Meth Addiction Treatment in Maryland

At The Freedom Center, inpatient rehab in Buckeystown, Maryland, and outpatient rehab in Gaithersburg, Maryland provide high-quality levels of care for people suffering from methamphetamine abuse.

What is Meth?

Meth is a highly addictive stimulant. It comes in two forms: crystal meth and powdered meth. Crystal meth, also called ice, is more potent and addictive than powdered meth, sometimes called speed. Both forms can be consumed by injecting, snorting, smoking, ingesting, or dissolving in a drink.

No matter how it’s used, meth creates a false sense of happiness and energy that lasts for several hours. Meth is considered one of the most dangerous drugs due to its high potential for addiction, easy availability, and simple manufacturing process.

Signs of Meth Addiction

Meth addiction can have severe physical, psychological, and behavioral effects on a person. Signs of meth addiction can be categorized into short-term and long-term effects.

Short-term signs of meth addiction include:

• Increased wakefulness and physical activity
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Rapid breathing and chest pain
• Anxiety, irritability, and agitation
• Paranoia and hallucinations
• Impaired judgment and decision-making

Long-term signs of meth addiction include:

• Addiction and dependence on the drug
• Severe dental problems and gum disease
• Skin sores and infections due to picking at the skin
• Malnutrition and weight loss
• Memory loss and cognitive problems
• Psychosis, which includes paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders

Behavioral signs of meth addiction may also include neglecting home, work, or school responsibilities, social withdrawal, and financial problems.

What Does Meth Do to the Brain and Body?

When a person uses meth, it triggers the release of high levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and increased energy.

However, long-term use of meth can have severe physical and psychological effects on the brain and body. Here are some of the ways meth affects the brain:

• It damages the dopamine and norepinephrine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to a reduction in their production
• Cause changes in the structure and function of the brain, such as the shrinking of the brain’s gray matter
• Lead to addiction and dependence on the drug, making it challenging to quit

Some of the ways meth affects the body include:

• Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, which can lead to cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks and strokes
• Cause respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath and lung damage
• Cause dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, often called “meth mouth.”
• Lead to malnutrition and weight loss due to decreased appetite and poor dietary habits
• It can cause skin problems, such as acne, sores, and infections, due to picking at the skin
• Weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to infections and diseases

It is essential to seek help from addiction professionals if you or someone you know is struggling with meth addiction.

Why is Meth Addictive?

Meth is very addictive because it triggers a surge of two neurotransmitters – dopamine and norepinephrine. They are crucial for pleasure and reward in the brain. Meth increases the levels of these neurotransmitters, leading to feelings of euphoria, energy, and confidence.

When someone uses meth, their brain associates these good feelings with the drug and reinforces the behavior, making it more likely they’ll use it again. Over time, the brain adapts to the drug’s presence, leading to tolerance, where the person needs more of it to feel the same effects.

With continued use, the brain becomes dependent on the drug, leading to addiction.

Meth Addiction Treatment Options

Meth addiction is a severe disorder that requires comprehensive treatment to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Treatment options for meth addiction may vary depending on the individual’s specific needs.

Why Do I Need A Detox Or Meth Treatment?

If you are struggling with meth addiction, seeking help through meth detox and meth addiction treatment is crucial. Quitting meth can be challenging due to the severe withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings that can occur.

Meth detox involves safely removing meth from your body while managing withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. Detoxing alone can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Detoxing in a medical setting can help you safely manage these symptoms and begin your recovery journey with a clear mind and body.

Meth addiction treatment involves evidence-based therapies and support to help you overcome addiction and maintain long-term recovery. Behavioral therapies, such as CBT and CM, can help you address addiction’s underlying psychological and behavioral aspects and develop essential skills for managing cravings and preventing relapse.

Support groups, such as 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and other peer support groups, can provide a sense of community and support during recovery.

Meth addiction can have severe and long-lasting consequences on your physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Seeking help through meth detox and meth addiction treatment can help you take the first step toward a healthier and happier life.

Meth Detox

Meth detox is a process that involves removing meth from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms to ensure the individual’s safety and comfort. The ultimate goal is to prepare them for ongoing addiction treatment.

Withdrawal symptoms during meth detox can vary in severity and duration depending on factors such as:

• frequency and duration of meth use
• the amount used
• the individual’s overall health

Doctors may prescribe medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication to manage withdrawal symptoms while monitoring vital signs to ensure the individual’s safety and comfort.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Here are some of the common meth withdrawal symptoms:

• Intense cravings for the drug
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Depression and anxiety
• Irritability and mood swings
• Agitation and restlessness
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Nightmares and vivid dreams
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Muscle aches and pains
• Tremors or shaking
• Sweating and chills
• Headaches and dizziness
• Poor concentration and memory

How Long Do Meth Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Meth withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration depending on the severity and duration of meth use. Generally, the withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as a few hours after the last dose and can last for several weeks, with the most severe symptoms peaking in the first few days.

Here are some of the common meth withdrawal symptoms and their expected durations:

• Fatigue and depression can sometimes last for several weeks or even months.
• Intense cravings for the drug can last for several weeks to months.
• Anxiety, paranoia, and irritability can last for several weeks.
• Insomnia or hypersomnia can last for several days to a few weeks.
• Increased appetite and weight gain can last for several weeks to months.
• Physical symptoms, such as tremors, sweating, and headaches, can last several days to a few weeks.

Can I Detox From Meth Alone?

Detoxing from meth can be potentially dangerous. It is generally not recommended to detox alone or without medical supervision. Meth withdrawal symptoms can be intense, leading to relapse or other complications, such as suicidal ideation.

Dangers of Self-Detoxing

Self-detoxing from meth can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Meth withdrawal symptoms can be intense and overwhelming, leading to relapse, severe depression, suicidal ideation, and other complications if not managed effectively.

The following are some of the dangers of self-detoxing from meth.

• Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and last several weeks or even months.
• Withdrawal can cause complications like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and heart problems.
• The risk of relapse is high
• Withdrawal can cause severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation
• Detoxing alone can exacerbate mental health issues

What to Expect During Meth Addiction Treatment

Meth addiction requires a comprehensive treatment approach to address the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of addiction. It typically involves a combination of medical care, behavioral therapies, and support to help individuals achieve long-term recovery.