Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful stimulant and highly addictive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 960,000 people in the United States have a meth addiction. In fact, meth induces such forceful dependencies that it is a drug with one of the highest relapse rates, more than 93%.
Characterized by a euphoric high and rush of energy, meth use can lead quickly to drug dependence and, then, addiction. Here, we’ll examine methamphetamine and meth addiction as well as how it’s treated and why high-quality treatment at a meth rehab in Los Angeles is crucial for managing this type of drug addiction.
Methamphetamine is a synthetic central nervous system stimulant that targets the brain. Meth is listed as a Schedule II substance and drugs such as cocaine, fentanyl, and Adderall. Currently, there is only one prescription form of methamphetamine used to treat severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or obesity. Most people use illicit forms of meth recreationally and may refer to the drug as crystal meth, crystal, ice, or speed. They may inject, smoke, snort, or ingest the drug in pill form.
Meth is composed of amphetamine and other chemicals that may literally include battery acid, drain cleaner, or even antifreeze. Illegal meth producers “cook” the concoction of chemicals to form the drug. The volatile nature of the chemicals can lead to explosions, and the waste from meth production is extremely toxic.
Meth use involves a host of effects that can cause a person to experience physical and mental changes. Chronic meth use will almost certainly cause a person’s mental and physical health to deteriorate. Even a single use of meth can lead to acute effects, including overdose. The risk for overdose increases when meth is combined, as it frequently is, with other substances such as Xanax, morphine, or alcohol.
Many people addicted to meth may also engage in high-risk behaviors like needle sharing or unprotected sex. This has led to increases in the contraction of HIV, hepatitis, and other contagions among people addicted to meth. Crime is also a serious concern among meth addicts who may resort to stealing to procure ingredients to ‘cook’ the drug or steal money to purchase meth.
Meth sores are one of the most visually identifiable effects of chronic methamphetamine use. These sores typically appear because of several factors:
These sores are not only painful and prone to infection but also serve as a stigma, marking individuals as meth users, which can hinder social interactions and professional opportunities.
Meth psychosis is a severe mental health condition often triggered by regular methamphetamine use, characterized by:
Meth psychosis can occur during acute intoxication or come on gradually after prolonged use. In some cases, these psychotic symptoms can persist for months or years after meth use has ceased, especially if not treated properly.
Like other forms of drug addiction, meth addiction is complex. A person addicted to this substance isn’t only physically dependent. They are also psychologically and behaviorally dependent on the drug.
Meth use changes the brain’s chemistry, causing users to feel powerful compulsions to take the drug even though they are aware of the negative effects it has on their health and overall life. Without treatment, a person is unlikely to stop abusing meth on their own.
Meth addiction can lead to extremely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and cravings for the drug.
In order to effectively treat meth addiction, clinicians and therapists rely on multiple treatments to target the various aspects of this condition. Because a meth addiction involves most major aspects of a person’s life, a meth rehab in Los Angeles must be multitype in nature in order to address each element of meth addiction.
Treating the physical dependency with detox, for example, is unlikely to lead to successful addiction management without meth addiction treatment for the psychological aspects of the addiction, which are often responsible for inducing relapse.
No Matter What (NMW) Recovery is a Los Angeles drug rehab that also treats people addicted to other substances, including opioids and alcohol. NMW Recovery takes a holistic approach to treatment, relying on medically sanctioned treatments like one-on-one therapy and peer group counseling and many alternative treatments like yoga or nutritional therapy that support a healthy lifestyle and complement evidence-based therapies.
Our Los Angeles drug rehab provides individualized treatment programs based on each client’s needs. We carefully assess each client at the start of treatment to recommend a custom treatment plan. Each person brings a different set of life circumstances with them to rehab and faces different challenges. By tailoring our treatments to suit their specific needs, we can help clients manage their addiction and mental health successfully.
Our addiction treatment program at our Los Angeles meth rehab has a strong relapse prevention component. We help clients understand and identify the triggers that led them to abuse meth. Then, we work together to help them manage those triggers and develop a lifestyle that can help them safeguard their recovery process. By learning how to cope with their triggers effectively, they can become more mindful of them and manage them before they relapse.
If you are struggling with a meth addiction or are abusing any other drug or alcohol, you can rely on No Matter What Recovery for the support you need to achieve your recovery goals.
Our addiction treatment center has helped thousands of clients in and near Los Angeles successfully manage their addiction and lead them to long-term recovery; we can help you too. If you or a loved one are struggling with meth addiction or another substance abuse disorder, contact our rehab center to learn more about our outpatient treatment plans, holistic therapies, and other offerings designed to support addiction recovery.
The LGBTQ+ community faces unique social and psychological challenges that can influence drug use and recovery. Tailoring meth rehab programs to meet these specific needs helps address the underlying issues more effectively and provides a supportive environment that promotes lasting recovery.
At No Matter What Recovery, we offer a variety of treatment options, including medical detoxification, individual therapy, group therapy sessions focused on LGBTQ+ issues, peer support groups, and holistic therapies designed to treat the whole person, not just the addiction.
We uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and privacy as required by law. All personal information and treatment details are handled with the utmost care, ensuring that our client’s privacy is respected throughout their recovery journey.
Yes, we encourage the involvement of family members and partners as appropriate. Our family therapy and educational sessions are designed to improve understanding, strengthen relationships, and create a supportive home environment that is conducive to recovery and improving the overall well-being of those struggling with a substance use disorder.
Post-treatment support is crucial for sustained recovery. We offer continuing care groups, relapse prevention planning, and connections to community resources specifically geared toward the LGBTQ+ community. Our aim is to support our clients in maintaining their sobriety and thriving in their daily lives.
At No Matter What Recovery, we provide a comprehensive range of treatment options to address methamphetamine addiction and other substance use disorders. Our levels of care include:
Mell McCracken is the Executive Director of No Matter What Recovery, serving as the leader of the clinical treatment program and overseeing our sexualized drug use curriculum.
Mell is nationally and internationally recognized as an LGBT+ educator, co-author, and treatment provider. They also serve as faculty member at the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Specialists. They are committed to uplifting voices and breaking stigmas, one conversation at a time, and have spent their career fighting for inclusivity and empowerment through chemsex education and LGBT+ activism.
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