Meth Rehab Centers, Meth Addiction Treatment
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system and is highly addictive. Recovery from addiction to the drug in most cases requires meth rehab. Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug that is available through a prescription, although its medical uses are extremely limited. Most of the methamphetamine used in the United States, is manufactured either in small illegal laboratories or large foreign or domestic superlabs. Commonly used names for Methamphetamine include "meth", "speed", and "chalk". Methamphetamine hydrochloride, which resembles ice is referred to as "ice", "crystal", and "glass".
Methamphetamine can be used by smoking it, snorting it, injecting it, or orally by dissolving it in liquid. It affects the brain by releasing and blocking the re-absorption of the chemical dopamine, which leads to higher than normal levels of dopamine in the brain. The rapid release of dopamine in the brain creates an intense euphoria, or "rush" that the user feels after using the drug.
Adverse effects of methamphetamine use on the brain include changes in brain functions. Studies have shown that methamphetamine users experience alterations in the activity of the dopamine systems that are associated with reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning. Studies have also shown that chronic methamphetamine users experience severe structural and functional changes in areas of the brain that are associated with emotion and memory.
Other Adverse effects caused by even small amounts of methamphetamine can include physical effects such as increased physical activity, increased wakefulness (sometimes resulting in staying awake for days at a time), increased respiration, decreased appetite, irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure and hyperthermia. Chronic users experience negative health effects such as extreme weight loss, tooth decay known as meth mouth, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, mood disturbances, violent behavior, paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations and delusions.
Because meth addiction is widespread and effects many areas of the users life, it is important to treat the person as a whole. Before sobriety can be maintained, the emotional, physical and social problems caused by meth must be addressed. The first step in meth addiction treatment is detox. Meth addiction produces strong cravings, and because withdrawal symptoms can be difficult, medical supervision is necessary. Physical withdrawal symptoms will gradually decrease and be resolved within about a week. Detox can result in depression and deep feelings of helplessness, and an inability to enjoy pleasurable activities is common.
The next step to recovery from meth is therapy. Once the patient is finished with detox, they will be able to accept help in dealing with their problems. Drug use will almost certainly have ruined relationships and financial status, so counseling directed at staying off the drug is important, but a full assessment and course of therapy is best. Psychologists recognize the value of sharing meth experiences and stories about recovery, so individual therapy sessions are usually combined with group meetings and 12-step programs.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a common approach that attempts to teach useful life and coping skills to stay away from drug use. Patients are educated on the physical and psychological effects of addiction and are taught to view their drug use in a fuller and more realistic fashion.
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system and is highly addictive. Recovery from addiction to the drug in most cases requires meth rehab. Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug that is available through a prescription, although its medical uses are extremely limited. Most of the methamphetamine used in the United States, is manufactured either in small illegal laboratories or large foreign or domestic superlabs. Commonly used names for Methamphetamine include "meth", "speed", and "chalk". Methamphetamine hydrochloride, which resembles ice is referred to as "ice", "crystal", and "glass".
Methamphetamine can be used by smoking it, snorting it, injecting it, or orally by dissolving it in liquid. It affects the brain by releasing and blocking the re-absorption of the chemical dopamine, which leads to higher than normal levels of dopamine in the brain. The rapid release of dopamine in the brain creates an intense euphoria, or "rush" that the user feels after using the drug.
Adverse effects of methamphetamine use on the brain include changes in brain functions. Studies have shown that methamphetamine users experience alterations in the activity of the dopamine systems that are associated with reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning. Studies have also shown that chronic methamphetamine users experience severe structural and functional changes in areas of the brain that are associated with emotion and memory.
Other Adverse effects caused by even small amounts of methamphetamine can include physical effects such as increased physical activity, increased wakefulness (sometimes resulting in staying awake for days at a time), increased respiration, decreased appetite, irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure and hyperthermia. Chronic users experience negative health effects such as extreme weight loss, tooth decay known as meth mouth, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, mood disturbances, violent behavior, paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations and delusions.
Because meth addiction is widespread and effects many areas of the users life, it is important to treat the person as a whole. Before sobriety can be maintained, the emotional, physical and social problems caused by meth must be addressed. The first step in meth addiction treatment is detox. Meth addiction produces strong cravings, and because withdrawal symptoms can be difficult, medical supervision is necessary. Physical withdrawal symptoms will gradually decrease and be resolved within about a week. Detox can result in depression and deep feelings of helplessness, and an inability to enjoy pleasurable activities is common.
The next step to recovery from meth is therapy. Once the patient is finished with detox, they will be able to accept help in dealing with their problems. Drug use will almost certainly have ruined relationships and financial status, so counseling directed at staying off the drug is important, but a full assessment and course of therapy is best. Psychologists recognize the value of sharing meth experiences and stories about recovery, so individual therapy sessions are usually combined with group meetings and 12-step programs.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a common approach that attempts to teach useful life and coping skills to stay away from drug use. Patients are educated on the physical and psychological effects of addiction and are taught to view their drug use in a fuller and more realistic fashion.
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