Meth addiction comes on quickly and leaves a path of damage in its wake. What starts as feelings of excitement, euphoria, and motivation quickly turns into deterioration of stability, relationships, and health. This creates concern and confusion amongst individuals and families in close proximity.
Learning how meth affects the brain and body, along with recognizing the warning signs of addiction, can bring clarity and hope. With compassionate, professional care, long-term recovery from meth addiction is within reach.
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a synthetic drug that comes in pill, powder, or rock form (known as ice or crystal meth). As a stimulant, meth creates feelings of euphoria and heightened awareness. These intense feelings are what make it so addictive and often lead to the downfall of the user’s well-being.
The Dangers of Meth Addiction
While meth use leads to extremely high levels of happiness and increased alertness, it is concealing a harmful underside. Methamphetamine keeps the body and mind going at extreme levels for a prolonged period while simultaneously inhibiting the creation of dopamine and serotonin.
Users experience increased blood pressure, rapid breathing, and difficulty regulating their body temperature. Additionally, it minimizes the user’s appetite. So, they go long periods of time without getting proper nutrients, causing them to lose weight at an unhealthy rate.
Other dangers include dizziness, blurred vision, and in some cases, confusion and involuntary body spasms.
Signs of Meth Use
With time, the signs of substance use disorder become fairly obvious. This is due to the physical changes methamphetamine addiction has on the body and the radical impact on behavior.
Physical Changes
Physical changes brought about by meth use include:
- Weight loss
- Sunken eyes and cheeks
- Tooth decay (known as “Meth Mouth”)
- Increased sweating
- “Tweaking” or involuntary spasms
- Irregular pulse
- Skin sores
- Dilated pupils
Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes seen in people addicted to meth include:
- Paranoia
- Mood swings
- Isolation
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and panic
- Recklessness
- Difficulty focusing
- Financial instability
How to Get Addiction Help for Yourself or a Loved One
If you suspect you or a loved one are a meth addict, treatment is available, and healing is possible. Creating a plan with professionals and having a clear view of meth addiction treatment options is the first step.
The treatment process often begins with a professional evaluation to determine the level of care necessary. For many, this is going to begin with medical stabilization, or detox. With clinical oversight, patients can safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
From there, treatment may continue in an inpatient or outpatient setting. This depends on individual needs, stability, and support at home. Led by a licensed addiction therapist, individuals receive one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and trauma-informed care. This helps them understand their behaviors, develop healthier coping skills, and rebuild their lives.
It is equally important to have ongoing support once treatment ends. Aftercare planning may include continued therapy, support groups, sober living, and relapse prevention strategies to help maintain progress over time.
Experience Lasting Recovery with Meth Addiction Treatment in San Diego
Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. With the right support and a personalized treatment plan, long-term healing is possible for all impacted by meth addiction. At Shoreline Recovery Center, we assist families at every step, from intervention for meth addiction in San Diego to providing aftercare guidance. To learn more about our programs, contact us today.
