Methamphetamine, or meth, is a highly addictive drug also known by names like crystal meth, ice, and speed. It was initially developed as a replacement for ephedrine, but the illegal use of meth has since increased around the globe.1 This drug produces an intense high by disrupting the brain’s normal functions and attacking the central nervous system. As a result, long-term use can result in a severe addiction. Our Banyan Lake Worth rehab, to support individuals who are displaying signs of dependence and need medical assistance to regain their sobriety, offers professional detox from meth in Florida.
How Addictive Is Meth?
Meth is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that can lead to the development of tolerance, dependence, and addiction due to its considerable potential for abuse. The following are some of the reasons why meth is addictive:
- Rapid onset of effects –
- Methamphetamine causes extreme energy spikes and euphoria, which can reinforce drug-taking behavior. These side effects kick in quickly, which adds to the drug’s addictive qualities.
- Increases dopamine levels –
- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure and reward. Methamphetamine activates dopamine release in the brain when ingested, which can produce strong sensations of euphoria, pleasure, and reward. This “high” can also encourage the user to take more meth.
- Long duration of action –
- When compared to certain other stimulant medications, methamphetamine’s duration of action is comparatively extended. This increases the possibility of abuse because a single dose may have long-lasting effects.
- Tolerance development –
- People frequently become tolerant to higher doses needed to produce the desired effects after prolonged use. Addiction and dependence may arise as a result of this spiraling pattern.
- Crash and withdrawal –
- Users frequently experience a “crash” that is marked by exhaustion, irritability, and depression after the initial euphoria wears off. People may seek out more meth in an attempt to escape these unpleasant emotions, which can feed the cycle of meth use and dependence.
- Neurotoxic effects –
- Methamphetamine may cause harm to the brain’s dopamine-producing neurons through its neurotoxic effects. This may affect mental health and feed the cycle of addiction.
- Compulsive drug-seeking behavior –
- Addiction entails obsessive drug-seeking behavior despite drawbacks. People may prioritize getting and using methamphetamine over other facets of their lives due to the strong cravings that come with the drug.
- Environmental and social impact –
- The emergence and maintenance of methamphetamine addiction can also be attributed to variables like stress, peer pressure, and social environments.
It’s critical to remember that methamphetamine addiction is a severe and intricate medical condition. Getting professional care is essential for people with methamphetamine use disorders. To promote recovery and address underlying issues causing addiction, methamphetamine addiction treatment frequently consists of behavioral therapies, counseling, and, in certain situations, medication. A thorough course of treatment and early intervention can increase the likelihood of a methamphetamine addiction recovery.
Signs and Symptoms of Methamphetamine Use
Addiction to methamphetamine can take a toll on a person’s health and life. Although everyone is different, individuals who have developed a meth addiction usually display similar signs of use. Symptoms like rotting teeth, severe scratching, severe weight loss, skin sores, and anxiety are some of the signs that someone suffers from meth addiction.
Other signs of methamphetamine addiction include:
- Continuing to use meth despite experiencing health problems from it
- Continuing to use meth despite the ongoing or recurrent problems it causes in relationships
- Experiencing strong cravings for meth
- Failing to fulfill responsibilities at school, work, and/or home due to meth use
- Feeling meth withdrawal symptoms surface when use is stopped or drastically reduced
- Having tolerance, meaning more of the drug is needed to get the same effect, or the same amount no longer produces the same effect
- Trying repeatedly to stop or cut back on meth use and being unable to do so
Addiction can impact a person both physically and psychologically, affecting everything from their outer appearance to their mental health to their relationships. To safely begin the process of getting sober, our Palm Beach County rehab starts patients off with a medical detox from meth to help them begin their recovery on a clean slate.
Crystal Meth Detox in Florida
Because of methamphetamine’s effects on the brain’s chemical structure and ability to balance neurotransmitters, long-term users exhibit withdrawal symptoms that can be uncomfortable and dangerous if they are not effectively managed. These symptoms occur when the user suddenly stops using meth or cuts back on their usual dosage, causing the body to go into a sort of shock.
Common meth withdrawals include:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Dysphoria (general dissatisfaction with life)
- Excessive fatigue
- Intense cravings
- Irritability
- Lack of energy
- Weight gain
These symptoms and the addictive properties of meth keep many individuals trapped in the vicious cycle of addiction. Our BHOPB detox is designed to provide patients with the safe and comfortable treatment they need to combat withdrawal symptoms.
How Long to Detox From Meth?
Individuals who are looking into detoxing from meth might be concerned about how long the meth detox process will take. The withdrawal symptoms for methamphetamine can kick in as soon as 24 hours after the person last used, with the most severe symptoms lasting up to a week.
After this week has passed, patients will spend about another week recuperating. Factors like the patient’s physical condition and the severity of their addiction can affect the length and strength of the withdrawal symptoms.
However, some symptoms may persist for weeks or months after detox is complete. For this reason, our facility offers detox as part of a residential level of care to ensure that clients receive continued support for physical and emotional recovery.
Finding Meth Detox Center Near Me
At our drug and alcohol rehab center in Lake Worth, we’re committed to guiding and helping our patients through their meth detox and their overall recovery process. Our staff of professionals can help patients combat withdrawals and learn how to properly cope with cravings, reducing the risk of relapse.
If you or a loved one is addicted to methamphetamine, our meth addiction treatment and detox can help. For more information about our addiction treatment in Lake Worth, contact Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches today.
Source:
