What is Methamphetamine Use Disorder?
First, the drug: Methamphetamine — “meth” for short — is a synthetic stimulant with legitimate medical use as a treatment for ADHD and obesity. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that it carries high potential for addiction. Furthermore, the vast majority of meth is illegally made.
As for methamphetamine use disorder, it falls under the umbrella of substance use disorders — defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as the uncontrollable use of a drug despite the negative consequences. And there are consequences: Besides severe dependency, meth abuse can rapidly cause professional, financial, interpersonal, and even legal issues.
Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction
Wondering if you or somebody you love should seek meth rehab in San Diego? Look out for these telltale signs of addiction.
Physical Symptoms
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), some common physical signs of meth abuse include:
- Faster breathing and an elevated heart rate
- An increase in blood pressure and body temperature
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Erratic behavior, disturbed sleep and appetite, and more
The Dopamine Crash
Meth is a stimulant, and a potent one and that. Like other drugs in its class, meth causes the brain to flood itself with dopamine, a feel-good chemical that reinforces certain behaviors. However, when all that dopamine subsides, you feel worse than you did before using — and end up with strong cravings.
The Apex Recovery Approach to Meth Addiction Treatment
Our San Diego recovery programs emphasize evidence-based stimulant addiction therapies (think: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and more). We even incorporate wellness-based practices, like mindfulness and somatic grounding, that encourage holistic recovery from methamphetamine abuse. But our insistence on creating personalized treatment schedules for each patient — and to not hold them to strict timetables — are the most powerful tools in our arsenal.
Each individualized plan begins with a confidential consultation. After chatting with a patient and understanding their struggles and goals, we build a regimen of gold-standard methodologies and immediately put it to work. What’s more: Our model of outpatient methamphetamine rehab helps San Diego residents test their new skills in the real world, while still providing clinical-level support as needed.
How long will it take my brain to heal after meth abuse?
It takes time, but your brain can heal and recover after methamphetamine abuse. Call us today for a judgment-free chat and we’ll help you start on the road to sobriety.
CALL US (619) 756-6424How Does Meth Addiction Affect a Person?
Meth abuse can quickly derail a person’s life, altering them physically and emotionally. And given the effects of long-term addiction, finding quality methamphetamine use disorder treatment near you can make the difference between recovery and relapse.
Personally
Funding a habit takes a lot of money, and keeping it hidden takes energy. As you distance yourself from loved ones, those relationships may begin to suffer; if they discover your drug use, it could cause them emotional turmoil. They may even feel the need to cut you off, either to protect their peace or try to send you a message.
Medically
SAMHSA notes that long-term meth use can cause permanent heart and brain damage; paranoia and hallucinations; and even death. You’re also at risk for something called anhedonia — defined by the Cleveland Clinic as an inability to experience joy or pleasure. As meth hijacks and essentially fries your brain’s dopamine receptors, nothing else can create the same feeling. The good news? That damage is reversible, and we include anhedonia treatment in our meth recovery plans.
What Others are Saying About Apex Recovery
You aren’t the first person searching for a methamphetamine addiction treatment center in San Diego, and you won’t be the last. These folks took the plunge and opted to get help; you can read their stories below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meth Abuse
Along with typical withdrawal symptoms, coming off of meth also causes anhedonia — a lack of joy or pleasure rooted in dysfunctional dopamine reception.
Yes! It takes time and clean living, but eventually, your brain’s dopamine reward system returns to an unaltered state, allowing you to find happiness in things without the need to use meth.
When dealing with comorbid conditions like depression, studies have shown treating them simultaneously to be more effective than focusing on one at a time. We provide dual-diagnosis treatment at our San Diego meth addiction care center; we’ll determine a course of action during your confidential consultation.
Take Your Life Back from Meth Addiction
Whether you’re ready to get help or are still mulling it over, reach out to us. A member of our care team would be happy to walk you through your options — no commitment necessary.
CALL US (619) 756-6424