Between 2015 and 2019, deaths from methamphetamine doubled in the US, climbing from 2.1 to 5.6 per 100,000. This is just one of the statistics that underscores the urgency of addressing meth addiction.
But while overcoming this problem might feel like an uphill battle, here’s the good news: meth addiction recovery is possible. This blog will give you practical guidance on identifying and overcoming this addiction. If you or someone you know is potentially chained by meth dependency, keep reading.
Meth Addiction: Symptoms and Impact
When you take meth, your brain undergoes chemical changes. In particular, dopamine levels, the neurotransmitter responsible for feeling pleasure, significantly increase, making you feel really good.
As you want to relive the same “high” over again, you will have the urge to use the illicit substance repeatedly. Continuous use boosts tolerance, ultimately leading to you consuming meth in escalating doses.
Addiction to this substance manifests in several ways. Here are some of the most common meth addiction symptoms, both physical and psychological:
- Hyperactivity and a surge in energy
- Facial tics, twitching, and jerky motions
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid eye movements
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Reduced appetite and sudden weight loss
- Skin sores
- Abnormal sleeping patterns
- Tweaking (a period of anxiety and insomnia that causes more psychological concerns like paranoia, confusion, and irritability)
- Crash phase (extreme exhaustion, prolonged sleep, heightened cravings, and depression after a binge)
Another immediate risk of meth usage is overdose, which can lead to death. In the long run, you may also experience health effects ranging from rotting teeth to liver and kidney failures and respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Your reproductive system will also be at risk, and your future children could suffer from congenital disabilities.
The impact of meth dependency extends into personal relationships. When you exhibit the psychological symptoms mentioned above and other inappropriate behaviors, you create an unstable environment for the people around you. And as your focus becomes fixated on getting your hands on meth and consuming it, your responsibilities at home and beyond take a backseat.
In 2005, data showed that the economic toll of this addiction (e.g., health care expenses, productivity losses) was around $16.2 to 48.3 billion. Nearly two decades later, it’s highly plausible that this estimate has exponentially surged.
Meth Addiction Treatment Options
Experts design and implement a comprehensive treatment plan to help patients recover from meth dependency. It usually includes various treatment approaches, such as therapy and counseling, with detoxification as an essential starting point.
Detoxification entails getting rid of meth in your body and helping you manage possible withdrawal symptoms. Meanwhile, therapies are a cornerstone of any substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. An approach that you can do in both an individual and group setting, it provides you with a safe space to learn more — and overcome — your addiction triggers.
One of the most effective therapies for meth dependency is cognitive-behavioral therapy. It aims to develop coping strategies and usher in lasting change by digging deep into the very negative thoughts that prompt meth usage.
Specialists and therapists also use counseling sessions to offer a platform where you can address psychological damage caused by substance abuse. In these sessions, you can also learn how to sustain long-term recovery.
A treatment plan also typically includes Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT). As the name implies, it integrates medication use into other treatment approaches. A MAT program provides therapy and counseling sessions, support groups, workshops, educational activities, and medication management.
In MAT, you will be prescribed appropriate medications and dosage depending on your condition and circumstances. To give you an idea, here are the common drugs used:
- Opioid receptor agonists like buprenorphine and naltrexone, which help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms by preventing addictive substances from exerting their influence on brain receptors
- Stimulant medications like methylphenidate and atomoxetine, which stabilize brain activity and improve cognitive abilities
- Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and clonazepam, which usher in a sense of calm and decrease symptoms of depression
5 Ways to Attaining Meth Addiction Recovery
Overcoming meth addiction is a painstaking task, but having the will to kick off your journey to recovery is a great start. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve — and maintain — sobriety.
Educate yourself
Addiction, in general, is a prevalent problem that affects millions of lives worldwide. Acknowledging that you’re grappling with such an issue is pivotal in helping you regain control over your life. Educate yourself on meth’s ill effects and possible treatment options, and find hope in knowing that recovery is possible.
Pay attention to your well-being
Adopt a healthier lifestyle and focus on improving your physical and mental health. Consume nutritious meals like leafy greens, hydrate with water, and get adequate sleep. Embrace a balanced lifestyle by making an effort to incorporate exercises and relaxation techniques into your everyday life.
Pick up healthy hobbies
Keeping yourself busy doing fulfilling and meaningful activities is a way to help take your mind off meth. Have you ever longed to unleash your artistic side? How about growing your own garden? Or baking your own sweet treats? Engage in hobbies that not only keep you distracted but, more importantly, foster personal growth.
Build a reliable support network
When you’re struggling with any form of SUD, recognize that addressing it is not something you can do on your own. It’s why you must be in the company of loved ones who will help you recover. Also, consider joining support groups to share your experiences and learn from other’s stories.
Reach out and get professional help
Therapists are some of the most important people to include in your network as you attempt to break free from your addiction. Seek help from specialists and gain personalized services and objective insights to help you attain sobriety.
Final Words
Meth is an illicit drug that wreaks havoc on lives in the US and beyond. It alters how the brain perceives pleasure and poses dangerous physical, psychological, and social effects in the short and long run.
Nonetheless, recovery is within reach. Educating yourself, prioritizing your well-being, fostering healthy hobbies, building a support network, and seeking professional help are all essential ways to live a sober and fulfilling life.
Looking for a dependable partner for recovery? If you or someone you know wants to overcome meth addiction, Freedom Recovery is here to help. They employ a well-balanced treatment approach fueled by compassion to promote lasting recovery. Take the first step to healing and get in touch today.
