Methamphetamine Addiction
One of the most dangerous and addictive drugs is methamphetamine. Once you’re hooked on meth, it’s diffucult to stop using on your own. Our recommended methamphetamine addiction treatment in New York and out-of-state offers a lasting solution for long-term recovery.
New York Methamphetamine Treatment Programs
Drug addiction, as we know it, is a plague throughout the world. Families lose not just children to this epidemic, but also brothers, sisters, parents, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. The loss of productive, rewarding lives, as well as the economic burden, continues to rise.
Globally, an estimated $100 billion is been expended annually to combat illegal drugs. The United States contributes to one-fifth of these expenses as the largest consumer base. However, the truth is these costs are not borne by the taxpayers alone. The costs of addiction are incalculable and borders family disruption, domestic violence, lost productivity (and lost taxable income), as well as short to long-term disability.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine or simply Meth is also known as “Ice,” “Crystal,” and “Glass.” This stimulating and highly addictive drug speeds up the nervous system and makes the user feel alert, focused, and euphoric, with powerful feelings of pleasure. That is until meth slams the user back to the ground as intensely as it lifted them. The ricochet is crushing depression, fatigue, and the inability to feel any pleasure until the next fix.
Methamphetamine, a derivative of Amphetamine, is 100% synthetic and made entirely of synthetic chemicals. Methamphetamine belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants that speed up the natural processes of the nervous system. Generally, methamphetamine is produced as a crystal-like powder, a larger chunk of crystal, or in tablets. This solid form can be snorted, eaten, smoked, or injected into the bloodstream. Meth is more powerful than cocaine or any stimulant found in nature. When taken in large amounts, the user becomes violent, hallucinates, and exhibits psychosis.
Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse
Short-term use results in tremendous side-effects. Even small amounts of methamphetamine can cause physical effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite, increased physical activity, racing heart, increased libido, hyperventilation, tremors, elevated blood pressure and body temperature, dilated pupils (meth users might wear sunglasses due to a sensitivity to light, whether indoors or outside), convulsions, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Psychological effects may include euphoria, alertness, obsessive behavior, anxiety, irritability, aggressiveness, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis.
Permanent side effects of methamphetamine can last a lifetime. One of the worst side effects is that meth dramatically affects a person’s decision-making abilities causing them to engage in risky and potentially fatal behaviors. A study in New York revealed that meth users are three times more likely to contract infections like HIV and Hepatitis compared to non-users. Heavy use of meth lowers immune function in the long-term, raises blood pressure, and weakens or destroys blood vessels. As chronic meth users tend to neglect personal hygiene, all of these side effects combine to dramatically age their body, making meth users look much older than they are.
Meth Addiction Treatment Options
Meth addiction is mainly treated in two ways – inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient (residential) treatment involves an extended stay in a residential addiction treatment center. The program usually lasts from 30 to 90 days, but for meth addicts, residence at the center may last for a year or longer. The reason is that this length of time gives the recovering addict’s damaged dopamine neurons a chance to repair themselves. Furthermore, the meth addict needs this time to deal with and heal from the corresponding physical and psychological effects that result from this brain damage. Although recovery is possible, relapse is a possibility even after successful treatment. Intensive outpatient support is needed for a year or longer after a short inpatient phase.
Find Meth Addiction Treatment in New York
Government efforts alone cannot help us overcome the addictive forces that are tearing us apart. Friends and families must seek out the best intervention and addiction treatment for their loved ones who are struggling with Meth addiction. Recovering is a complex journey, as addiction bends to neither simple, singular solutions nor brute force. Addicts need a new mindset, one that recognizes that drugs serve a purpose, but they do not make personal problems go away forever.
Mid Hudson Addiction Treatment can help in your journey towards kicking meth out of your life or that of a loved one. Our partner drug treatment centers are highly motivated to use their wealth of experience in restoring your life. Enjoy a life free from the grip of methamphetamine or other dangerous street drugs.
Addiction Resources for New York
Residents of New York searching for addiction help now have plenty of resources to fight substance abuse. Our team of professionals is here to guide and support you during this difficult time. We work with a variety of Hudson Valley addiction treatment programs personalized to fit your needs:
- Heroin Rehab in New York
- Heroin Detox in New York
- Alcohol Detox in New York
- Alcohol Rehab in New York
- Drug Detox in New York
- Drug Rehab in New York
- Crack Cocaine Rehab in New York
- Xanax Rehab in New New York
- Xanax Detox in New New York
- Fentanyl Detox in New York