Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine is one of the most common illicit drugs in the United States today. Unfortunately, thousands of people across the country suffer from this substance use disorder. At Bayview Recovery, we recognize the challenges that come along with meth addiction. However, at our meth addiction rehab center, we are proud to provide the support that our clients need to recover in our substance abuse treatment programs. To learn more about our intensive outpatient program, please get in touch with Bayview Recovery today.
What Is Meth?
Methamphetamine is classified as a potent stimulant that triggers dangerously abnormal amounts of dopamine to be released in the brain. An excessive amount of dopamine, the “pleasure” neuron, causes temporary feelings of euphoria at the expense of long-term and often deadly health consequences.
These health consequences with prolonged use consist of but are not limited to, permanent brain, nervous system, or organ damage. Even the most extreme cases of accidental death are not uncommon occurrences. This dangerous level is dopamine release is also the reason Meth, Adderall, or any drug containing an amphetamine can lead to addiction.
How Do You Develop an Addiction to Meth?
Addiction to methamphetamines is almost always unintentional, usually stemming from social or medical interactions. With that said, there are numerous ways to develop meth dependency. All of which require medical assistance to properly rehabilitate without causing further harm to your body. Don’t hesitate to speak to a recovery specialist today if you have developed meth dependency through any of the following processes.
Many anti-depressants and ADHD medications commonly contain methamphetamines. Unfortunately, the ease of accessibility to these prescriptions accounts for a large number of addiction struggles. According to studies conducted by the NCDAS, twenty percent of the population admit to prescription drug abuse. This attributes to prescription medications being the third-most abused drug classification in the country.
Methamphetamines are one of the most common party or social drugs in the world. There is a disturbingly high underground market for meth among clubs and nightlife hot spots. Contrary to popular belief, many people who acquire addiction can form a chemical dependency even after a single use.
What makes meth so addicting is the effects it has in altering the genetic makeup of neuronic activity. The overstimulation of excessive dopamine release caused by meth exposure destabilizes your neuronic frequencies. This neuronic imbalance causes your brain to develop a craving and need for methamphetamines to function. At this point, medical aid is the only proper way to successfully rehabilitate without permanent health consequences.
Oftentimes, if the drug doesn’t get to you, the withdrawal symptoms will. This leads many continually use it simply to fend off the uncomfortable, and often painful withdrawal symptoms brought about by meth dependency. Because of Meth’s potency, these withdrawal symptoms can arise even after a single use.
Meth’s Short-Term Side Effects
Meth has many negative side effects in the short term which include:
- Appetite loss
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Sleeping issues
- Erratic behavior
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Panic attacks and psychosis
Long-Term Effects of Meth
Of course, long-term abuse of or addiction to meth also has many serious consequences. They typically require the help of a meth addiction treatment center. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Concentration problems
- Dental problems
- Motor skill impairment
- Weight loss
- Memory loss
- Insomnia
- Aggression
- Violent behavior
- Depression
- Hallucinations, psychosis, and paranoia
- Liver, kidney, and lung damage
- Alzheimer’s-like changes in brain structure and function
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Users withdrawing from meth will have many frightening, dangerous as well as life-threatening side effects, including:
- Drug cravings
- Sleep difficulties
- Shaking and tremors
- Convulsions
- Chills, fevers, and sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hypertension
- Heart palpitations
- Respiratory complications
- Respiratory failure
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
What Are The Most Effective Treatment Options For Meth Addiction?
There are numerous types of treatments that are specifically designed for hard substance addictions such as meth dependency. A medical assessment team is eagerly awaiting your call to guide you to the individualized treatment that meets the needs most suitable for your struggle. Here are just a few of the most efficient types of treatment methods you’ll be placed in following the assessment procedure.
Science has discovered a link between memories, emotions, and addictive cravings or triggers. This groundbreaking treatment consists of you openly sharing the full extent of your addictive struggle from the beginning. Through this, a doctor can get to the root of your triggers. In turn, you are taught very specific training methods to help retrain how to respond to these triggers and thoughts proactively.
Some thrive better in confidential individual sessions, allowing you to open up easier with this degree of attentive care. Speak to a therapy receptionist in Tacoma, Washington today to learn more about the benefits of individual therapy. One of our recovery specialists can get you started on your path to personalized treatment. You’ll know you’re in good hands the moment you speak with our sympathetic specialists in Washington State.
If you feel alone in your struggle with meth dependency, group therapy may be a frontrunner option for you. That’s because group therapy enables you to be surrounded by individuals who share similar struggles and sobriety goals. This opens the opportunity to have a family-oriented support team of friends and doctors help you along the way. These bonds formed in group therapy are often bonds you’ll have for a lifetime.
Seek Treatment at Bayview Recovery’s Meth Addiction Rehab Center
Bayview Recovery locations in Tacoma, Washington can help you through the most crucial recovery stage of detox. Most importantly, they can equip you with the tools you need to stand on your own two feet beyond recovery. It takes learning the proper relapse prevention techniques from our team to help manage your urges and respond proactively to stressful unforeseen circumstances. Take that all-important first step of achieving sobriety by reaching out to our elite recovery experts in Tacoma, Washington today.
Dr. David Cundiff
Medical Director (MD)
Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH is an experienced leader in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment. He works with patients suffering from Substance Use Disorder to evaluate their medication needs and prescribe treatments accordingly. In addition, he regularly participates in all-staff debriefing sessions involving peers, nurses, and other prescribers. He also reviews and advises on policies, procedures, and techniques for treating substance use disorder.
“The staff at the center has been remarkable in their care for our loved one. Tuni was with us the whole way as we tried to get this person into treatment. They continue to assist us as the process continues. Great work!”
Ray O
“I have been trying to get sober the past 3 years and I have been to treatment 5 times. Bayview Recovery was my 6th time. They helped me get to 142 days sober! I was a handful hot mess when I got there but the team never gave up on me. They work with families and they truly care about them too. Bayview house’s are clean and comfortable and the staff is amazing. They plan for fun events weekly and they want you to have fun. If your looking for something different call them it will save your LIFE!”
Cindy J
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Robin M
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Garrett T
“Just picked up our daughter after 90 days at Bayview Recovery. Loved the staff and facility, do not know what the future holds ???????? but while at Bayview , always felt informed. Highly recommend, incredibly helpful especially at the very beginning when we were so helpless and needed help the most – God Bless.”
