Treatment for Meth Addiction

Why is “meth” so addictive?

Meth is the abbreviation for methamphetamine, a powerfully addictive psychostimulant that is also known as “crystal meth” or “ice” when sold on the streets. It is on the DEA’s list of primary drug threats and is also considered a serious public health threat by numerous health organizations and medical professionals. What makes meth so addictive? For one thing, it generates highly positive feelings of self-confidence and self esteem. However, it also suppresses the production of adrenalin.

Normal production of adrenalin keeps you balanced emotionally and physically. So when meth creates the chemical imbalance in your system that it does, your world is literally out of control and you feel powerless to do anything about it. It creates euphoria and the artificial sensation well-being. However, what typically results over extended periods of meth use is that the brain can no longer distinguish the difference between its natural pleasure signals from the artificial ones. This can have long tern consequences as brain becomes numb after regular doses of the drug and may take years of sobriety to get back to normal.

Recognizing the warning signs and getting help

Once the above becomes apparent, it may be time to consider getting professional help in the form of treatment for meth addiction. Most addiction treatment for meth addiction centers in the US offer these types of programs, whether they are out-patient or short-term and long-term in-patient ones. There are five types of warning signs that indicate the presence of meth addiction which include:

•  withdrawal symptoms – agitation and aggressiveness, anxiety and panic attacks, headaches, and irritability
•  tolerance build-up – this is not completely understood but what is known is that tolerance build-up is different from one person to the next
•  psychological side effects – anxiety and panic attacks, excessive feelings of power or invincibility, increased self-confidence and self esteem, obsessive and repetitive behavior patterns, and paranoia (to name a few)
•  physical side effects – arrhythmias, dilated pupils, eating disorders, hypertension, itchy skin, insomnia, numbness, and twitching
•  long-term side effects – amphetamine psychosis, anxiety disorder and panic attacks, depression, heart disease, and violent behavior

Additionally, the prolonged or chronic use of meth can result in heart attacks and strokes, both of which can wind up being fatal. Thus, it is best to seek assistance from a professional addiction treatment facility to ensure quick recovery. If any of the above signs be apparent, the individual is a good candidate for a treatment for meth addiction programs. We’ll be happy to assist you with your queries and questions. For more information regarding meth addiction and our Strength to Change program, please call the Delray Recovery Center at the toll-free phone number listed above.