Find Support for Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant drug that is highly addictive. It affects the central nervous system, producing a rush of dopamine – a chemical that induces feelings of pleasure. People take meth to experience exhilaration, alertness, increased arousal and energy.
The dopamine produced by meth that causes high is much more than the body naturally produces. Many people quickly become addicted to this experience and return to the drug to maintain those good feelings, resulting in a dangerous cycle of Methamphetamine addiction.
Meth use is widespread across the United States, and the drug’s popularity is increasing in the UK. Asana Lodge is a private drug and alcohol rehab that can help you fight your methamphetamine addiction. Accepting addiction treatment is the first step to completing rehabilitation before drug abuse ruins your life.
The Dangers of Methamphetamine Addiction
The most dangerous thing about methamphetamine is that it is extremely addictive. Many believe you can become addicted to it after as little as one use.
Meth provides an intense high that is then followed by a severe crash. After the effects of the drug wear off, you are likely to suffer from itching, nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Many users also develop a lack of appetite that can cause them to lose weight quickly. Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can cause the cycle of addiction to develop quickly.
The short-term dangers of meth are increased heart rate and blood pressure – factors that can lead to a heart attack. You will also become more erratic on the drug and aggressive. Meth can cause you to get in dangerous situations and engage in risky sexual behaviour that could result in sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancy. Long-sustained use of meth will cause organ damage, such as kidney and liver damage. There is also a chance of permanent dental damage as methamphetamine rots your teeth.
Methamphetamine not only affects you physically but can destroy your mind. It can cause psychosis, including hallucinations and paranoia that last well beyond your drug use. Many long-term users suffer damage to their brain – suffering from memory, speech and coordination problems. Depression and anxiety are also common side effects of Methamphetamine.
Get In Touch
Asana Lodge is a leading UK-based expert in Private Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment. Find out how we can help by contacting our friendly team today.
Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction
The signs of being addicted to methamphetamine vary from person to person. There are some common symptoms that you can be on the lookout for. They can be split into physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms.
Physical signs
- Sudden weight change
- Dilated pupils
- Dental problems
- Skin sores
- Twitching and facial tics
Psychological signs
- Increased anxiety
- Severe mood swings
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Feelings of guilt and shame
Behavioural signs
- A noticeable downturn in physical appearance and hygiene
- Engaging in riskier behaviour while on meth
- Financial problems due to spending money on meth
- Continuing to use meth despite negative effects
- Withdrawing from social responsibilities
Drug addiction is a step up from drug dependence – which refers to the physical side. You likely have a meth addiction if you find more and more of your life consumed by methamphetamine. When most of your thought is put into buying it, taking it, and then planning how to get more, you are likely addicted and require methamphetamine addiction treatment.
Clear signs of addiction are that you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking meth, your tolerance of the drug is much higher, and you have attempted to stop drug use and have been unable to. Methamphetamine rehab treatment is the best place to recover from addiction.
Can Methamphetamine Addiction be Treated?
Reading all that above, it may seem like the situation is hopeless. Addiction is not something that is cured, but it is treatable. Seeking professional addiction help is vital if you are caught in a full-blown addiction. You should not attempt to go “cold turkey” or recovery alone, as attempting these increases the chances of fatal side effects or relapse.
The most effective way to treat methamphetamine addiction is by undergoing residential addiction treatment. Also known as inpatient treatment, this is when you go into a facility for a period of time. A methamphetamine rehab programme to treat addiction should last at least 28-days – providing you with enough time to get clean and build a foundation of coping techniques that will help you long after your stay.
Methamphetamine Detoxification
The first step to treating your meth addiction is ending the body’s physical dependence on the drug. This is done through detoxification. By stopping your intake of meth, the body will begin to recover naturally over time.
Stopping drug use suddenly will cause withdrawal symptoms as your body has become used to methamphetamine in your system. Meth withdrawal can be quite severe and you may experience symptoms including depression, disrupted sleep patterns, headaches, hallucinations, and anxiety. These symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of your last hit. Physical side effects will start to disappear after 5-14 days or so. Psychological symptoms such as cravings will increase, though the danger of relapse remains high.
Drug detox at Asana Lodge is medically assisted – meaning prescription medication will be given to ease the worst symptoms. You will be made as comfortable as you can be and be watched over 24/7 by our dedicated staff.
Psychological Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction
The therapies we supply at Asana Lodge offer a cohesive approach to addiction therapy. With a combination of individual, group and well-being sessions you can begin to more clearly unroot the causes of your meth addiction. Beyond that, it should be your goal to learn ways to cope with triggers and difficult situations in the future.
Therapies such as cognitive and dialectical therapy are cornerstones of addiction treatment – helping you change the way you think and behave and improving your problem-solving skills. Group sessions allow you to connect with others and talk through problems. You are there to support others and be supported – potentially building a support network that can last for a long time.
Rehab Aftercare
At Asana Lodge, you will have access to a free 12-month aftercare package after you leave drug and alcohol rehab. The risk of relapse is high within the first few months of leaving rehab, so it is important to use the resources available.
Aftercare consists primarily of weekly support meetings. Here you can talk about your relationship with methamphetamine and your recovery journey. You can work on your coping skills, develop them, and bond with fellow recovering methamphetamine addicts. This will help you see you are not alone in your struggle.
Aftercare is a great tool in the relapse prevention toolbox. It will keep you focused and give you a routine that may be needed as you attempt to restart your life after addiction.
Start Methamphetamine Recovery Today
For more information on methamphetamine addiction treatment rehab, call Asana Lodge at 01908 489 421. We are always here to help your addiction recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rehab work?
Rehab very much increases the chance of long-term recovery succeeding. No one can know the future, but an effective addiction treatment will give you the tools to be able to cope with issues that may lay down the road. The success of rehab rests on you and the work you put into getting and staying sober. Rehab isn’t an exact science, but it works for those willing to let it.
Can I recover from an addiction at home?
As addictions are psychological disorders, much of the treatment required to overcome addictions include psychological therapies. These particular therapies include talking therapies that can only be administered by specialists. As a result, attempting to recover from an addiction at home is not recommended, nor is it safe.
What is outpatient rehab?
To join outpatient rehab means that you’ll remain staying at home whilst visiting our drug and alcohol rehab Thamesmead Moorings each day to receive your addiction treatment. This is the main difference between outpatient rehab and inpatient rehab, as with inpatient rehab, you stay overnight at our rehabilitation centre until you’ve completed your programme. Both treatment options have their own advantages and disadvantages, whichever works best for you will be dependent on your own circumstances and the nature of your addiction.
