Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine, also known as “meth”, is a man-made stimulant that affects the central nervous system.

Users tend to gravitate toward this drug for its ability to increase feelings of well-being and euphoria, as well as its energy-boosting properties.Although methamphetamine may be prescribed by a physician as part of treatment for weight loss or ADHD, most abusers of methamphetamine access a form of the drug called “crystal meth” that is made either in small home-based laboratories or in “superlabs” in the US or Mexico. The process of making crystal meth involves mixing amphetamine or methamphetamine with other dangerous, and sometimes toxic, chemicals to increase the drug’s potency.

Most users ingest methamphetamine by smoking the drug through a glass pipe, but it can also be snorted, injected, or taken in pill form. When smoked or injected, meth produces an intense but short-lived high.

Because the pleasurable effects of the drug are fleeting, many addicts use meth in a “binge and crash” pattern—ingesting the drug repeatedly over a short period of time before the body crashes and recovers with an incredible amount of sleep.

Using methamphetamine recreationally or in any way not prescribed by a physician can be considered abuse. As methamphetamine is a highly addictive substance, addiction tends to develop quickly with users typically experiencing extremely detrimental physical and psychological effects. The sooner one enters treatment for methamphetamine addiction, the greater chance one has of achieving long-term sobriety and of dodging the potentially devastating long-term effects of this drug.

Signs of
Methamphetamine Addiction

If you’re concerned about potential methamphetamine addiction for you or a loved one, consider these warning signs:

  • Increased risk taking behaviors
  • Intense itching, which may lead to sores on the skin
  • Paranoia or hallucinations
  • Insomnia
  •  Loss of appetite and/or weight loss
  • “Meth mouth”—rapid tooth decay
  • Excessive mood swings, increased irritability, violent outbursts, or panic
  • Disregard for family, employment, school, and/or personal hygiene
  • Tweaking—an intense focus on repetitive tasks
  • Engaging in illegal activities to pay for or access methamphetamines
  • Lying about or becoming defensive when asked about methamphetamine use

Long Term Effects of Meth Abuse

In addition to the short-term health, financial, and familial problems that can occur due to methamphetamine addiction, abuse of this drug can have several long-terms effects, as well. These may include:

  • Severe tooth decay and tooth loss
  • Changes in brain structure and function
  • Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease
  • Memory loss
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Chronic high blood pressure
  • Liver, kidney, and lung damage

Long Term Effects of Meth Abuse

In addition to the short-term health, financial, and familial problems that can occur due to methamphetamine addiction, abuse of this drug can have several long-term effects, as well. These may include:

  • Severe tooth decay and tooth loss
  • Changes in brain structure and function
  • Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Chronic high blood pressure
  • Liver, kidney, and lung damage

Are You Addicted to Methamphetamines?

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug. As of 2017, roughly 964,000 Americans over age 12 met the criteria for a methamphetamine use disorder. To determine if your methamphetamine use habits are problematic, take this short quiz below.This quiz is not meant to be used as a formal diagnostic tool. It should be used to help you understand your methamphetamine use habits. If you believe that you’re struggling with methamphetamine addiction, please contact a substance abuse counselor or licensed treatment center to get professional care.

Methamphetamine addiction is a treatable condition, but it can only be addressed by a professional. Quitting meth “cold turkey” is extremely challenging and most people are unsuccessful. The withdrawal side effects of meth are often intense and uncomfortable, which is why starting treatment in medical detox is beneficial.With medical detox, a recovering addict is treated by a doctor. The client may be given medication to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal so the body can heal more effectively. Medical detox doesn’t make the withdrawal process easy, but it does make it safer and more comfortable.

After detox, clients move to a partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment program. During the program, clients undergo daily sessions, including individual therapy, group therapy, relapse prevention, family therapy, and more. The client may also receive counseling in nutrition, mindfulness, spirituality, or other holistic approaches.

As clients progress in their recovery journey, they move to less intensive treatment schedules and eventually return to their normal school or work routine. The final stage of treatment is aftercare, which is just as important as the initial inpatient or outpatient treatment.

In an aftercare program, clients can stay connected to their peers and counselors. Most aftercare programs include sober mentoring, group meetings, 12-step sponsorships, community events, and regular check-ins. Many clients say that involvement in an aftercare program helps them stay committed to sobriety long after leaving treatment.

Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment at Nexus

At Nexus, clients are guided through the recovery process under the care of experienced healthcare professionals.

Healthcare professionals and therapists who specialize in addiction medicine provide tools and support to assist clients in achieving and maintaining sobriety. The entire Nexus team is also dedicated to creating a safe space for clients to go through the recovery process in an open and focused manner.

With a small client to clinician ratio, each client will work together with their treatment team to create an individualized treatment plan. Clients will not only learn new life and coping skills to set them up for success for long-term sobriety, but will also address the underlying reasons for their methamphetamine abuse.

What Does a Treatment Program at Nexus Entail?

While every treatment plan will be different, our clients recovering from meth addiction will have access to:

  • Individual Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • 12-Step Groups/12-Step Alternatives
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Life Skills Coaching
  • Spiritual Guidance
  • Mindfulness Activities
  • Group Outings
  • Health and Fitness Education
  • Peer Mentorship Program
  • And More