Meth addiction is one of the hardest substance use disorders to overcome, which is why meth addiction treatment centers often offer a comprehensive range of treatments. These treatments include everything from medical detoxification services to outpatient services and aftercare. The idea is for clients to undergo the entire course of their addiction treatment plan in one facility as much as possible.
Make sure that the professional addiction treatment plan you choose for yourself or someone you care about includes detoxification, counseling, and other forms of therapeutic care that can help provide comfort and support. For example, if someone needs 24-hour medical care and attention, you may find an inpatient program ideal. If you’re looking for a meth addiction treatment center in Pennsylvania, we can help. Contact Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge today. Reach out to our team online or call 844.442.8673.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, typically abbreviated and called “meth,” is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant. There are many dangers of methamphetamine misuse, but in the short term, it significantly affects the body’s central nervous system (CNS).
Street names for methamphetamine include blue, ice, crystal, or meth. There is no legal use for methamphetamine. However, it was originally developed in the early 20th century as a bronchial inhaler and nasal decongestant. Its potency caused it to have long-lasting and harmful effects on the CNS, which is why medical experts abandoned it as a medical treatment.
What Are the Dangers of Methamphetamine Addiction?
Now that you know what methamphetamine is, it’s critical to understand the dangers of misusing the drug. Long-term meth abuse has many negative consequences that affect health and longevity. In the first place, addiction is a chronic disease involving functional and molecular brain changes.
As with many addictive substances, meth tolerance develops when a person takes it repeatedly. The increasingly larger doses of meth taken more frequently over time can only result in an eventual overdose. In addition, chronic meth abusers may develop difficulty feeling any pleasure other than that provided by the drug. The problem is further compounded by the challenges faced by those wanting to stop using meth. Withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Bouts of anxiety
- Depressive episodes
- Excessive fatigue
- Intense meth cravings
In addition to being addicted to meth, people who use the drug long-term may exhibit significant anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and even violent behavior. They also may struggle with mental health issues such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. These symptoms can last for months or years after someone has quit using meth.
Studies show that chronic meth abusers also suffer from severe structural and functional changes in areas of the brain associated with memory and emotion. This may account for many of the emotional and cognitive problems they struggle with as they overcome addiction.
When Should Clients Consider a Meth Addiction Treatment Program?
If someone you care about is struggling with a meth addiction and resisting professional help, staging an intervention may be the first step to help them overcome their substance use disorder. However, it’s crucial to involve intervention experts, as some people struggling with addiction can become hostile or even violent when confronted. The addicted person may deny having a meth problem, making open conversation difficult.
The idea of overcoming a meth addiction may seem almost impossible for some, which could affect how they react to confrontation. When people who care about you confront you, you must be objective and listen to them. With professional help, complete recovery is not only possible but also sustainable.
Learn More at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge
If you’re searching for a meth addiction treatment center in Pennsylvania, contact Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge today. Call 844.442.8673 or reach out to our team online.
