What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, commonly known as Meth, is a highly potent and addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Its widespread misuse began in the 1960s, leading to its classification as a Schedule II drug in 1971. Despite regulatory efforts, meth remains a significant drug of abuse. It produces intense euphoric effects by increasing dopamine levels and is typically abused by oral intake, snorting, smoking, or injection.
Most meth used in the U.S. is illicit, often found as a white powder or as “crystal meth” rocks. Foreign drug trafficking organizations are major suppliers in the U.S., with some domestic production in small-scale labs. These meth labs pose environmental and health risks. Despite law enforcement efforts, meth continues to be a major substance of abuse.
Meth Statistics
According to key findings from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2.5 million people aged 12 or older reported using methamphetamine in the previous 12 months. The same survey found that, among people aged 12 or older, an estimated 1.6 million people had developed a methamphetamine use disorder over the previous 12 months. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), meth overdose may have led to over 32,000 deaths in 2021.
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Why is Meth so Addictive?
Meth is so addictive for users because of its intensely powerful and long-lasting effects. It causes a surge of dopamine in the brain, leading to an intense feeling of euphoria. Meth also increases levels of norepinephrine, leading to enhanced alertness and motor activity.
These effects usually last much longer than those created by other drugs like cocaine or ecstasy. As a result, people become quickly addicted as they try to recreate that initial feeling again and again. Unfortunately, this drug addiction can be incredibly difficult to break without proper treatment for meth addiction.
What are the Effects of Using Meth?
Methamphetamine is a hazardous and addictive drug with serious health risks associated with its use. Therefore, to reduce the prevalence of methamphetamine abuse, people must be provided with accurate information about the dangers of this drug. Also, those struggling with addiction should have access to resources and rehab for meth addiction. Professional meth addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, TN helps individuals recover safely. Methamphetamine use is associated with various short and long-term health effects, both physical and psychological.
Short-Term Effects
- High blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Increased body temperature
- Increased alertness and energy levels
- Extreme physical activity
- Euphoria
- Aggression
- Sleeplessness
- Loss of appetite
- Severe depression after a binge
Long-Term Effects
- Marked weight loss and malnutrition
- Respiratory problems
- Liver damage
- Acne, sores, or picking scars
- Severe dental problems “Meth Mouth”
- Immune system dysfunction
- Permanent brain damage
- Seizures
- Heart attack or stroke
- Memory loss
- Psychosis
In addition to physical and psychological harm caused by methamphetamine use, numerous social harms accompany its abuse. Other devastating effects are child neglect/abuse, family disruption, violence, crime, and financial problems. The economic costs associated with long-term treatment for meth addiction are substantial. Fortunately, Tulip Hill Recovery offers safe and effective meth addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, TN. By taking the first step toward recovery, individuals can reduce the devastating effects of methamphetamine abuse and its associated harms.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine addiction occurs when someone experiences clinically significant impairment caused by their regular use of meth. These problems progress to a point where the individual feels they can no longer function without meth. In such a case, it may be necessary to seek specialized meth rehab in Tennessee. Some common signs and symptoms mark the development of methamphetamine use disorder.
These include:
- Frequent use (every day or multiple times per day)
- Using meth alone or at inappropriate times
- Overspending to obtain meth
- Allowing meth use to interfere with work, school, or family duties
- Wild mood swings
- Continuing to use meth despite negative consequences
Methamphetamine use disorder can have profound negative effects on every aspect of a person’s life. These negative effects include:
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Medical problems due to impaired behaviors and poor self-care
- Physical injuries due to impaired judgment and coordination
- HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases
- Damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain
- Development or intensification of mental health disorders
What Does Meth Withdrawal Look Like?
Withdrawal from methamphetamine causes different symptoms in different people. The symptoms also vary based on factors like the user’s dosage, the drug’s purity, and the user’s drug use history. This includes any polydrug use.
The timeline of meth withdrawal symptoms is influenced by many of the same factors as those affecting the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. That said, meth withdrawal usually begins within 24 hours of the last use and can last between 48 hours and a month.
Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Lack of energy
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Dehydration
- Chills
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Inability to think clearly
- Intense cravings for meth
- Depression
- Loss of ability to feel pleasure
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sleep disorders
Meth withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, but they are not typically life-threatening. Withdrawal is challenging, but a medically supervised detox program helps those with substance use disorders endure the process safely and comfortably. Therefore, a medically supervised and comprehensive rehab for meth addiction plus an individualized recovery plan minimizes the risk of relapse.
How Is Meth Addiction Treated?
Effective meth addiction treatment involves a multi-faceted approach that typically includes the following elements:
- Detoxification: The first step in treating meth addiction is often detoxification, which involves managing the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal after stopping drug use. This process should be medically supervised to ensure the safety and comfort of the individual, as meth withdrawal can be intense and sometimes dangerous.
- Behavioral Therapy: Various forms of behavioral therapy are central to meth addiction treatment. This includes therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals understand their addiction, develop coping strategies, and learn to change harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
- Counseling: Individual and group counseling are critical components. These sessions help individuals address underlying issues that may contribute to their addiction, such as trauma, mental health disorders, or stress.
- Family Therapy: In many cases, involving family members in the treatment process can be beneficial. Family therapy helps to repair and strengthen family relationships and improves the support system for the person in recovery.
- Medication: Currently, there are no specific medications approved to treat methamphetamine addiction directly. However, medications may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and treat co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
- Support Groups: Participation in support groups, such as 12-step programs or other peer support groups, can provide ongoing encouragement and accountability.
- Relapse Prevention Education: Teaching individuals about triggers, cravings, and how to avoid relapse is an important part of treatment. This includes developing a solid plan for handling situations that might lead to drug use.
- Aftercare Planning: Continuous support and follow-up are necessary for maintaining sobriety. This includes ongoing therapy, support groups, and other community resources.
Effective treatment is usually tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances, and it’s important to have a comprehensive, long-term approach to successfully manage meth addiction.
Our Approach to Meth Addiction Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN
At Tulip Hill Recovery our approach to meth addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, TN addresses both physical and psychological aspects. We provide medically supervised detox to help the individual safely manage withdrawal symptoms. In addition, we offer evidence-based addiction treatment therapies to address co-occurring mental health disorders, learn coping strategies, and relapse prevention.
Counseling with a licensed therapist also helps during this process. It allows the individual to gain insight into their behavior patterns and triggers. While also learning how to deal with them more effectively. With proper treatment and support, most individuals can overcome their meth addiction and build healthier lives.
Tulip Hill Recovery offers the following programs and services for meth addiction:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Addiction treatment therapies
- Holistic therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Aftercare
- Rehab for veterans
At Tulip Hill Recovery, we work with clients to build an individualized treatment plan for meth addiction treatment in Murfreesboro. Our levels of care, from partial hospitalization to post-recovery, help clients sustain their recovery well after leaving us.
Safe and Effective Meth Addiction Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN
If you or someone you know is struggling with a meth addiction, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Our meth addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, TN can provide you with the tools necessary to achieve lasting wellness. At Tulip Hill Recovery we offer medically supervised detox and individualized treatment plans for methamphetamine use disorder.
Our professional clinicians also treat co-occurring mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recovery from an addiction like meth isn’t an overnight process. It requires time and dedication to make lasting changes. However, with persistence and the right support system, anyone can overcome their addiction to meth and live a life of sobriety.
Contact us today to learn more about our meth addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, TN.
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