Meth is a potent and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant made by using over-the-counter medications that contain pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, common cold medication ingredients, industrial solvents, and toxic household chemicals. People who ingest Meth experience intense euphoria, alertness, and energy, but this dangerous substance can also cause serious health risks.
If you or someone you care about struggles with meth abuse or addiction, you likely understand the devastation it can cause, but breaking the cycle can be hard. Get the professional support required to break free at The Right Step Hill Country. We provide comprehensive meth addiction treatment designed first to help clients safely detox and then receive the therapy and aftercare needed to end meth use, regain control of their lives, and discover the joys of recovery.
Managing meth withdrawal symptoms
The meth withdrawal process is not typically life-threatening, like withdrawal from benzos or alcohol can be. Still, the physical and psychological symptoms are intense, which contributes to an individual’s continued use of meth, even when they want to stop. The symptoms of meth withdrawal include:
Physical symptoms
Physical symptoms of meth withdrawal may include the following:
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Excessive sweating
- Fever and chills
- Insomnia
- Dehydration
- Nausea and stomach aches
Physical withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 24 hours and peak within two to three days after the last use.
Psychological symptoms
Common psychological symptoms of meth withdrawal include:
- Mood swings and agitation
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Loss of motivation
- Sleeping too much
- Paranoia and hallucinations
- Loss of the ability to experience pleasure
- Cravings
The psychological symptoms of meth withdrawal can last for several weeks and are more strongly tied to a return to use than the physical symptoms. At Hill Country, we provide medically supervised detox to help clients manage meth withdrawal symptoms as comfortably as possible. In some cases, this includes the use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications.
The long-term effects of meth addiction are significant
Meth is not only dangerous to use, but also dangerous to make. Highly toxic chemicals contaminate the labs in which meth is made, making those places dangerous to be in. Traces of the chemicals made to use meth often remain in the finished product and are ingested through use. Some of the long-term effects of meth addiction include:
- Neurological damage: Meth abuse can cause changes in brain structure and functioning, contributing to memory loss, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive losses. These effects can be permanent.
- Mental health issues: Meth use can worsen existing mental health symptoms and contribute to new ones, including psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. These symptoms can linger even after meth use stops.
- Physical health issues: Meth use contributes to a range of physical health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, severe dental problems, skin infections, and malnutrition.
- Behavioral changes: Meth abuse can cause aggression, impulsivity, and risk-taking behaviors.
- Social and economic issues: Meth abuse can have significant consequences on social and economic well-being, including job loss, homelessness, broken relationships, and encounters with the law.
Individuals struggling with meth addiction often experience increased social isolation as their addiction progresses, which can compound mental health issues and contribute to suicidal thinking and attempts. The risk of overdose and accidental death is high.
Treating meth addiction
Not all meth addiction treatment programs are the same. If you have decided to seek treatment, it is crucial to choose a program that suits your specific circumstances and needs. The Hill Country treatment team will take the time needed to determine the best level of treatment for you. Here, you can expect:
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- 12-step programs
- Evidence-based therapies
- Holistic and experiential therapies
- Peer support and community connections
It’s not uncommon for people living with meth addiction to also struggle with mental health issues, so Hill Country provides dual diagnosis treatment to address both simultaneously. This leads to better treatment outcomes and deeper healing. Furthermore, we know that addiction is a lifelong disease that requires ongoing care, so we offer aftercare and alumni programs to help support your sobriety long-term.
Sign up for meth addiction treatment at Hill Country
At Hill Country, we believe everyone can overcome meth addiction with the proper support and treatment. If you are committed to changing your life, sign up for meth addiction treatment at Hill Country. Contact us using our online contact form or call 1.844.675.1628 today. We’re available around the clock.