Every year in the United States, millions of people from all walks of life experiment with methamphetamine, or meth.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 30,000 people on average overdose annually from meth use. As one of the most addictive stimulants, methamphetamine use leads to profound physical, emotional, social, and financial damage and has become a major public health concern.
Decades ago, methamphetamine was temporarily approved by the government and military for use during wartime to keep soldiers awake and energized. Early tests even suggested it could potentially treat conditions like asthma, nasal congestion, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, researchers soon discovered the substance’s dangers. Despite its hazards, public access to the drug’s formulations and instructions led to recreational meth use, and today, illegal labs across the country produce and distribute meth, commonly known as crystal meth, bennies, chalk, crank, hot ice, quartz, redneck cocaine, and tweak.
Methamphetamine use disorder has become increasingly prevalent, with meth abuse causing severe physical and mental health impacts, including meth withdrawal symptoms that are difficult to manage without professional help. Meth addiction treatment can offer a way forward. Read on to learn more about methamphetamine use disorder and explore treatment options for meth users seeking help for themselves or their loved ones.
Methamphetamine is one of several amphetamines that stimulate the central nervous system (CNS) and speed up communication within the brain and body. The drug raises dopamine levels, which then makes most users feel euphoric (i.e., excited, fantastic and happier), energetic and even physically warmer. They might also feel more awake, focused and capable. With the blue-white crystal form of meth, a cheap form of the drug that addicts can crush and snort, inject, smoke or swallow, these effects last longer than with other stimulants. Studies have shown that the seemingly positive physical and psychological effects can last as long as 12 hours.
Yet, as with most drugs, the high doesn’t last.
To recreate the positive effects, an addict must take ever-increasing amounts of methamphetamine. The drug damages the body more than it helps the user deal with underlying problems that often prompted the first usage, such as ADHD, depression, fatigue or low energy.
Meth also contains toxic substances that interrupt the CNS so badly and permanently that many people become addicted after the first use. They eventually experience cognitive decline and related dementia, emotional deregulation, long-term memory problems, mental illness, mood changes and other serious issues. Since meth makers often mix a broad range of chemicals into their formulations in illegal home or super labs, adverse physical and psychological effects vary widely. That said, the drug is well known for its gross impact on organs.
With some addictions, an addict can hide their problem for a long time. This isn’t true of meth addiction. Early intervention is necessary to prevent long-term, lasting external and internal harm to yourself or your loved ones. The most common signs and symptoms include:
Some symptoms are potentially life-threatening from the start, such as formication that makes a meth addict feel like something is crawling all over them, which can result in them trying to cut or scratch out imagined insects, snakes or worms. An unnatural rise in body temperature can cause them to dehydrate quickly and pass out. If they’re sharing needles, they risk contracting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and eventually dealing with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Even if an addict never experiences the worst symptoms, they’re still likely to lose control of their lives in all the common ways that addiction disrupts the lives of addicts and those around them. They’re more likely to use money needed for bills to buy drugs and neglect their academic, parental or work responsibilities. If they experience psychological problems or start making or selling meth, they might be institutionalized in a medical or prison facility.
Methamphetamine addiction adversely affects the people around a meth addict, including strangers, in horrifying and unexpected ways. Studies have found that a surprising number of emergency and healthcare workers use the drug to help them stay alert during long shifts or for recreational purposes. These people don’t only take risks with their lives. They risk harming everyone they interact with in their jobs.
Pseudoephedrine is one of the most important ingredients in the making of crystal meth. It’s also a common allergy and cold medicine ingredient used to treat severe nasal congestion. Since meth makers used to buy cold medicines as a cheap way to bulk buy pseudoephedrine and additional ingredients for meth production, many FDA-approved over-the-counter and prescription drug makers stopped using it entirely. State and federal agencies also placed strong restrictions on the sale of drugs that contain it. An in-person pickup with a legal ID requirement has made it harder for people to gain access to OTC drugs that contain pseudoephedrine, especially patients who are housebound or don’t own a car.
Addicts who make meth in their homes, or use it in shared public spaces like hotels and short-stay lodging, also risk the lives of others through contamination. During production and when smoked, chemicals in the drug can soak into carpets, furniture materials, linens and porous surfaces and make non-addicted adults, children and pets extremely sick.
When a meth addict attempts to stop using the drug on their own, the withdrawal symptoms can cause them to relapse or even die. At Synergy Sobriety Solutions meth drug rehabs West Palm Beach, Florida, they have a better chance of succeeding during the detox and withdrawal stages with our preferred partners. Meth addicts also need extensive rehabilitation services that include diverse therapies and long-term medical and social support.
The caring professionals at Synergy Solutions offer patients an evidence-based personalized treatment program in a safe space. They appropriately address unique meth addiction challenges and any underlying conditions. They do more than help you “kick the habit.” They also provide important supportive mental and physical services that promote healthier overall living.
Synergy Sobriety Solutions provides different options for drug detox West Palm Beach with our preferred partners. This includes medical monitoring and medication-assisted treatment program. In a 24/7 monitoring scenario, their trained medical personnel assist a patient with clearing the drugs out of their system, reducing their cravings and obsession with meth and improving eating, nutrition and sleeping habits.
Patients have different needs. They might need a short-term hospital stay, long-term residential care or outpatient support. Whatever the need, Synergy Sobriety Solutions staff members quickly determine the right option by reviewing a patient’s home and health history and thoroughly assessing their cognitive, emotional and physical states.
The professionals at Synergy Sobriety Solutions offer many different therapy and supportive options to help patients better understand the underlying causes of their meth addiction and find healthier ways to cope and live life. Their therapies include individual therapy, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EDMR Therapy), fitness and nutrition therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and relationship therapy.
Whether you live in the Sunshine State or plan to move here temporarily for treatment, seeking meth addiction treatment in Florida offers patients many advantages over seeking help elsewhere. Florida has some of the best healthcare facilities in the nation. Additionally, the warm, sunny weather and close access to beaches boost mood and motivate patients to seek better outcomes.
Synergy Sobriety Solutions provides a serene and supportive environment at our drug rehab in West Palm Beach and an experienced team of addiction specialists, therapists and counselors dedicated to helping addicts end their methamphetamine dependence. They use a holistic approach that looks beyond the immediate need for drug and alcohol detox. They address dual-diagnosis medical issues that can interfere with recovery, such as anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder.
The staff members at Synergy Sobriety Solutions also have a wide range of medical and professional connections throughout the state. They can extend their support beyond their office to medical and therapy facilities and other programs to make rehabilitation go smoother and sobriety last.
A meth addict’s journey doesn’t end with detox and rehabilitation. They need lifelong relapse prevention and supportive services to maintain their sobriety. Synergy Sobriety Solutions provides relapse prevention solutions, a comprehensive aftercare program and ongoing support.
Staff members focus on life skills and stress-reduction training and ways to help a patient focus on their recovery goals, manage their cravings and maintain sobriety after initial treatment. These services include group therapy to build a strong local support system, family therapy to discuss any concerns about recovery and strengthen relationship ties, if applicable, and complementary treatments like art therapy and physical fitness and nutritional counseling.
Patients also receive referrals to 12-step programs, peer support groups and reputable sober living homes that provide individualized and group assistance they can’t receive at home or work. Lastly, Synergy Sobriety Solutions offers alumni programs designed to bring together patients so they can build up their confidence and maintain motivation through shared experiences and celebrations of personal milestones.
No matter your situation, you’re not alone. There are treatment options available to help you take that first step toward meth addiction recovery.
Synergy Sobriety Solutions’ staff of caring, trained professionals are dedicated to providing personalized, quality care and support in a healing environment. Whether you’re struggling with meth addiction or supporting someone who is, Synergy Sobriety Solutions offers evidence-based treatment services designed to promote relapse prevention and long-term recovery. Their comprehensive treatment plans include options such as drug and alcohol detox from our preferred partners, rehab programs, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and inpatient treatment at our treatment center.
For more information about effective treatment options and finding the right treatment plan for lasting recovery, call us today.
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