Just like other addictive substances, methamphetamines can alter your perceptions. It can make you feel good, confident, and energized. As a result, some people end up overusing the drug. To help them totally withdraw from substance abuse, the would undergo meth addiction treatment.
Some people use meth to reduce their inhibitions. In fact, others use it to address mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or the effects of trauma. They also believe that this provides temporary relief to their stress and worries. Still others use meth to enhance pleasure during sex.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that about 1.6 million people used methamphetamine in 2016. Furthermore, 964,000 people aged 12 and older were diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder in 2017.
Often, people who are addicted to crystal meth find it hard to stop taking them. But it’s never too late to get sober. Undergoing meth addiction treatment can help you recover safely and prevent drug overdose.
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine is classified as a stimulant drug that directly affects the body’s central nervous system. The FDA-approved version of this drug, known as Desoxyn, is being used in the medical field to treat obesity, narcolepsy, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
On the other hand, street versions of this substance are synthetic, illegal, and highly dangerous. Commonly known as crystal meth, it is a popular recreational drug among users. It’s usually in powder or crystal form that looks like glass fragments.
It can be smoked, snorted, ingested, or injected. Typically, it is used at parties as it produces an intense rush of euphoria and allows you to stay alert for a long time.
Its chemical properties can increase your activity and decrease your appetite. Moreoever, due to its potency, it has a longer-lasting and more damaging effect on the central nervous system.
Short and Long-term Health Effects of Methamphetamine
Taking excessive amounts of methamphetamine can result in several adverse health effects. This includes the following:
- increased wakefulness
- increased blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- extreme weight loss
- serious dental issues
- intense itching
- anxiety
- hallucinations
- changes in brain structure and function
- memory loss
- sleeping difficulties
- violent and risky behavior
- paranoia
Continuous meth use can also alter the brain’s dopamine system that is responsible for reduced coordination and impaired verbal learning.
Meanwhile, people who inject meth are at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C. Allso, in most cases, users share drug paraphernalia. As a result, the blood and other bodily fluids stuck on it can be transferred to another person.
A recent study also suggests that people who have previously used methamphetamine are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, a nerve disorder that affects movement.
Meth Addiction Treatment
Although there are a number of medications prescribed to treat some substance use disorders, there is currently no medication that can curb or control the effects of meth addiction.
Typically, treatment starts with medical detox followed by a methamphetamine addiction treatment. This could come in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy, Matrix Model, or contingency management intervention.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This kind of therapy focuses on changing the person’s behaviors to break unhealthy habits. Also, it helps patients improve self-control by establishing appropriate coping methods. Further, this includes exploring the positive and negative effects of persistent drug use. It understands your emotional cues, and adopts a healthy pattern.
The Matrix Model
Meanwhile, the Matrix Model is a highly structured meth treatment that lasts up to 16 weeks. Therapists conduct treatment sessions in a way that reinforces the patient’s self-esteem, dignity, and self-worth.
Furthermore, this approach brings together a number of techniques. This includes relapse prevention, family therapy, group therapy, addiction education, peer support groups, and promotion of non-drug-related activities.
Contingency Management Intervention
This treatment focuses on rewards-based motivation. With its demonstrated effectiveness, it is now used to treat stimulant addiction. In addition to counseling, this program provides incentives in exchange for receiving treatment and sustaining abstinence.
Tips on How to Get Off Meth
It would help to have a guide when trying to turn away from meth addiction. Hence, some actions that you can implement to achieve your recovery goals incldues daily activities such as the following:
1. Change Your Surroundings
Eliminate traces of your addiction from your surroundings. Aside from this, you can also distance yourself from people who encourage you to continue engaging with your bad habit.
2. Divert Your Attention from Impulses
Secondly, instead of thinking about your urge to use, opt for alternative activities like taking a stroll outside or calling a friend or family to talk. This will keep you occupied until the drug craving passes. Furthermore, you should prepare yourself to deal with situations that activate your impulses.
3. Exercise
Mood changes are associated with meth addiction recovery. Hence, by exercising, you are teaching your body to produce endorphins naturally.
Thus, you don’t have to rely on drugs anymore to get the sensations you need. Instead you engage in other activities like exercise that can help release feel-good chemicals, making you happier and healthier.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet
If you’re in recovery, eating a well-balanced diet can repair the harm caused to your body by substance abuse. It can also relieve your withdrawal symptoms, lessen cravings, and increase energy levels.
5. Consult Professionals
It would be beneficial to speak with professionals, whether a treatment facility, individual therapist, or interventionist. An addiction professional can train you on how to address the problem you’re going through appropriately.
Meth Addiction Recovery
Getting sober is a lifelong commitment. Of course, it works best when you have the patience and willingness to transform your life. The support from family and friends is also needed.
Remember these things when trying to maintain sobriety after completing a meth addiction treatment:
1. Keep Follow-up Appointments
Meth rehab programs usually employ a step-by-step approach, in which the level of care provided gradually decreases over time. Eventually, patients manage sobriety without professional assistance.
At this point, make sure to continue attending follow-up visits, as they are crucial for your long-term recovery.
2. Create a Structured Schedule
Living a chaotic lifestyle can impede your recovery. It’s vital to create and stick to an organized daily and weekly schedule.
A structured routine can help you achieve your goals easier, whether it may be short-term or long-term. Self-discipline is beneficial in maintaining sobriety.
3. Join a Support Group
Support group programs help people feel less alone in their recovery journey. Members would meet regularly to share their stories, celebrate each other’s success, talk about coping mechanisms, and give comfort and encouragement.
Support groups fill in a significant gap in social support by allowing people to talk to others who have been in similar situations. Consequently, this provides individuals an avenue to empathize with others’ struggles and offers advice based on personal experience.
How Can Treatments for Meth Addiction Help
An effective way to treat meth addiction is through a holistic treatment plan, in which patients receive different levels of care. Moreover, this includes medical detox, therapy, and aftercare.
Medical detox removes harmful substances from the body. It also helps users adjust to a life without them. Therapy treats the psychological harm caused by substance abuse. In addition, it trains recovering addicts how to fight temptation and stay sober.
Buenavista Health and Recovery Center offers comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs that are uniquely tailored to the individual’s unique needs. Our experienced and compassionate team members provide only the highest quality of care to our patients.
Recovering from meth addiction may seem impossible, but know that there is always hope. Additionally, by undergoing proper treatment and living a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve sobriety.
Buenavista Health and Recovery Center can help you break free from the shackles of addiction. Reach out to our specialists to learn more about our addiction treatment programs that will fit your needs as you recover from meth.
You can also contact us at (800) 922-0095, or go to any of our locations:
CAVE CREEK
(623) 323-1970
29858 N. Tatum Blvd.
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
CHANDLER
(480) 680-0606
3033 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, Arizona 85248
TUCSON
(520) 436-7860
5151 East Pima Road
Tucson, Arizona 85712
SCOTTSDALE
(623) 323-7986
8171 E Indian Bend Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
