Unfortunately, not everyone understands meth addiction. Whether it’s meth or another type of addiction, some people might wonder, “Why don’t people with addiction just stop?” What they don’t understand is that addiction isn’t a choice, but rather a mental disorder. Read on to learn more information about meth abuse, addiction, and available substance abuse treatment.
What Is Meth?
Meth is short for methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant that interacts with the central nervous system. Unlike some prescription drugs that have some medicinal value, methamphetamines are currently illegal. However, that doesn’t stop individuals from trying to obtain them illegally.
Because of its clear color, meth users sometimes call it glass or ice. There are many ways to take meth. The most common include smoking, snorting, swallowing, or injecting it into a vein. In any case, meth provides a fast-acting euphoric rush.
Why Is Meth So Dangerous?
Because meth alters brain chemistry, using it can cause a number of severe psychological problems. The drug increases dopamine activity, which controls the reward center in the brain. Unfortunately, this area also controls learning and motor skills. People who develop a meth addiction often have a hard time with cognitive function.
In fact, studies suggest that meth abuse even affects memory and emotions. In some cases, these problems are permanent.
Meth has an impact on non-neural cells in the brain as well. These cells defend the brain against damaging agents to keep it healthy. Damage to these cells explains why there are more neurotoxins in meth users’ brains.
Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Knowing what to look for is essential to knowing when it’s time to get yourself or a loved one into a meth addiction treatment program. Some warning signs and symptoms of meth addiction include:
- Changes in appetite
- Severe mood swings coupled with erratic behavior
- New or worsening anxiety or paranoia
- Increased blood pressure and irregular heart rate
- Violent behavior including thoughts of homicide or suicide
- Hallucinations
- New or worsening psychosis
- Sores on the body and face from skin picking
- A (false) sensation of “bugs crawling on the skin” called formication
- Poor oral and dental hygiene often referred to as “meth mouth”
Continued meth abuse carries significant risks, such as permanent brain damage, coma, stroke, or death; either from the long-term complications caused by the drug or by way of accidental overdose. It is vital to stop abusing meth and get help for the addiction, and nearly impossible to do it alone. Expert care, advice, and attention in a substance abuse program is the best way to break your addiction and start living the life you want to live.
Why Meth Addiction Requires Expert Care
Because addiction is a form of mental disorder, those struggling with meth addiction should seek professional help. In fact, many individuals who abuse meth develop a psychological dependency.
When visiting a high-quality addiction treatment facility, you’ll receive support during and after detox. Since meth withdrawal symptoms are dangerous, a medically supervised detox is an important step. It ensures your safety and comfort as you flush methamphetamines–and perhaps other harsh toxins–from your body.
Although detox is a great start to recovery, you’ll still need help changing negative behaviors and thought patterns. The best facilities will offer multiple levels of treatment, including an inpatient, outpatient, or partial hospitalization program. Qualified medical professionals design these programs to address the bad habits that lead to drug abuse.
Memphis Recovery Is Here to Help You Overcome Meth Addiction
From meth addiction to alcohol abuse, Memphis Recovery is here to help you begin the recovery process. Our non-profit addiction treatment center puts the needs of our clients ahead of our desire to make money. This approach allows us to focus on your recovery and give you the care that you deserve.
At Memphis Recovery, we put a big focus on not only quality care, but also proven evidence-based therapeutic approaches. This includes therapy programs that involve family and friends’ participation. Some of the substance abuse treatment therapy options that we offer include:
The goal of these therapy programs is to help you open up and discuss your addiction. Our therapists help you discover that you’re not alone in your struggle. During treatment, you’ll meet others just like you who deal with similar struggles on a daily basis.
Get the high-quality meth addiction treatment that you deserve at Memphis Recovery. Call us today at 901-272-7751 for more information.