Methamphetamine (meth) abuse is a serious problem in the U.S. that negatively affects millions of people every day. Stimulant abuse is when you abuse stimulants like meth, cocaine, or prescription medications and develop an addiction that can be very dangerous to your health.
The Right Step offers full-service addiction treatment centers that can treat substance use disorders (SUDs) and the underlying reasons behind the abuse. Call 17135283709 today to speak with our team about our meth addiction treatment program.
Is Meth a Stimulant?
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It can dramatically increase the level of dopamine in your body and lead to euphoria, increased energy, heightened alertness, and reduced need for sleep.
If you suspect a friend or loved one is abusing meth but aren’t sure, here are some of the signs of stimulant abuse:
- Physical signs – If a person is misusing meth, they’ll experience increased heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, sleep disturbances, and excessive sweating or high body temperatures. They may experience “meth mouth” or severe dental decay if the abuse is allowed to continue over a long period.
- Behavioral signs – They’ll begin taking more risks and participating in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, and reckless driving. They’ll pull away from family and friends and begin missing work or school. They may also engage in compulsive behaviors and unnecessary actions.
- Psychological signs – Meth abuse has a significant effect on the brain and can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucination, and delusions. They’ll experience memory loss and cognitive decline that can become permanent with long-term abuse.
Long-term effects of misusing methamphetamine include severe anxiety and depression, severe weight loss, violent or aggressive behaviors, and psychosis.
Treating Stimulant Abuse
While there’s no cure for addiction, there are several effective treatment programs that help our clients build a healthy and sober lifestyle.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is one of the best methods for treating stimulant abuse and other types of substance use disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are the top therapeutic methods where therapists address the behaviors the addiction creates. Once identified, they begin to teach clients healthy coping skills to replace the negative behaviors that are triggered.
Behavioral therapy also includes:
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Treatment programs also include holistic therapy, such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness practices, and life skills training to teach clients healthy life skills and other ways to express themselves.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Using medication to treat meth addiction is safe and effective in reducing common withdrawals and cravings. Medical staff will administer medications based on your plan. They’ll monitor you for any adverse reactions and make adjustments to the dosage as necessary.
Once withdrawals and cravings have diminished, they’ll begin tapering you off the medication until no longer necessary. Except in severe cases, most clients are 100% drug-free by the end of the program.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention therapy helps people identify triggering situations or people and teaches them healthy coping skills to manage their symptoms and stay on the sober path. It teaches them how to cope with cravings and develop strategies to prevent a relapse, such as stress management techniques, distraction techniques, and how to avoid risky situations.
Family Therapy
Addiction affects more than just the person who’s abusing meth, it affects everyone around them as well. Family therapy helps families work through any lingering issues that may interfere with the recovery process. Parents, children, and spouses will learn about the addiction and what it takes to recover. They’ll learn how to create a stable and supportive living environment and how they can support your recovery.
Enroll in Our Meth Addiction Treatment Program at The Right Step Today
The Right Step welcomes people who are ready to stop abusing methamphetamine and want help in building a healthy and sober lifestyle. If you or a loved one is struggling with a meth addiction, fill out our online form or call 17135283709 today to schedule a consultation and tour.
