Methamphetamine Abuse

Methamphetamine, often shortened as “meth,” is an extremely addictive stimulant drug. This substance has grown in popularity throughout the United States and creates destructive patterns of binging and crashing in those who use it. If you suspect that you or someone you love has developed a dependence on methamphetamine, we encourage you to seek help today.

Methamphetamine Abuse

Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment

Methamphetamine, commonly nicknamed as “meth,” “crystal meth” or “crystal,” is a growing drug problem in the United States. Meth comes in many forms and can be smoked (sometimes called “ice”), snorted, ingested orally or injected. It is a Schedule II stimulant drug under the United States’ parameters for illicit drugs — this means it has high potential for abuse, but that some forms of methamphetamine have known medical uses. In fact, when meth was first developed by chemists in the early 1900s, it was intended only for medical and official applications: it was used as a stimulant for soldiers during World War II, and occasionally prescribed as a diet aid and antidepressant. But as its availability increased, so did its illegal and recreational use.

Today, meth is easily and frequently created illegally in homegrown labs both in the United States and other countries, such as Mexico. The common street form of the drug creates an intense rush that only lasts minutes, and is often used in what is known as a “binge and crash” pattern. Since the high does not last very long, users will often dose repeatedly before the high wears off to keep the effects for longer. Binging in this manner does not allow meth to process out of the bloodstream before re-dosing, so the concentrations of meth in a user’s system become very high. When a user ends a binging session or runs out of meth, they will experience a physical and emotional crash as a result of their brain and body struggling to process the drug while dealing with a shift from being high to being sober.

It’s easy for meth users to become stuck in a cycle of binging and crashing, and for them to start craving the feeling of being high as the return to sobriety becomes increasingly difficult to handle. Over a short amount of time, meth use and addiction can be very dangerous to an individual’s mental and physical health — it’s important to seek treatment so that successful recovery can and sobriety can replace patterns of addiction.

Signs of Meth Abuse

When meth abuse transitions to dependence and addiction, they will experience a shift from just enjoying being high to craving and needing it. Their drug habit will become compulsive; they will no longer be fully in control of their drug use, and instead will feel so strong of a pull to use meth that they will continue to use it even if they know there are serious consequences. Individuals who are struggling with addiction may act in ways that their sober selves would not, engaging in focused, drug-seeking behavior that prioritizes finding and using meth above all other activities.

There are some specific warning signs indicating meth abuse that you can watch for, including:

 
  • Paranoia

  • Sleeplessness

  • Severe depression

  • Extreme irritability and anxiety

  • Teeth grinding, bad teeth (known as “meth mouth”) and body odor

  • Skin ulceration and infections

  • Auditory and visual hallucinations

  • Unexplained financial difficulties

  • Drug paraphernalia like pipes, pill casings or needles

  • Violent, erratic or risky behavior

  • Dryness of mucous membranes

Like many drug habits, meth cravings and addiction can resurface even if you think you have stopped for good. If you have not been through rehabilitation and learned productive ways to deal with future cravings and compulsions, you are very susceptible to relapse and may find yourself back in the grip of meth use despite your best intentions. If you are determined to find a way to sustain your sobriety and your recovery, you should seek professional rehabilitation treatment for meth addiction right away.

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Seeking Help

If you or someone you care about is using meth and is struggling to stop using, you should not hesitate to reach out for help. There are many treatment centers, support groups and other resources available to you, no matter where you are located, that can help someone struggling with meth addiction find long-lasting and successful recovery. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey to recovery or whether you are dealing with relapse again, there is a way to heal and take control of your addiction. Asking for help is always the right thing to do — it is the best way to learn how to say no to meth and to stay sober for life, even in the face of future challenges.

Meth Rehab in New Mexico

Vista Taos is a rehabilitation center for adult men and women who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction in the Taos, New Mexico area. Our treatment programs for methamphetamine use, abuse, dependence and addiction are designed to provide treatment at multiple stages of recovery, from detox to rehab to aftercare. We aim to give our clients the support and structure they need to recover physically, mentally and spiritually — a holistic approach that provides long-lasting results by healing the whole person rather than treating symptoms of addiction. 

Our programs utilize proven methods of group support, 12-step programs and educational techniques for the most effective outcomes. We also coordinate engaging activities and outdoor excursions that encourage healthy habits, community values and independence, ensuring that our clients leave our center fully equipped to embrace life and accept its challenges with confidence. The expert team of providers at Vista Taos works closely with each individual to find long-term solutions that work with their lifestyles, interests and strengths. This individualized approach means that your treatment with us encompasses all aspects of your addiction, including any accompanying concerns such as family dynamics, grief or trauma. Vista Taos will help you heal as a unique human being, not just as another rehab client passing through our programs.

Contact Vista Taos

Vista Taos is a nationally accredited substance abuse treatment center focused on providing comprehensive recovery from addiction to drugs or alcohol. We want to help you get started toward recovery as soon as possible — if you are worried about methamphetamine use, abuse or addiction, please contact us today to find out how we can help you heal. Fill out our confidential form online or call us at 575-586-3104 to start the admissions process.