Methamphetamine Rehab Center in Arizona
Arizona Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine use is a widespread problem, with around 24.7 million people using amphetamine-type stimulants worldwide. Because of its potency, methamphetamine is extremely addictive, and the long-term effects can be life-threatening.
Battling methamphetamine addiction can be difficult, but you don’t have to fight alone — The River Source provides meth detox services and substance abuse treatment in Arizona for people addicted to methamphetamine and similar drugs. Read on to learn more about methamphetamine, including its signs of addiction, effects, and withdrawal symptoms, so that you know what to expect when a loved one needs help.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant, meaning that it’s regarded as easily abused and extremely addictive. It stimulates the central nervous system, causing feelings of euphoria which affect the brain, making it relate methamphetamine with pleasure. Like many addictive substances, methamphetamine rewires the risk/reward centers of the brain and fools it into thinking it’s necessary — the main symptom of dependence.
Methamphetamine was developed in the early 1900s as a byproduct of amphetamines. While feelings of euphoria brought on by taking these two types of drugs can be similar, methamphetamine has a greater effect on the brain, is more potent, and has more severe effects on long-term health. Methamphetamine usually looks like a white crystal or glass fragments. It’s also known as “meth”, “ice”, “tweak”, “crystal”, and “speed”, and is often smoked. Less commonly, it’s snorted or injected.
ADHD and The Risk of Addiction in Prescription Amphetamines
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to pay attention, and control impulsive behaviors, and may cause them to be overly active. According to a report provided by the CDC, approximately 6.4 million children in the United States between the ages of 4 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Furthermore, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that while ADHD is most commonly diagnosed during childhood, it continues into adulthood about 60% of the time.
Often referred to as “study drugs”, prescription amphetamines are commonly used because of their ability to increase focus, heighten alertness, and help a person stay awake. While prescription amphetamines are highly controlled, these desirable effects make them highly appealing to students, which lends to the reason why medications such as Adderall are so commonly linked to abuse and addiction. One study showed that 34% of students were using ADHD stimulants illegally, with the majority of illegal users reporting that they primarily used these medications in periods of high academic stress.
ADHD medications can be both safe and effective when taken as prescribed by your doctor, but when they are taken illegally, taken in higher than recommended dosages, or if the drug is altered or consumed in an illicit way such as by snorting or injecting it, this can increase risk of overdose and may lead to amphetamine addiction.
Commonly-Abused Prescription Amphetamines:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Vyvanse
- Concerta
- Dexedrine
- Focalin
- Daytrana
- Methylin
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine is a drug that is both very dangerous and heavily used. It can have extreme negative effects on a person’s physical and mental well-being. If you suspect that someone you love is struggling with methamphetamine addiction, keep an eye out for these signs:
- Hyperactivity
- Skin sores
- Weight loss
- Erratic sleep patterns
- Mood swings
- Agitation
- Twitching
- Dilated pupils
- Teeth grinding
- Paranoia
- Reduced appetite
- Insomnia
One of the most common signs of an addiction is when a user loses interest in activities that they used to enjoy and continues using drugs despite the negative consequences it has on their family, friends, finances, and career.
Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse and Addiction
Long-term use of methamphetamine can cause permanent, life-threatening damage to a person’s health. Some of the effects of using methamphetamine long-term include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack, stroke
- Blood vessel damage in heart and brain
- Tooth decay
- Malnutrition
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Significant brain damage
- Disorientation
- Exhaustion
- Memory loss or gaps
- Respiratory problems, damage to nose tissue
Because the long-term effects of using methamphetamine are so severe, it’s important to seek help for a methamphetamine addiction as soon as possible.
Arizona Methamphetamine Detox and Withdrawal
Methamphetamine is extremely potent, making it easy for users of the drug to become dependent on the substance. Some users will experience a “crash” after they stop taking methamphetamine, which is essentially the opposite of the high they experience when taking it. More often, those who stop using methamphetamine will experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Suicidal thoughts
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Paranoia
- Heavy sweating
- Exhaustion
- Cravings for Meth
These withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous, especially when these symptoms can last for up to several weeks. When someone attempts methamphetamine withdrawal on their own, they are at risk of using more of the drug just to soothe the painful symptoms they’re experiencing, leading to a cycle of substance abuse. Those suffering from methamphetamine addictions should seek out professional help when it comes to detox. Addiction specialists can provide assistive medications and therapies that will help make symptoms less severe and ensure that the detox process is being completed with safety and as comfortably as possible.
Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction in Arizona
Struggling with methamphetamine addiction can feel isolating, but you’re not alone: our team at The River Source has helped countless clients reclaim their lives from meth addiction, and now we’re ready to help you.
From providing you with 24/7 care during detox to helping you heal the root causes of your addiction through substance abuse counseling, to reuniting you with your loved ones through family therapy, to teaching you the tools that you need to cope with stress, avoid triggers and live a life without addiction, we’ll be here for you along every step in your recovery journey.
If you or a loved one is struggling with methamphetamine addiction and needs help, contact our compassionate recovery team at 866-371-9380 today.
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Since 2003, we have been helping individuals suffering from drug and alcohol addictions. We have successfully helped thousands of adults, teens, and their families overcome substance abuse through our proven treatment methods. Our commitment to providing a strong support system lasts far beyond rehab.