It is very challenging to reverse the effects of chronic crystal methamphetamine, or meth, use. Meth is one of the most habit-forming drugs available and can result in addiction after only a single-use. However, the earlier help is obtained with meth addiction treatment, then more likely some long-term impacts can be reversed.
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we offer a comprehensive series of supports to address your physical, psychological, and emotional dependency on meth, allowing you to reclaim your health and happiness. Call our team at 833.551.2304 to learn more about the first steps in breaking your cycle of substance use today.
What are the Symptoms of Meth Abuse?
Meth is an intense stimulant. When meth is smoked, injected, or orally ingested, it results in an unnaturally rapid burst of energy and euphoria and/or the ability to block out physical pain or undesirable emotions. Subsequently, the body becomes quickly depleted and experiences an intense crash.
Some long-term effects of meth use include:
- Ever-Increasing tolerance, requiring the user to take larger and more frequent doses to satisfy cravings, raising the risk of accidental overdose and death
- Digestive problems, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
- Malnutrition and unhealthy levels of muscular catabolism or weight loss
- Extreme dental decay, gum recession, and tooth loss resulting in “meth mouth”
- Anhedonia, or the inability for the brain to perceive pleasure due to the depletion of dopamine-producing cells
- Intense cravings for the drug, generally at the expense of all other pursuits, including work, school, and personal relationships
- Mood disturbances, including bursts of violent behavior
- Cognitive damage, such as reduced motor speed, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving ability, and escalating memory loss
- Skin sores and resultant scarring, often from users repeatedly scratching their skin
- Vision loss, through cornea ulcers and neurological damage
- Dangerously high blood pressure, resulting in high risk of cardiac arrest or stroke
- Psychosis demonstrated through hallucinations, delusions of power, obsessive activity, or paranoia
Is it Possible to Treat the Long-Term Effects of Meth Use?
It is challenging to recover from reliance on meth, so treatment often requires a multi-pronged approach involving detoxification and therapy. Interventions can pose challenges to friends and loved ones, as individuals using meth may demonstrate erratic behavior or become physically violent when confronted about their problem. Depending on the length of use, an intervention specialist may be required to convince them to enter rehab.
Meth users may find their physical dependency so strong that they must begin the process of recovery through a medically-supervised detox within an inpatient program. They will experience a series of increasing withdrawal symptoms during this time, such as sleep disturbances, insomnia, muscle convulsions, digestive distress, depression, and exceedingly intense cravings. Fortunately, these can be made easier through specific holistic supports and other therapies such as benzodiazepines, which may be safely administered while medical professionals closely monitor vital signs.
After detox is completed (generally over several weeks), clients begin the real work of recovery: unearthing and addressing the underlying reasons for substance use. This will often involve a mixture of different approaches, including individual behavioral therapy, group counseling, nutrition and fitness coaching, and other measures to ensure the client can sustain the healthier habits begun in treatment.
Meth Addiction Treatment at Gulf Breeze Recovery
The long-term effects of meth are devastating to all aspects of your health and personal life, and your situation may seem hopeless right now. However, help is always available, and the sooner you reach out, the more likely you can reverse the impacts of meth use. Call us today at 833.551.2304 to obtain the help you need and deserve to reclaim control over your life.
