Virginia Drug Addiction Treatment Center Meth Rehab

Understanding Methamphetamine: A Potent and Addictive Stimulant

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and potent stimulant that affects the central nervous system. The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and associated nerves throughout the body. Methamphetamine is also known by several street names, including meth, crystal, and blue. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.

Initially, methamphetamine was used in nasal decongestants and inhalers to help with symptoms related to asthma and congestion. However, illegally produced methamphetamine is more potent and longer-lasting than legally produced amphetamines. It leads to larger doses entering the brain and inevitably leads to harmful effects on the central nervous system. This makes methamphetamine a drug with a high potential for addiction and overdose.

Methamphetamine is usually introduced to the body by smoking, swallowing, snorting, or injecting intravenously. When methamphetamine enters the brain, it increases activity in specific areas and enhances life-sustaining functions such as blood pressure, respiration, body temperature, and heart rate. Methamphetamine also elevates the dopamine response in the brain. Dopamine is the chemical messenger responsible for feelings of happiness and pleasure. The intense “high” associated with methamphetamine is the result of increased dopamine, and the desire to recreate this feeling makes methamphetamine highly addictive and dangerous.

AATC provides evidence-based addiction treatment at our inpatient drug rehab center in various states.

Identifying Meth Addiction: Symptoms and Signs

Methamphetamine abuse has severe physical and psychological consequences for long-term users. The first and most common symptom of methamphetamine addiction is a loss of interest in once-important things, such as family, hobbies, and employment. Individuals who struggle with methamphetamine addiction show various physical, behavioral, and emotional symptoms. Although addiction affects everyone differently, the most frequent symptoms include:

• Paranoia
• Dilated pupils
• Hyperactivity
• Facial tics
• Rapid eye movement
• Agitation, mood swings, or violent outbursts
• Skin sores
• Appetite changes
• Significant changes in sleeping patterns
• Burns, especially on the face, lips, and fingers
• Rotting teeth

“Tweaking” is a common symptom of methamphetamine use and is easily recognizable. It is characterized by a period of heightened anxiety and insomnia, which can last between three and 15 days depending on its severity and the individual. Tweaking is often experienced by those who use meth when they can no longer achieve a high from the drug at the end of a binge. It leads to significant psychological effects such as confusion, irritability, and paranoia, and it can also cause hallucinations and violent outbursts.

Recovering from Meth Addiction with Professional Treatment in Virginia

Methamphetamine addiction can be harmful if not treated professionally. For those who are ready to stop using meth, the first step is detoxification. Detox is best done in a residential treatment center. Although meth withdrawal is not as physically dangerous as other drugs, such as opioids or alcohol, it can still be uncomfortable and lead to seizures. To ensure a safe detox, it is highly recommended to seek treatment in a reputable facility like the Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center in Virginia.

After detox, a therapeutic addiction treatment program can help you learn how to achieve lasting recovery from meth addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective behavioral therapy that encourages participants to examine the root causes of addictive behavior. By understanding the events or circumstances that trigger meth use, individuals can develop healthy coping mechanisms to replace the harmful ones. At Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center, a team of skilled professionals will guide you through the most challenging withdrawal symptoms, ensuring a safer and more successful detoxification.

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