Meth Addiction Treatment in New York

Methamphetamine is a niche drug that easily becomes an addiction and quickly causes severe damage to the human brain. It’s a powerful stimulant that destroys people and societies.

In New York, the figures show alarming increases, especially in overdose fatalities. The 2020 is particularly noteworthy with its spikes in mortality rates. The numbers are even more grim if we add fentanyl-related incidents.

In this article, we explore the realities of meth addiction treatment in New York. if you’re seeking recovery, you’ll benefit from reading this guide.

Why Is Meth Addictive?

Methamphetamine is a powerful drug that impacts various parts of the brain. It targets the reward system particularly hard, till this potent drug becomes an unshakable habit.

Understanding the Dopamine Surge

The brain has a dopamine cycle that reacts to natural stimulants. It’s the pleasure chemical that gives us a sense of elation when something nice happens.

Meth causes the brain to drown in dopamine, and this sudden flooding with the neurotransmitter fills a person with a state of euphoria. It’s far more intense than any naturally occurring feeling, and so people keep coming back for more.

Euphoria: Craving and Reinforcement

The dopamine surge after meth intake reinforces the strong association between the drug and the feeling of excessive pleasure. Thus, individuals start craving the drug to recreate that elated sensation. This is how the addiction begins.

Inevitability: Dopamine Depletion Over Time

The initial dopamine surge dulls down with repeated usage. This is caused by dopamine depletion. The natural brain neurotransmitter levels drop irreversibly.

At this point, a person using meth to attain euphoria needs extra doses of the drug to reach the same feeling of happiness. It’s not repeatable though, even with higher quantities of meth.

The After Effect: Negative Reinforcement

As the euphoric effect of meth wears off, dopamine levels plummet to much lower levels. Drug users start feeling terrible physically and mentally. They become constantly fatigued, irritable, and depressed.

People struggling with meth addiction detest these negative states and associate them with the absence of meth. They start using the drug just to “feel normal”, as opposed to “getting high” previously.

The Vicious Circle: Neurological Damage

Long-term usage of meth affects the brain and damages the dopamine-producing neurons. For these unfortunate individuals’ even feeling “okay” becomes impossible without using meth. This further strengthens the grip of the addiction cycle.

Psychological and Social Factors Leading to Meth Addiction

Even a single dose of meth can start an addiction cycle that’s almost impossible to break. Still, some people seem to have a higher propensity to being caught up in the web of addiction. Some factors contribute to that situation, so it’s best to be aware.

Coping With Hardships: Some people use meth as a form of self-medication to cope with intolerable emotions. Sadness, anxiety, fear, trauma, and mental health issues are often associated with chronic usage.
Genetic Inclination: As much as half of a person’s propensity to use drugs can be linked to genetic factors. The findings of several studies showed that this can be used effectively in prevention and treatment.
Social Surroundings: Being around people who treat meth as a recreational drug increases the risks of addiction. People are easily affected by the behaviors and norms of their societies.

Prevalence of Meth Addiction in New York

In recent years, we’ve seen unprecedented stats related to meth use. For example, in 2020, the New York Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) showed that there was a 214% increase in methamphetamine in New York, compared to 2019 figures.

In the same year, there were 184 methamphetamine-involved overdose deaths. If we add overdose deaths involving methamphetamine with fentanyl, the records show an increase of 1300%.

Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), also known as stimulant use disorder, is a mental and physical health issue of a highly problematic nature. Excessive usage of meth comes with a host of health problems formulated clearly in medical guidelines.

Characteristics

The first sign of MUD is compulsive usage. Meth affects almost every aspect of people’s lives. It damages their relationships, careers, finances, and health. And yet, people struggling with meth addiction can’t seem to stop using, even when they try to.

Diagnosis

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), there are specific criteria health professionals should use to diagnose MUD. This includes the following:

Using meth in ever-increasing amounts
Using meth more frequently
Failing to curb usage
Obsessing over procuring and using meth
Neglecting professional and domestic responsibilities
Experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms
Being careless with using the drug
Needing more meth to get the same effect
Continued usage while being aware of the drug’s problematic nature

Severity Levels

Health professionals classify MUD severity levels into:

Mild
Moderate
Severe

This depends on how many of the listed criteria a meth user has. Stating the level of severity is essential in prescribing the right treatment.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Depending on the severity level of meth addiction, and how long a person has been using the drug, withdrawal symptoms can be quite uncomfortable.

They aren’t typically life-threatening though, and health professionals have protocols that assist addiction patients during these rough patches. Withdrawal symptoms affect people suffering from addiction both physically and mentally.

Here are some of the common meth withdrawal symptoms.

Physical Effects

Body aches and pain
Extreme fatigue and constant exhaustion
Disrupted sleep or insomnia
Periods of drowsiness and deep sleep
Gastrointestinal issues
Loss of appetite
Weight loss

Psychological Effects

Irritability
Anxiety
Being frustrated or agitated
Mood swings
Sadness and helplessness
Hallucination
Paranoia
Craving

Withdrawal symptoms start within 24 hours of quitting the drug. The worst phase is after 2-3 days. Most physical symptoms subside within a week or two, however, some other symptoms are protracted and could last for months.

Depression, fatigue, and cravings are among the ones that could stay for quite a while.

Types of Meth Addiction Treatment

People struggling with meth addiction in New York can find various treatment protocols. Here are the five key approaches:

1. Detoxification

Removing the drug from an individual suffering from MUD comes with a host of unpleasant symptoms. This detoxification process is typically carried out in a hospital or an addiction treatment facility.

Doctors monitor the patient’s physiological and mental states. If needed, they can give the patients medications to manage their symptoms.

2. Residential Programs (In-Patient Treatment)

Individuals with a chronic severe MUD usually need to spend an extended period of time, a month or more, at a specialized facility.

Their treatment protocol often includes psychotherapy sessions, life skills training, and group therapy. Health professionals work closely with these patients.

3. Out-Patient Treatment

Outpatient protocols are similar to residential programs, with one main difference: outpatient treatment doesn’t mandate checking into a facility. Patients continue living in their own homes, and they go to the hospital or treatment facility regularly.

They attend workshops, and therapy sessions, in addition to receiving the necessary medication. This option works best for individuals with a sturdy support network.

4. Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) relies heavily on administering meds that reduce cravings and withdrawal effects.

Meds aren’t enough though, and people straddled with MUD need supplementary behavioral therapy.

5. Support Groups

12-step programs for addiction treatment have been around for ages. And there’s a good reason for that; these programs work.

Individuals who were able to conquer their drug use problems inspire those still struggling. The safe spaces and anonymity give addiction patients a safe space for self-discovery. accountability and shared commitment are strong motives to stay the course.

Finding the Right Meth Treatment Program in New York

There are many drug abuse treatment programs in New York, which is great, as this allows you to choose the one that best suits your needs. The following are some points to take into consideration before checking into a treatment facility.

Personal Preferences And Individual Needs

Lifestyle (inpatient/outpatient)
Budget
Insurance (sliding-scale fees, Medicaid/Medicare)
Location (accessibility, telehealth)
Severity of addiction
Co-occurring disorders (anxiety/depression)

Treatment Programs

Treatment model (122-step program, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), holistic therapy)
Aftercare services (support to prevent relapse)
Staff credentials and qualifications
Program accreditation
Success rates
Reviews

Check Out Available Resources

Conclusion

Meth is a dangerous drug that mimics happiness. It causes a sudden surge of dopamine, which releases an intense imaginary euphoria. These effects aren’t sustainable though, as the drug eventually depletes dopamine from the brain.

People suffering from methamphetamine addiction need ever-increasing doses just to feel normal. Meth addiction is serious and quite damaging to the mind, body, work, career, relationships, and life. It’s challenging to find effective treatment, but it’s not impossible.

New York offers a wide range of treatment options designed to suit individual needs, from residential treatment to outpatient protocols, to 12-step programs. You can also consider access to care, insurance options, treatment protocols, and aftercare services.

Regaining your health and well-being is worth every effort.