Meth, also known as methamphetamine, is a highly dangerous and addictive stimulant that can lead to dependence, withdrawal, overdose, and even death. While the dangers of methamphetamine abuse are often obvious and severe, users often struggle to quit without meth treatment. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers Massachusetts, we offer meth addiction treatment that is designed to help patients recover from the physical and mental effects of methamphetamine abuse. Whether it’s crystal meth, speed, or base, our Northeast addictions treatment center can help.
How Does Meth Work & What Does It Do?
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that targets the central nervous system, increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. When the levels of these neurotransmitters are increased, the individual may experience an intense high characterized by feelings of euphoria and pleasure. These side effects are what hook users and draw them back to meth. The longer an individual uses methamphetamine, the more tolerant their body becomes to its side effects. When this occurs, the user may ingest a higher dose at a more frequent rate in order to experience the same high.
The short-term effects of methamphetamine include:
- Alertness
- Increased energy
- Decreased fatigue
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Increased core body temperature (hyperthermia)
- Euphoria
- Decreased appetite
After the high, users normally experience a “crash” that includes feelings of fatigue, depression, low energy, and suicidal thoughts. As with most other substances, using too much methamphetamine can cause an overdose. Simply put, an overdose occurs when the body ingests a toxic level of drugs or alcohol, causing it to react and shut down. Without medical attention, an overdose can lead to death.
An individual who has come close to overdosing on meth or has experienced a meth overdose should get methamphetamine addiction treatment right away. Our Massachusetts rehab center offers addiction treatment for meth that’s effective in helping patients recover from meth abuse and teaching them healthy ways of coping with addiction cravings in recovery.
How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?
Methamphetamine retention in the body is determined by a number of variables, including the person’s metabolism, frequency of usage, dosage, and type of drug test being used. Normally, the meth half-life falls between 10 and 12 hours, which indicates that it takes this long for half of the substance to leave the body. But for a long time after consumption, the drug can still be detected in urine, blood, saliva, and hair.
Meth usage can be found in urine samples up to 1 to 4 days later. The detection window for blood testing is smaller, typically between 24 and 72 hours. For up to 1 to 4 days after consumption, methamphetamine use can be detected using saliva tests. The longest detection window is with hair follicle testing, which, depending on the length of the hair sample, can detect methamphetamine for up to 90 days or even longer in some situations. Although these are normal detection windows, it’s crucial to keep in mind that individual differences can happen. It’s always advisable to speak with a medical expert or a drug testing specialist for a more precise estimate based on one’s unique circumstances.
Signs That Someone Needs Meth Addiction Treatment
An individual who has developed an addiction to methamphetamine may exhibit certain physical and behavioral symptoms.
The most common signs of meth abuse include:
- Extreme weight loss
- Changes in sleep patterns or inability to sleep
- Irritability
- Increased energy
- Dilated pupils
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Tooth decay (meth mouth)
- Sores and skin diseases caused by scratching and picking (meth mites)
- Obsessive behavior
- Frequent mood swings
- Erratic movements or jerky movements
If you recognize these signs of meth abuse in yourself or someone else, then it’s time to get help. Our treatment for methamphetamine addiction includes a variety of special programs and therapies that can help the individual discover the source of their addiction and learn new ways to cope with their addiction cravings. Drug dependence is not only physical but mental as well, and our meth addiction treatment focuses on addressing these issues to promote a full recovery.
What Does Meth Look Like?
Meth typically looks like bits of ice or rock candy and is a white, crystalline powder with a glossy sheen. The size of the crystals may vary, ranging from tiny grains to bigger, clearer shards. Meth also comes in crystalline form, which is clear or bluish-white, as an alternative. Due to the crystal-like shape of methamphetamine, the term “crystal meth” has been used occasionally. Meth can also be found in pill or tablet form, commonly colored and stamped with logos, in addition to the powdered form. No matter the form, it’s important to keep in mind that meth is a dangerous and illegal chemical. Being able to identify what the substance looks like can help those close to the addict indicate that a problem is, in fact, occurring.
Treating Meth Withdrawal
Before jumping into residential treatment for addiction, patients will normally undergo medical detox. Our medically monitored detox helps taper patients off methamphetamine or any other substance they’re addicted to and mitigate addiction cravings. Most individuals who have a drug addiction will experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to quit or suddenly stop using it.
The severity of these symptoms may depend on how long the person has been using them and their substance of choice. While this can be an uncomfortable and even painful phase, it’s a common one in meth addiction treatment. Methamphetamine withdrawal can be a dangerous process if attempted without medical assistance. Medical detox at our facility is led by medical staff that are equipped to administer medication safely and effectively as needed and manage any emergencies that may occur.
Our Methamphetamine Rehab Program in Massachusetts
At Clearbrook, our goal is to offer effective addiction treatment in a comfortable environment where patients can feel safe. Our treatment for meth addiction is one of the many addiction services we offer at our drug rehab in Massachusetts. Our inpatient methamphetamine treatment also includes addiction counseling, group therapy, and a 12 Step program to help patients reach sobriety.
Contact us today to learn more about our Massachusetts substance abuse treatment center and how we can help you or a loved one get sober.
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