Methamphetamine Addiction
Over the past few years, meth has crept into the American addiction landscape.
According to the United States government, more than 13 million people over the age of 12 have used amphetamine-like stimulants, and trends in drug treatment admissions due to methamphetamine and amphetamine drug use show no signs of slowing down.
What is Methamphetamine Addiction?
Methamphetamine addiction, commonly known as meth addiction, is a serious and chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictive stimulant. Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the brain and body, leading to increased energy, alertness, and a sense of euphoria.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Given that substance abuse issues are so pervasive, it’s important to better understand the symptoms of meth addiction.
If you are concerned about a friend or family member, here are a few of the most common signs of methamphetamine abuse.
- Very erratic sleep patterns. Meth is an extremely strong stimulant. Users feel unusually energetic and often don’t sleep for long periods of time. And, followed by a binge, users often suddenly experience a crash and can’t control the amount of sleep they need. While everyone periodically sleeps more or less than usual – sustained, frequent and pronounced bouts of sleeplessness are symptoms of meth addiction.
- Increasingly risky decision-making. Meth often changes the user’s behavior and can trigger changes in lifestyle choices. For many, getting more of the drug outweighs normal responsibilities such as childcare and work responsibilities. For an outsider, their decision-making capabilities appear to be compromised.
- Dramatic and unhealthy changes in their appearance. Meth is a toxic poison and users often have a hard time hiding the consequences of ingesting the lethal compound. One of the most dramatic changes is the development of “meth mouth”, a phrase that describes the brown, rotting teeth of users that is caused by the caustic cocktail of chemicals in the drug.
If you think that a friend of family member is silently dealing with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the best choice is to seek help from addiction recovery professionals. They have the experience and expertise to help you make informed decisions about the health and well-being of your friend or family member.
Residential Inpatient Rehab in East Tennessee
Our 36-bed facility is designed to provide personalized care for residents seeking to start a new sober life and finally end a cycle of self-destruction and emotional pain.
Treatment for methamphetamine addiction often involves a combination of behavioral therapies, counseling, support groups, and, in some cases, medication. It is essential for individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction to seek professional help as recovery can be challenging, and the support of trained professionals can significantly improve the chances of successful rehabilitation.
At English Mountain Recovery, the supporting staff at our all-inclusive Tennessee residential facility can help you address existing issues with drug or alcohol addiction using a variety of addiction therapies including experiential therapy, family education and individual counseling. To start the healing process today, please contact an admissions advisor by phone at (877) 615-8569 or contact us online.
