Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment
At Recovery Ways it is not just about getting away from the stressors of life and stopping the use of methamphetamine. It is about learning to take control and responsibility for life, finding a Higher Power and opening up to others. The treatment process at Recovery Ways focuses on the whole person, not just the physical addiction. Recovery is supported by caring and highly-qualified staff members who will guide you through the healing process while you gain hope, serenity and self knowledge…. a new way of looking at each aspect of your life; the mind, body, and spirit. All treatment programs at Recovery Ways include individualized care and personalized treatment plans, multiple weekly group and individual therapy based on the 12 steps, and a family program. If you or someone you love has a problem with prescription medication, Recovery Ways specializes in treating a wide variety of addictions and co-occurring disorders. For more information on how to get you or your loved one help, call us toll- free: 888-986-7848.
Information about the Disease of Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine is one of the most highly addictive drugs in the world. Also known as meth, crystal, crank, and ice, it has destroyed the lives of thousands upon thousands of users not only in the United States but also across the world.
Methamphetamine was first created from its parent drug, amphetamine, in the mid 20th century. It is a powerful stimulant that is easy to create from common household chemicals and medicines. This ease in manufacturing is partially responsible for its widespread use. Meth is usually found as a crystalline powder or large, rock-like pieces. The powder often looks like tiny icicles or glass shards. It is usually white or yellow but can come in a range of colors depending on purity. Users most commonly snort the powder through the nose, but it can also be smoked, injected, or taken orally.
After taking methamphetamine, users experience extreme euphoria and heightened alertness. These feelings are accompanied by wakefulness, anxiety, decreased appetite, and nervousness. Some users experience irritability and aggression. In some cases, methamphetamine can produce convulsions, heart attack, or death.
Methamphetamine is extremely addictive. To make matters worse, users build a tolerance to the drug very quickly. This means each time they need more to experience the same effects. Not only does this take a toll on the body, but also it can create financial ruin. Some users go on long meth binges, using the drug frequently for days on end without food or sleep. Chronic users suffer from a variety of problems and conditions:
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Obsessive/compulsive behavior
- Delusions
- Memory loss
- Severe tooth decay
- Severe weight loss
- Psychosis, often violent
- Stroke
- Death
In the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) taken in 2005, it was estimated that 10.4 million people in the U.S. have taken methamphetamine at least once. 1.3 million people reported they had used methamphetamine in the past year, while 512,000 stated they had used the drug in the past month. Another survey done in 2005, monitoring the Future (MTF) reported that 4.5 percent of 12th graders have used methamphetamine, and 4.1 percent of 10th graders have done so. The most reassuring conclusion of the survey was that use has not increased over the last few years.
Treatment for methamphetamine abuse has risen drastically since the 1990s. In 1992, 21,000 patients were admitted to facilities for methamphetamine addiction. By 2004, that number had jumped to 150,000 patients nationwide.
Recovery Ways specializes in treating a wide variety of addictions and co-occurring disorders. For more information on how to get you or your loved one help, call us toll- free: 888-986-7848.
