Signs of Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine (meth, crystal meth, shard, ice, crank, etc.) is a central nervous system stimulant found as small blue or white rocks, powder, or may look like small pieces of glass. Initially created as a type of amphetamine drug to help treat ADHD and narcolepsy, it has been placed on Schedule II because of its high potential for abuse and psychological dependence.

It is highly potent, causing users to feel euphoric, energetic, outgoing, and talkative. They may experience a decreased appetite and increased activity. If the person smokes or injects meth, they will experience a brief rush of pleasure, and this drug can also be ingested or snorted, producing euphoria in just minutes. Meth is a highly addictive substance. Each use poses health hazards as it is a street drug made in unregulated laboratories and may also be cut with other unknown drugs or other substances to increase drug dealers’ profits.

Symptoms of meth abuse include:

  • Chaotic, aggressive behavior, including mood swings and excessive energy
  • Changes in sleeping habits, including insomnia
  • Changes in eating habits, including extreme weight loss
  • Fast, rambling speech, talking or moving more than usual
  • Dilated pupils
  • Track marks or sores on the skin from scratching
  • Burns on the fingers or lips
  • New and unusual friend groups, while isolating from friends and loved ones

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

Why Is Meth So Addictive?

The first time you use meth, it feels good, and there is a short-lived rush that can cause feelings of euphoria right away. The problem with meth, and what makes it so addictive so quickly, is that these feelings wear off immediately, forcing users to try and maintain the same high or get to that level again by taking more and more meth. This process is called a binge, or tweaking, and can sometimes last for days, with people foregoing sleep, food and missing normal life activities in favor of meth use.

Because meth causes brain changes, this repeated use of the drug will rapidly cause the body to form a physical dependency, needing to use meth just to feel normal. The longer the person uses meth, the worse the comedown is, creating a cycle of abuse. Withdrawal symptoms will begin to show up if the person tries to stop using meth, leading to addiction.

Find out the meth addiction recovery rate in our blog below:

https://whitesandstreatment.com/2018/10/19/meth-recovery-rate/amp/

What is the Meth Recovery Rate?

Meth Side Effects

Continued use of methamphetamine can result in:

  • Brain damage and memory loss
  • Cardiovascular issues including heart attack and cardiac arrest
  • “Meth mouth” and other serious dental issues
  • Nasal problems from snorting meth
  • Chronic insomnia
  • Risk of infectious disease from sharing needles
  • Malnutrition
  • Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease or suffering a stroke
  • Liver or kidney damage
  • Lung issues from smoking meth
  • Mental health issues including psychosis and chronic anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure)

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Once you have developed a physical dependence on meth, you may experience specific withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop using the drug. These may include:

  • Delusions and paranoia
  • Dehydration and dry mouth
  • Depression or apathy
  • Pain
  • Fatigue or lethargy
  • Increased appetite
  • Jitteriness
  • Hallucinations
  • Powerful meth cravings

Meth Detox Treatment

Quitting meth on your own at home is not recommended because of the psychological dependence and physical health issues meth use can cause. You may experience severe withdrawal symptoms that can include seizures and suicidal thoughts, so checking in to a medically assisted treatment (MAT) program is the best option for people quitting meth. In a MAT program, you will remain under 24-hour medical care, with people available day or night if you need anything. MAT detox and rehab programs at WhiteSands are integrated, including:

  • A safe and sober place to stay
  • Mental health care
  • Dual diagnosis treatments
  • Medications to keep you comfortable and safe
  • Therapy
  • Counseling
  • The option of joining group therapy

Detoxing from meth may include issues like depression, psychosis, and severe dehydration, so a full spectrum of different treatments is the safest and easiest way to stop your meth use and move forward in life.

The timeline for meth detox is unique to other drugs in that it is primarily an emotional and psychological withdrawal associated with physical effects. This means that most withdrawal symptoms do not cause physical danger but still require professional help as it may be next to impossible to resist the drug cravings and psychological distress.

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab offers a medication-assisted treatment program that may provide you with medications to help you with the physical and mental health issues associated with meth detox while providing therapy and counseling to assist you in dealing with difficult emotions and thoughts. The goal is to help you avoid suffering while treating you as a whole person with unique needs and goals rather than just treating your addiction. 

Rehab to Treat the Underlying Causes of Meth Addiction

While detoxing is essential, the most critical part of a meth treatment program is rehabilitation. Addiction is a complex issue that involves much more than just taking a drug. Meth addiction is often caused by:

  • Mental health issues
  • Exposure to trauma
  • Growing up around normalized drug use
  • Social issues and pressures
  • Curiosity with a lack of education about substances

Treating the underlying causes of addiction through therapy, behavioral interventions, groups, and educational programs is the only way your treatment will truly be able to help you get past your addiction and move into long-term recovery.

Inpatient and outpatient rehab can help you gain a new perspective on life, learn healthy coping mechanisms and ways of dealing with stress, and gain a new sober community of peers and professionals who will be there when you need them.

Where to Find Meth Rehab and Detox in Florida

At Whitesands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, the top meth addiction treatment center in Florida, your inpatient or outpatient rehab for meth may include drug rehabs and treatments like:

  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Detox
  • Inpatient residential rehab
  • Partial hospitalization programs
  • Intensive outpatient programs
  • Outpatient addiction treatment
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Relapse prevention programs
  • Dual diagnosis programs
  • Individual counseling
  • Medical care
  • 24-hour availability
  • A luxury rehab clinic with incredible amenities
  • Fitness programs including a full-size boxing gym and trainers
  • Holistic treatments
  • Evidence-based therapy
  • EMDR therapy
  • Addiction education
  • Process groups
  • Group therapy
  • A long-term connection to our sober community

If you or a loved one are dealing with a substance use issue related to meth use, contact one of our rehab centers in Florida today. We can help you verify insurance coverage and work with you to figure out the next step in quitting meth today. Through our integrated continuum of care, we can help you heal the trauma and mental health issues that contribute to drug abuse by providing top-tier Florida meth rehab and treatments that will ensure you have the best possible chance of moving into a long-term state of recovery.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.