One of the reasons methamphetamine is so dangerous is that it can be made out of readily available ingredients in homemade labs set up in kitchens or converted vans. This schedule II synthetic stimulant, also known as meth, crank, crystal, or speed, has been around since the late 1800s. It was used medically to treat asthma, narcolepsy, and obesity, and then by the military during WWII to keep soldiers awake for long periods of time. By the early 1970s, it had been outlawed, but by then it was widely available on the street, and meth addiction and overdose rates steadily rose.
Meth addiction is dangerous. If you or someone you know is struggling, a substance abuse treatment program is the safest way to reclaim sobriety. Apex Recovery Nashville’s meth addiction treatment center offers a wide range of evidence-based treatments for meth addiction. We can help you figure out the best path to take and answer your questions about our meth rehab program. Call 615.703.4639 to speak to one of our caring staff members today.
Signs of Meth Abuse and Addiction
Symptoms of meth abuse are often relatively easy to recognize. About a third of those who use meth show specific signs, and the heavier the use and long-term the addiction, the more people exhibit them.
If the following signs are familiar to you because you’ve seen them in yourself or a loved one, seek meth addiction treatment:
- Decaying or broken teeth – Most common among smokers, this is referred to as “meth mouth”
- Scabs, sores, and abscesses – These are the result if compulsive scratching and picking of the skin
- Suppressed appetite – The visible sign is usually extreme weight loss
- Rapid, premature aging – Caused by an accelerated production of ceramides that trigger cell aging
- Psychological warning signs – These can include violent outbursts, dramatic mood swings, paranoia, and hallucinations
Meth abuse typically takes place in binge cycles. When binging ends, a common and highly recognizable sign of meth addiction is called tweaking.
When the binge is over, it is usually because the body and brain are so depleted that the person can no longer get high. Euphoria is gone, and overwhelming cravings quickly take over. Symptoms can include an inability to sleep, a detachment from reality, and a feeling similar to bugs crawling under the skin.
What to Expect in Meth Addiction Treatment
Meth addiction is a devastating disease. In a meth rehab program, you can benefit from evidence-based therapies and unconditional support for you during your recovery process. No one will tell you recovering from chronic meth abuse and addiction is easy, but it is manageable in a safe setting under the care of professionals. You will benefit from:
- A return to mental health – You will gradually regain the mental clarity that was a casualty of your meth abuse. If you have a co-occurring mental health diagnosis, that will be addressed in a coordinated approach to maximize your healing.
- Life skills – In meth addiction treatment, you will learn skills and habits that will help you return to life post-rehab. Self-discipline, self-care, goal-setting, and time management will help you focus on your return to sobriety.
- Peer support – In rehab, you will have access to peers going through the same thing, both in group therapy sessions, peer support groups, and in the time between, for example, at meals. Peer support has been proven many times to be a critical component in recovery.
Learn more about meth addiction treatment in Nashville and begin your journey to health today.
Contact Apex Recovery Nashville for Meth Addiction Treatment Center
Apex Recovery Nashville is devoted to the compassionate and professional treatment of those suffering from addiction. Our evidence-based therapies, along with holistic approaches, can help you heal. Learn more by calling us at 615.703.4639 or reaching out online.