Understanding Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant made from amphetamine and other derivative chemicals. The majority of people addicted to methamphetamines use the drug in its two illicit forms: meth and crystal meth. While the structural makeup of the two variations differ, both meth and crystal meth are chemically the same thing. 

Crystalline and Crystal Methamphetamine

Crystalline methamphetamine is typically a white powder, though it can be yellow, pink, or brown. It is an odorless, bitter tasting powder that can be dissolved in liquid. In some cases it can be compressed into pill form and swallowed, but usually crystalline meth is snorted, smoked, or injected.

There’s also crystal methamphetamine. Crystal meth is clear or blue and takes the shape of hard crystals that are generally smoked. 

Mixing Methamphetamine With Other Drugs

Most methamphetamine users don’t realize the drug isn’t pure. Both crystalline and crystal methamphetamine are often “cut” with other substances to sell less of the actual drug for the same market price and fetch a greater profit. In many cases, crystal meth is cut with prescription medications, like antidepressants or opioids. These additives can be extremely dangerous due to unforeseen drug interactions and increased risk of overdose.

Meth Abuse Requires Effective Interventions

Any Length Retreat in Austin, TX specializes in helping men with substance use disorders, including methamphetamine addiction. We emphasize whole-self healing through the use of effective recovery plans and addiction support services that are proven to help men end substance abuse and stay sober.

Learn more about our drug rehab and how we can help you or your loved one recover from substance use disorder.

Effects of Methamphetamines on the Mind & Body

Methamphetamine has devastating effects on the mind and body. Meth causes an immediate surge of the neurotransmitter dopamine, the “feel good” chemical that gives the user their euphoric rush or “high.” The rush is intense, often lasting for hours. That’s the upside with methamphetamine use, but it’s not a benefit. Once the drug wears off, dopamine levels plummet significantly, leaving the user depressed and craving more.

Immediate Effects of Methamphetamine Use

Other immediate effects of methamphetamine addiction include:

• Stimulant effects that increase alertness and mental acuity
• Increased heart rate and heart arrhythmia
• Increased body temperature, sometimes to dangerous levels
• Decreased appetite, which can lead to weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Delusions and hallucinations
• Agitation
• Aggression or violent behavior
• Confusion and paranoia
• Impulsive behavior
• Insomnia
• Tremors

Methamphetamine Psychosis

Methamphetamine psychosis, or meth-induced psychosis, is a unique condition that can make treating methamphetamine use disorders challenging. This is when meth use causes hallucinations and delusions that seem very real to the person.

Long-Term Methamphetamine Abuse

With prolonged use, meth can be one of the most dangerous and destructive drugs that destroys a person’s life. Methamphetamine abuse puts people at risk of developing:

• Skin infections
• Poor nutrition
• Tooth decay
• Sexually transmitted diseases from unprotected sex

Meth Use and the Vital Organs

Meth use has a serious impact on a person’s vital organs. Methamphetamine abuse can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain. The effects meth has on the heart and central nervous system can also lead to heart attack, seizures, and stroke.

If you or someone you love is struggling with meth addiction, please do not wait to get help from addiction professionals. Mental health services, peer support, and getting out of the enabling environment is crucial.

Contact Any Length Retreat today, free of charge with no commitment. Let’s just talk. We are here to help you.

Signs of Meth Use Disorder

There are both behavioral symptoms and physical symptoms of methamphetamine use. If someone in your life has a methamphetamine addiction, you may notice the following:

• Increased activity and wakefulness without the need for sleep
• Skin infection and abscesses, due to constant picking at the skin
• Significant weight loss and signs of malnutrition from decreased appetite
• Memory loss and difficulty remembering
• Mood disturbances
• Paranoid, aggressive, or violent behavior
• Delusions and hallucinations
• Severe tooth decay, known as “meth mouth”

At Any Length Retreat, we ensure that your loved one is guided safely and successfully through the various stages of meth addiction recovery by caring mentors and support specialists. They get the support they need to overcome addiction, address mental health issues, and get a fresh start to life. Getting your loved one the best men’s recovery help for their meth addiction is the greatest act of love you can make.

If you need assistance talking to your loved one about recovery, please reach out to us 24/7. We are here to help you!

Recovery Options for Methamphetamine Drug Abuse

If a loved one is using methamphetamine, the top thing on your mind is how to help them stop using. It’s easy to feel helpless watching someone struggle with addiction to methamphetamine, especially if that someone is your husband, son, father, or best friend.  It’s tempting to try to care for them yourself. You want to provide them with whatever love, support, or money will get them through the ordeal. You want to give them shelter and protect them so they won’t need to take drugs.

The truth is they’ll still need to use methamphetamine. The cycle of meth addiction cannot be broken so easily. They are physically dependent, and the meth use will continue even if it’s detrimental to their well-being. It is important that your loved one seeks professional help to overcome their substance use disorder.

Recovery from Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine is one of the most highly addictive substances in existence. Most methamphetamine abusers typically cannot stop using without professional meth addiction treatment. Men addicted to meth who stop taking the drug can experience severe withdrawal symptoms that begin as early as a few hours after the last dose.  

Common Symptoms When Methamphetamine Use Stops

The withdrawal symptoms that must be managed include:

• Severe depression
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Paranoia and delusions
• Hallucinations
• Cold flashes
• Inability to regulate body temperature
• Uncontrollable leg movements
• Intense cravings
• Body tremors
• Aggressive behavior
• Insomnia

These symptoms can be agonizing and are often the reason why people find it so difficult to stop using methamphetamine. It is extremely important to seek help from professionals to overcome a meth addiction safely and successfully. 

Professional Help for Methamphetamine Use Disorder

At Any Length Retreat, we have drug addiction rehab programs that focus on healing the whole individual – mind, body, and spirit. By addressing the inherent causes of addiction rather than just their symptoms (triggers, cravings, etc.), men and their families achieve fundamental, lifelong recovery as well as a new freedom and a new purpose.

Rehab Options for Methamphetamine Drug Abuse

We provide a number of meth addiction drug rehab services including:

• Drug Rehab Programs
  • 60-Day Foundations
  • 90-Day Extended
• Individualized Recovery Plans
• 12 Step Facilitation
• Trauma-Informed Care 
• 1:1 and Group Mentoring
• Fitness and Wellness
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Family Mentoring and Support
• Community Involvement
• Brotherhood and Sober Living

Lifelong Recovery Support Services

Any Length Retreat doesn’t just help men past their substance use disorder. We also have an alumni program that provides supportive services in recovery. It’s the type of connection that can help reduce the risk of relapse and keep a person on the path of sobriety.