Methamphetamine (meth) is a dangerous and addictive narcotic that comes with some nasty side effects and long-term medical conditions. If you’re wondering, “Is meth addictive?”—you or someone you love is abusing meth and in danger of doing serious harm to themselves and their loved ones. Fortunately, meth addiction is treatable by enrolling in a comprehensive meth addiction treatment program.
Recovery Ranch PA is a full-service residential addiction treatment center that supports those struggling with meth abuse and is ready for a clean start. Our initial evaluation will determine the severity of the addiction and how long the abuse lasted. We’ll then create a tailored treatment program based on your symptoms. You’ll participate in behavioral therapy while receiving medication to ease any meth withdrawals, cravings, or other disruptive symptoms.
Is Meth Addictive?
Meth is highly addictive and can lead to severe medical conditions like cardiovascular damage, cognitive impairment, psychosis, and severe tooth decay. Its fast-acting properties create an intense euphoric response and increased energy that’s exceptionally alluring. If they’re not careful, meth abuse can turn into a serious addiction that’ll take several months to recover.
Meth was initially developed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to help obese patients lose weight. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorized it as a Schedule II drug due to its potential for addiction. This means there’s a high potential for abuse, which makes this drug so dangerous.
Meth is a fast-acting drug that can produce euphoria and several other symptoms, such as:
- Increased energy and wakefulness
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Decreased appetite
- Hyperthermia
- Dry mouth
- Teeth grinding
It can also severely impact your mental health. Along with intense euphoria, you can expect increased focus and motivation, paranoia, anxiety, aggression, irritability, hallucinations, and delusions.
If you continue to abuse meth, it can lead to liver and kidney damage, heart disease, lung damage, and a weakened immune system. Long-term users will experience “meth mouth.” A condition where their teeth are severely decayed, blackened, and rotting due to dry mouth and poor hygiene.
What To Expect When Treating Meth Abuse
Methamphetamine abuse is a treatable mental health condition that requires several weeks or months of participating in meth addiction treatment. If you or someone you love is abusing meth, encourage them to enroll in a treatment program. It’s the safest way to recover from meth abuse and can significantly reduce the risk of relapse, and teaches clients how to lead a healthy and sober lifestyle.
Here’s what you can expect when treating meth addiction:
Addiction Education
One of the first things you’ll learn about is the dangers of methamphetamine and how quickly addiction can occur. They’ll teach you all about addiction, how it can consume a person, and what it takes to recover. You’ll participate in group and private therapy sessions to better understand the reasons you turned to meth in the first place and to develop healthy coping skills.
Behavioral Therapy
Therapists use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat all aspects of the disorder. CBT focuses on the behaviors the addiction creates and teaches them new behaviors to replace the old ones. This process is very beneficial and helps many people recover fully.
Other types of behavioral therapy that are used to treat addiction include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Relapse prevention therapy
When you arrive for treatment, therapists will develop a comprehensive treatment program that includes various types of behavioral and holistic therapy and medication if needed.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Meth withdrawal can be very debilitating and will increase in intensity. Medical staff will administer medications based on your treatment plan to ease these symptoms. They’ll monitor you for adverse reactions and adjust the dosage as necessary. When symptoms are more manageable, they’ll begin tapering you off the medication slowly to avoid any side effects from the drug.
Family Therapy
Family members are encouraged to participate in therapy sessions to resolve any lingering issues that may be contributing to the addiction. Parents, spouses, and children will talk with a therapist and learn about the addiction and ways they can help. They’ll learn to create a healthy and supportive home environment where your recovery will continue and how they can become part of your support network.
Connect with The Ranch PA and Enroll in Meth Addiction Treatment Today
Is meth addictive, and what does it take to recover? The Ranch PA welcomes all people who are struggling with meth abuse and want help in breaking the addiction. Our programs are tailored to the individual and will include behavioral therapies, mindfulness practices, medical support, and other beneficial therapies. You’ll learn how to cope with your symptoms and triggers while bonding with your peers and forming long-lasting friendships that’ll help you on your sober journey.
For more information about our meth addiction treatment program, fill out our online form or call 717.969.9126 today.