Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that people are often drawn to for its euphoric effects. It increases alertness, energy levels, and pleasure while reducing fatigue and hunger. But the downside easily outweigh any initial perks. Learn more about meth addiction treatment by calling 833.551.2304 today.
The Broad Appeal of Meth
The appeal of its seduction is in its promises:
- Methamphetamine promises to make you feel good
- It promises to give you lots of energy
- It promises to curb your appetite and help you lose weight
- It also promises an almost immediate, pleasurable, amazing rush
- It sounds good
It promises all those positives. The promises sound fantastic. It sounds like a win-win. It sounds too good to be true—because it is. The seduction doesn’t mention the negatives, the darker side, the part that leads to addiction, mental and physical health issues, and even death.
What is Methamphetamine, And Why Does It Hold Such an Allure?
Methamphetamine offers users an immediate and intense rush, and that is true. It creates a chemical reaction in your brain that causes an unnatural amount of dopamine to flood the body, causing energy levels to increase, metabolism to increase, and appetite to decrease. For a first-time user, it seems like a great thing, lots of energy, decreased appetite, and weight loss… sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
The drug, however, isn’t perfect. In fact, it’s far from perfection. The immediate rush or “flash” lasts for just a few minutes, and users often take more even before the initial substance is out of their system, chasing that rush again. Following the use of meth there can be up to three days of feeling bad as the body readjusts to a normal amount of dopamine. Users report feeling grumpy, having headaches, and having low energy. The way to overcome the bad feelings is, of course, to use more meth. This cycle takes the user down the road to addiction.
Meth is Extremely Addictive
Effects of short-term meth use
Short-term methamphetamine use can result in a variety of health issues including cardiovascular problems such as increased blood pressure and rapid or irregular heartbeat. It can also cause elevated body temperature. Methamphetamine overdose can result in convulsions and even death.
In addition to addiction, long-term methamphetamine users develop a tolerance for the drug and need more and more to achieve their high. This takes their body farther and farther from the normal regulated amount of dopamine that it needs. Chronic use can change the structure and function of the brain.
Effects of long-term meth use
Long-term users often develop memory loss, paranoia or hallucinations. Mood disturbances are common along with aggressive and sometimes violent behavior. Deficits in thinking and motor skills occur with long-term use, along with severe dental problems and weight loss.
The love affair with methamphetamine becomes a road to hell as the user transitions from just wanting to feel good to trying to feel normal. The good news is that recovery from methamphetamine addiction is possible. Even the brain structure for some can be restored with long-term abstinence.
The Need for Meth Addiction Treatment
Meth addiction treatment at Gulf Breeze Recovery is a comprehensive program that includes medical detox, evidence-based therapies, and relapse prevention techniques. Our team of compassionate professionals helps individuals overcome their meth addiction through individualized care plans tailored to meet each patient’s needs. We provide 24/7 support for our patients during their recovery journey to ensure they have the best chance of long-term sobriety.
Our treatment program includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and other evidence-based therapies to help individuals develop healthy coping skills and behaviors. We also offer group therapy sessions that give patients the opportunity to share their experiences with others in a safe, supportive environment.
In addition, we provide medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings during the recovery process. Finally, our relapse prevention program helps patients build the skills they need to maintain a life of sobriety. are committed to helping individuals struggling with meth addiction take back control of their lives.
The Need For Long-Term Residential Treatment For Meth Addiction
People addicted to meth almost always require a long-term residential treatment program of at least eight weeks or more.
Although recovery is certainly possible, it isn’t easy. The cravings for methamphetamine are intense. People with an addiction to methamphetamine typically need intensive residential drug treatment as they begin the road to recovery.
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we recognize the special care needed for someone with a methamphetamine addiction. Our staff is trained for meth recovery and we can help you or someone you love find health and recovery.
Get the Help You Need Today At Gulf Breeze Recovery in Florida
We help people not just to survive, but to thrive. If you or someone you care about, has an ongoing history of substance use and/or relapse, contact us at Gulf Breeze Recovery or call 833.551.2304 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about our program that has helped so many people overcome their addiction and embrace life.