Meth Addiction: Causes, Risks, and Treatment
Some of these drugs can be extremely dangerous, and thus, getting professional help leads them to treatment programs and support communities so that they are not alone as they recover. The process of drug addiction recovery involves the use of trained supervision, consistent aftercare, and a change in lifestyle. Expect that they participate in therapy and group and self-help distractors. There is no question that this is difficult, but appropriate strategies make success possible. Long-term meth use may decrease the number of dopamine receptors in brain cells, making it difficult for the individual to experience pleasure, even if normal dopamine levels return. Many people who quit using meth experience this condition, called anhedonia.
- The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
- However, in the long run, it can cause severe consequences.
- ” Remind them often that you are willing to be their recovery support.
- Talking to a friend, listening to music, or spending time on a hobby can also help.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
You can try to anticipate the intensity of your symptoms based on your consumption patterns, but there’s no guarantee around how things will unfold. Shame and stigma can also have a negative effect on the post-meth experience for some people, notes Vivian Veronica, a methamphetamine specialist. Veronica works with Project Neon, a harm reduction organization.
Tip 4: Take care of yourself
Meth withdrawal symptoms may manifest during or after detox, which is the process of the body metabolizing and removing it. Martinez, who has been in recovery for two years, now works with a Washington, D.C.-based group called HIPS helping others with meth addiction. She says when she started her recovery, it was hard in part because there were no medical treatments to help with cravings and withdrawal.
What are the long-term effects of meth use?
Tapering is the process of lowering the dosage slowly over time. The three main portions of withdrawal are the crash, cravings and recovery. Methamphetamine withdrawal is a slow, difficult, but enormously valuable process that may last several days or weeks. Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable even if a person has only used meth for a short time. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur based on how long and how much of the substance has been used.
We understand the challenges of meth addiction and are here to help.
Again, the signs below can have other causes, including mental health issues like stress, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or psychosis. The risk for relapse reduces during the adjustment stage of meth recovery. During this phase, people feel accomplished and optimistic. They begin to adapt to their new lifestyle, which may include new jobs or relationships.
Continue Learning About Here’s How to Help Someone On Meth
Remember to look for reliable sources and communities focused on providing accurate information and support for how to help an addict. Family and friends tend to try to protect their loved one from those consequences, but that often has the unintended effect of enabling the substance abuse to get worse. People in early recovery typically need emotional and material support. This support is helpful and healthy, but it’s important to let them know you will only be supporting their recovery efforts – nothing else. Focus on supporting your loved one’s healthy, future goals, such as continuing education or finding a job.
- There are some promising medical treatments for meth addiction currently in development.
- Whether they want inpatient or outpatient treatment, assure them you will be there every step of the way.
- Our goal is to get them into a dedicated meth addiction treatment and start on the path to recovery.
- Scientists have embarked on a radical experiment to use “zapping” to reset cells inside the brain to try and help people addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- They can guide you through the process, help you plan, and even lead the intervention itself.
- A combination of therapy and medications can help improve mood and reduce depressive thoughts.
If at all possible, try to catch them at a sober time (ideally, when motivation to get better is high) to speak with them about going into treatment. You can expect to encounter some difficult emotions that are common to those suffering from addiction, including denial, anger, and justifications of their use and the problems caused by it. Your friend, coworker, or family member should know that you care and want to support and help them recover from their meth use.
- Supporting your loved one through this challenging time can make a real difference.
- Authorities are investigating who sold drugs to Liam Payne after multiple substances were found in the musician’s system prior to his death at age 31.
- By understanding the causes and effects, recognizing the signs, and learning about effective treatment options, You will be able to address the question, “How do you help a Meth Addict?
- For example, meth mouth does not go away after treatment.
- Understanding what they’re going through is the first step to helping them.
Practicing relapse prevention and management techniques can help improve your chances of recovery in the long term. Although treatment outcomes are comparable to that of other chronic conditions, recovery is an ongoing process that can take time. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy.
- Your prescriber can determine the best option for your symptoms.
- Your doctor can help you find support resources in your area.
- This extra support can be really valuable during a difficult time.
- You experience mental and physical effects (withdrawal) if you stop taking the drug.
What Meth Recovery Is Like
But over time and with help and support, people learn new skills to overcome meth abuse meth abuse and discover new life interests. Addiction is a brain disease that can compromise abstinence. People in recovery from methamphetamine addiction must commit to staying sober for their entire lives. Recognizing the signs of Meth use is a first step in intervention. If the person you are concerned about is exhibiting a majority of the behaviors described below, they may need your help. Not every user will display all of these symptoms and other illicit drugs may also cause similar behaviors.
They might also develop sores on their skin, or have problems with their teeth, like tooth decay. These are just some of the physical signs of meth addiction. It’s important to remember that these changes can be upsetting, both for the person experiencing them and their loved ones. In the short term, meth can make someone feel hyper and restless, unable to sleep, and even paranoid.
