. Medication
Some medical treatments are promising when it comes to meth addiction. For any addict, the doctor can prescribe anti-methamphetamine monoclonal antibodies, and the medicine will slow down the effects of the drugs in your brain. If you’re ready to start your methamphetamine treatment, contact us today at 833-610-1174.