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 drug and alcohol rehab center in Massachusetts 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 tolerance 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 drug and alcohol treatments in Clearbrook Massachusetts include an addiction treatment for meth that’s effective in helping patients recover from meth abuse and teach them healthy ways of coping with addiction cravings in recovery.
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.
Treating Meth Withdrawal
Before jumping into residential treatment for addiction, patients will normally undergo medical detox. Our medically monitored detox helps taper patients off of 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 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 is equipped to safely and effectively administer medication as needed and manage any emergencies that may occur.
Our Methamphetamine Rehab Program in Massachusetts
At Clearbrook Treatment Centers in Massachusetts, 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 rehab facility in Massachusetts. Our inpatient methamphetamine treatment also includes addiction counseling, group therapy, and 12 Step program to help patients reach sobriety.
Contact us today to learn more about our substance abuse treatment center in Massachusetts and how we can help you or a loved one get sober.
