Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system and is highly addictive. It is available illicitly as a crystal or a powder.
The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies meth as a Schedule II drug, making it legally available only through a non-refillable medical prescription. Although in the past, doctors prescribed it for the treatment of attention deficit disorders, they rarely prescribe it any longer because of the negative side effects the drug causes. Some of the common street names for meth include:
- Speed
- Ice
- Stovetop
- Tweak
- Crystal
- Chalk
- Trash
- Crank
People who abuse meth may snort it, inject it, or smoke it, depending on whether it was purchased as a crystal or a powder.
Signs of Meth Addiction
People who have a methamphetamine addiction tend to display some common signs and physical symptoms. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, some symptoms of meth addiction include:
- Meth cravings
- Hyperactivity
- Paranoia
- Dilated pupils
- Twitching, jerky movements
- Sudden weight loss
- Skin sores
- Agitation
- Reduced appetite
- Burns on lips or fingers
- Rapid eye movement
- Mood swings
- Rotting teeth
- Inability to stop using meth
- Lying or stealing to get meth
Sleep disturbances are very common for people with a meth addiction. “Tweaking” is the name for the periods of insomnia and agitation that come after taking meth for a long time. These can last between three and 15 days. Tweaking occurs after a meth binge when the person using meth can no longer achieve a high. Tweaking can lead to violent behavior and can cause hallucinations.
A crash phase is another symptom of meth abuse. The crash phase occurs when you deprive your body of the dopamine that meth provides, causing extreme fatigue and other withdrawal symptoms. A crash can last between one and three days, and you may experience extreme cravings for the drug, exhaustion, and depression.
Long-Term Effects of Meth Addiction
Prolonged meth use can lead to psychosis, a mental disorder characterized by false beliefs and hallucinations. Long-term meth users may also experience:
- Liver failure
- Respiratory issues
- Heart disease
- Kidney failure
- Arrhythmia
- Birth defects
- Malnutrition
- High blood pressure
- Skin infections
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Paranoia
- Delusions
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Anxiety
Short-term use of methamphetamine can also cause various health issues and put you at a high risk of overdosing.
Signs of a Meth Overdose
Meth use can lead to overdosing, especially if you have been abusing the substance for a long time. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states some of the most common signs of a meth overdose. They include:
- Hallucinations
- Arrhythmia
- Chest pains
- Paranoia
- Labored breathing
- High or low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Rapid or slow heartbeat
- Hyperthermia
How severe the symptoms of an overdose depend on the amount of meth consumed and the person’s overall health. Always get help if there is a risk of an overdose.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person stops using meth, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Cravings for the drug
- Agitation and irritability
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
At Gloria Detox and Rehab Center, we understand the unique and complex needs of those struggling with meth addiction. We provide a comprehensive treatment program that includes detox services to start your journey toward sobriety. Our medical team will work to ensure you are as safe and comfortable as possible during methamphetamine withdrawal.
Meth Detox, Addiction Treatment & Medical Care
To overcome a meth addiction, it’s important to seek out professional help. At Gloria Detox and Rehab Center, we provide comprehensive treatment options that address the physical and psychological components of meth addiction. Our approach includes:
- Medical stabilization
- Inpatient rehab programs
- Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Support groups
- Aftercare planning for relapse prevention
- Nutritional guidance
If you or a loved one has a meth addiction, we are here to help. Contact us today at (818) 659-9444 for more information on our addiction treatment programs. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure you have the support and resources you need to break free from meth addiction.
Meth Detox Process
Meth detox is a complex process that requires medical supervision. At our detox facility, we ensure that you are comfortable and that you do not experience the worst of meth withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- Intense cravings
- Increased appetite
- Extreme fatigue
- Vivid dreams
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- Slowed movements
- Slowed cognition
- Repetitive movements
- Psychosis
- Suicidal ideation
- Depression
- Anxiety
Attempting to go through the meth detox process on your own can not only put you in danger of serious health risks, but it can also make it more likely that you will give in to the cravings and relapse.
At our addiction treatment facility, we offer medically assisted detox to treat symptoms of meth addiction. We will assess your physical and mental health when you come into our facility to evaluate what the right medications are for your needs.
Detox Timeline
The detox timeline for methamphetamine varies from person to person. We understand that the recovery process is different for everyone, and we strive to create individualized treatment plans that meet your specific needs. Typically, the detox timeline for methamphetamine includes:
Day 1 – 4
The acute phase of withdrawal generally peaks around this time with increased cravings and intense physical and psychological symptoms.
Days 5 – 7
During this time, symptoms begin to lessen but can still be severe.
Days 8 – 10
In this phase, most physical withdrawal symptoms begin to subside, but cravings and psychological symptoms will still be present.
Days 11 – 14
This is the plateau phase of detox, where drug cravings lessen substantially, and you can begin to focus on healing the psychological aspects of addiction.
Days 14+
Once you reach this stage, your body has mostly adjusted to sobriety, but it’s important to continue with long-term treatment with experienced professionals to ensure you don’t relapse.
Although this is a general timeline for meth detox, there are exceptions, as every person’s experience is unique, and the timeline may depend on how long someone was using the drug.
The meth withdrawal timeline depends on each person’s chemical makeup, but we will monitor you 24/7 to ensure you are always safe as you go through meth detox. Most of the time, the initial withdrawal process can take between one and two weeks, with the majority of the worst symptoms fading after that.
Meth withdrawal can be dangerous, so it is important never to attempt it without the help of a medical professional.
Inpatient Treatment
After undergoing detox from meth, it’s essential for patients to transition into a suitable treatment program to increase their chances of long-term recovery. Clients may choose to continue their substance abuse treatment with our inpatient program or an outpatient treatment program. While both options are available, clients are generally encouraged to participate in inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment.
Clients in our inpatient program receive 24/7 support and medical supervision while they further develop coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies to help them transition into a healthy lifestyle and maintain sobriety after drug addiction treatment. The inpatient treatment programs at our treatment centers in Los Angeles offer various treatment services to support our clients as they stop meth use and other drugs. Some of our substance use disorder services include:
- Addiction recovery counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-informed care
- Individual therapy sessions
- Family therapy sessions
- Dual diagnosis treatment services
- Group therapy sessions
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Holistic therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation
- Aftercare programs to encourage long-term sobriety
Our medically assisted treatment will offer you a lower risk of relapsing. With medical professionals ready to offer support, our 30-day inpatient program offers the environment you need to end your methamphetamine dependence.
Drug Rehab in Los Angeles for Meth Addiction
Begin recovery by calling our drug rehab in Los Angeles, CA at (818) 659-9444. The medical detox services at our treatment center are a medical necessity to prevent life-threatening symptoms associated with meth withdrawal. All treatment programs are tailored to your unique needs and can help you find a deeper understanding of the challenges that drove your addiction, so you can make lasting changes in your life. With the right care, you or your loved one can safely and effectively achieve sustainable recovery from crystal meth.
