Meth, or methamphetamine, is a highly addictive illicit drug that gives users a high and pleasurable sensation upon taking it. Unfortunately, that’s where all the positives end, as continuously taking meth leads to disastrous side effects, from dangerous physical symptoms to the ruining of relationships. At its core, meth addiction ruins lives.
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If you or someone you know is in the midst of meth abuse, you may wonder if there’s light at the end of the tunnel. We are here to tell you there definitely is.
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Meth addictions are complex and scary, but we have the tools, expertise, and location individuals need to overcome this substance abuse disorder and live a life of freedom and sobriety.
About Our Meth Addiction Treatment Center
Seeking drug addiction treatment can be scary, especially if you don’t know what to expect. When you choose our drug and alcohol addiction center in Arizona, this is what you will experience.
An Individualized Treatment Plan
Everybody is on their own path and requires their own treatment plan. That’s why our team devises proper treatment plans based on the client’s specific requirements, taking into consideration things like medical history, co-occurring disorders, previous experiences with rehab, and personal goals/expectations.
A Faith-Based Approach
We are proud to offer a faith-based drug and alcohol addiction treatment program to our clients. When in our care, you will be put on the path of God, taking on board His teachings as depicted in the Bible. This creates a holistic healing plan, which incorporates a variety of healing techniques, from evidence-based therapies (like cognitive behavioral therapy) to fitness routines and meditation. All of this combined provides the ability to heal your body, mind, and spirit all at once. Plus, this acceptance of God will put you on a brand-new path – one filled with unwavering purpose.
Beautiful Landscapes
Our meth addiction treatment center is nestled in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona, a place that offers enjoyable seasons and breathtaking views. Being in such a beautiful location allows you to take a step back and imagine a brand-new life – one that puts sobriety and Christ before any other. You’ll be among incredible wildlife, and you will undoubtedly envision something more for yourself.
Attentive Medical Staff
When you seek treatment with us, rest assured, your recovery and care will be in the hands of excellent medical professionals who are rooting for your successful recovery journey. From our therapists to doctors to physical trainers, we have a team of individuals who are all on their own path of God and who have plenty of experience with meth addictions and the myriad of symptoms that come with it. You’ll be under medical supervision during your meth detox and beyond, so there is always someone there to assist you.
A Focus on Education
At Recovery in the Pines, we are committed to not only helping our clients get through the meth detox process, but also teaching them healthy coping mechanisms to facilitate a lifetime of recovery. Our program is all about healing and transformation; we place special attention on education, as well as showing clients how to implement those new habits into their everyday lives.
A Robust Schedule
If you choose our intensive treatment plan at our Arizona recovery center, you will receive a robust schedule each day. These schedules are designed to keep you busy and free from distraction, as well as to teach you coping mechanisms. Your days will be filled with enhancing your physical fitness, learning more about yourself, strengthening your relationship with God, and understanding your past decisions and habits.
A Range of Treatment Options
While our inpatient rehab is great for individuals wanting to get through a meth detox and stay at our Arizona meth addiction treatment center for several months, we also have other options, such as outpatient treatment plans and telehealth for those who want to stay at home. This is to ensure our services can reach as many individuals experiencing meth addiction as possible.
Understanding Meth Addiction
Meth is classed as a Schedule II substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, as it is very addictive and there is a high potential for misuse. It is a type of central nervous system stimulant that speeds up the body’s system after a person takes it. This leads to a variety of fast effects, including feeling more alert, an increased heart rate, and exhilaration. This can last anywhere from a few minutes to even hours, depending on the type of meth used and the way it was administered. The most common ways for individuals to take meth include injecting, smoking, and inhaling.
Unfortunately, meth abuse comes with serious effects, sometimes leading to meth addiction. The reason it is so addictive is that it releases immense amounts of the chemical dopamine in the brain, which causes positive sensations. That pleasurable feeling triggers the brain’s reward system, causing the person to want to keep on taking meth. If they do, this may lead to a strong physical and psychological dependence over time.
What Are the Risks of Meth Addiction?
Meth comes with a lot of risks – some of them can happen quickly, others present themselves over a period of time when an individual continuously uses meth.
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The Short-Term Risks
Using meth even one or a handful of times can have dire consequences, including the following.
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Violence: Sometimes people become violent after taking meth, acting in ways they would not usually, potentially harming themselves and other people.
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Hallucinations: Meth can cause hallucinations in some people, meaning they hear or see things that are not actually there.
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Exposure to Infections: Many people who abuse meth share needles, putting themselves at risk of contracting HIV.
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Exposure to Other Substances: Street meth is sometimes mixed with other dangerous drugs, such as fentanyl.
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Overdose: Taking too much methamphetamine at once can lead to an overdose. In some cases, this causes seizures and deaths.
The Signs of a Meth Overdose
A meth overdose can be fatal, so knowing the warning signs is absolutely essential:
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Chest Pain
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An Irregular Heartbeat
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Breathing Difficulties
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High Body Temperature
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Agitation
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Paranoia
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Stomach Pain
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Stroke
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Seizures
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Unresponsiveness
Remember that a meth overdose is a medical emergency and you must contact medical services immediately if you spot these signs after someone (or yourself) has taken meth.
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Long-Term Dangers of Meth Abuse
Long-term meth abuse presents a wide range of devastating consequences.
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Mental Health Problems: Many meth users abuse meth as a form of self medication, and this is particularly true for those with mental health issues. The problem is that meth addiction can exacerbate and cause further mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
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Neurological Damage: Meth abuse can actually change the structure of the brain, causing sometimes irreversible neurological damage. It increases the risk of memory loss and Parkinson’s Disease.
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Cardiovascular Problems: Long-term meth use can also damage the heart in a variety of ways, from increasing your blood pressure to causing coronary artery disease.
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Meth Mouth: Meth mouth refers to severe dental problems, which is associated with long-term meth use. It is caused by a lack of oral hygiene, continuous teeth grinding, and the corrosive nature of the drug itself. This leads to tooth decay, a dry mouth, and tooth loss.
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Organ Damage: Over time, damage to the liver, kidneys, and lungs can occur.
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A Weakened Immune System: Chronic meth use is linked with a weakened immune system, which makes individuals more susceptible to infections.
Social Consequences
It is not all about the physical and mental damage that meth addiction causes – it’s also the negative social consequences. Prolonged meth use has an immense impact on a person’s life, potentially causing job loss, the breakdown of relationships, financial ruin, and homelessness. All of this makes getting out of the spiral of meth addiction even harder.
The Causes of Meth Addiction
Understanding the causes of meth addiction is not always easy, as it is a complex substance use disorder that can affect people from all walks of life.
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However, there are certain factors that play a role in whether someone forms a meth addiction.
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A Family History of Addiction: It is more common for those with a family history of addiction to develop addictions themselves – including to meth.
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Exposure and Peer Pressure: Those exposed to meth (particularly from an early age) are more likely to take the drug and consequently form an addiction.
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Mental health Problems: Individuals with mental health disorders are more likely to use drugs like meth as a way to self medicate.
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Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to fall under these risk factors to form an addiction. Also, people who are at risk of a meth addiction do not always (and in many cases do not) end up addicted to meth.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
The meth detox process involves going through meth withdrawal symptoms. First, it’s important to point out that meth withdrawals look different on everyone; many factors influence the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms, including how long the individual has used meth for, their usual dosage, and their overall individual physiology (such as their metabolism and overall health).
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That being said, here is what to expect at each stage.
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Early Symptoms
This part is also known as the crash. It lasts between 24 to 48 hours and brings symptoms such as fatigue, depression, an increased appetite, concentration problems, and intense cravings.
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Peak Symptoms
Peak symptoms show up between 2-10 days after the individual stops using meth, but it can go on for a little longer than that. At this stage, the symptoms are at their most intense, with many individuals experiencing depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, paranoia, nausea, headaches, tremors, and extreme cravings.
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Late Symptoms
This is also referred to as post-acute withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms here include cravings, mood swings, anxiety, lethargy, and insomnia. These symptoms often show up in waves, so they may be worse one day and not so bad another. They last anywhere from weeks to months.
Do You Need Drug Rehab? Questions to Ask Yourself
Are you unsure whether you need professional help? Here are some questions to consider.
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Have You Built a Tolerance for Meth?
Most people with meth addictions build a tolerance to the drug over time. Over time, they find they need even higher doses of meth to achieve the same results they experienced in the early days of taking it.
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Do You Want to Quit but Don’t Think You Can?
Many individuals struggling with meth addictions genuinely want to get clean but find the prospect nearly impossible. A sign that you need professional help is if you are eager to get sober but aren't sure that you can do it alone. Perhaps you have even tried before and failed.
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Are Your Loved Ones Worried?
It is hard to watch someone go through drug addiction, especially someone you love. If your loved ones have shown that they are concerned about your substance abuse, it's likely time to take a step back and evaluate your relationship with drugs. Making the decision to get clean with professional assistance gives you a greater chance of success.
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Do You Spend a Lot of Time and Money Acquiring Meth?
Meth addictions can take over every part of your life. If you find yourself spending most of your time, energy, and money (or at least more than you would like to admit) on acquiring meth, that's a clear sign of addiction.
Seek Addiction Treatment Today
Do not wait for your substance use disorder to worsen. The best time to seek recovery is right now, so do not hesitate to get in touch with our team. With our comprehensive care plans, you can say goodbye to meth addiction and embrace a life of sobriety. Either call, email, or fill out our contact form to get started - all conversations are 100% confidential. We look forward to helping you on your new path.