Meth Rehab: Why You Can't Beat Meth Addiction on Your Own

During the past decade, meth abuse and addiction reached epidemic proportions. Unlike other recreational drugs such as cocaine or heroin, meth can be easily manufactured from household ingredients. Moreover, the recipes for meth are readily available on the Internet. As meth becomes more readily available, meth addictions are expected to rise, emphasizing the need for affordable meth rehab programs.

As a stimulant, methamphetamine produces a “rush” that includes feelings of increased energy, hyper-focus, enhanced well-being, and appetite suppression. Meth users can stay awake for days and eat very little. Some users experience heightened libido in addition to the other effects. Because meth is readily available at low cost, the prevalence of meth addiction is likely to increase.

Design for Change offers a solution for people with meth addiction. We provide a full continuum of care based on evidence-based therapies that promote healing. Additionally, for those with loved ones who struggle with meth abuse, we offer intervention services and treatment.

How Widespread Is Meth Addiction In the U.S.?

Statistics provided by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reveal that 1.6 people aged 12 or older had a methamphetamine use disorder in 2021. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 500 people each day use meth for the first time.

The NSDUH study also reveals that approximately 32,537 people died from meth overdoses involving meth in 2021.

Signs and Side Effects of Meth Addiction

Meth remains in the body longer than other psychostimulants like cocaine or heroin. Because it remains in the brain longer, meth causes prolonged effects. It works by releasing high levels of dopamine in the reward center of the brain. As a result, the brain learns to repeat the pleasurable effects of the drug.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the following signs indicate stimulant use disorder:

Strong cravings for meth
Inability to control meth use
Failure to meet obligations a home, school, or work
Continuing meth use despite consequences
Meth is needed in increasing amounts to produce the desired effects
Experiences withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping meth use

Short-term and long-term side effects of meth use and addiction include:

Short-Term Side Effects and Risks of Meth Use

Rapid, irregular heart rate
High blood pressure
Elevated rate of breathing
High body temperature
Convulsions
Overdose

Long-Term Side Effects and Risks of Meth Use

Addiction
Confusion, memory loss, impaired cognitive ability
Poor coordination
Mood swings, anxiety
Violent behavior
Paranoia
Hallucinations
Skin abscesses
Dental problems
Weight loss
Heart problems

Furthermore, people who inject meth are at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C. Also, research shows a potential association between meth use and Parkinson’s disease.

The best way to avoid the risks and side effects of meth use is to seek professional treatment. Design for Change Recovery provides comprehensive treatment plans created specifically for meth addiction.

Signs of Meth Overdose

Many people use meth in combination with other drugs like fentanyl. The combination can lead to toxicity and fatal overdose. Furthermore, a report issued by the National Institute of Health shows that meth-related overdoses tripled in a five-year period.

Meth toxicity or overdose signs may include:

Psychosis
Confusion
Increased heart rate
High blood pressure
Chest pain
Hypothermia
Respiratory failure
Circulatory system collapse
Death

When meth is used with other substances, the risk of overdose increases significantly. Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid that was used in conjunction with meth. However, overdoses caused by meth do not respond to naloxone. Experts recommend administering naloxone as a precaution in case opioids are present in the person’s system.

Recovering from Meth Addiction

Meth is considered one of the hardest addictions to beat, but it can be done. To help clients reach their recovery goals, our meth treatment programs provide therapeutic approaches that address all contributing factors of substance use. Most people who struggle with addiction also suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, low self-esteem, PTSD, and more. Relapse prevention depends on learning ways to cope with these issues for lasting recovery.

Our comprehensive meth rehab program at Design for Change utilizes evidence-based practices that target the root causes of addiction along with treating physical dependence.

Meth Rehab Options

At Design for Change, our meth rehab program is structured around the unique needs of each client. We realize that each person has their own reasons for drug use and that their treatment must align with those needs.

Our full continuum of care for meth addiction includes the following options:

Our meth treatment programs at Design for Change include short-term or long-term programs including outpatient, intensive outpatient, residential, intensive inpatient, and partial hospitalization programs. Our treatment options also include male or female programs, first responders wellness programs, and affordable rehab. When you contact us, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine which treatment approach is best for your situation.

What to Expect in Meth Detox

Meth detox at Design for Change provides a secure, medically-supervised environment where clients are monitored 24/7 to ensure their comfort and safety. Because meth is such a powerful substance, a person will experience a range of withdrawal symptoms during detox. The symptoms are rarely life-threatening but can be unpleasant and challenging.

It usually takes two to four days for withdrawal symptoms to appear after stopping meth use.

Some of the most common symptoms of meth withdrawal are:

Cravings for meth
Fatigue
Insomnia
Vivid dreams or nightmares
Irritability
Anxiety
Anhedonia
Depression
Hunger, weight gain

Although the FDA has not approved a medication to treat meth withdrawal, medications can be used that treat the associated depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Does Insurance Cover Meth Rehab?

Typically, insurance companies cover the cost of meth rehab. The amount of coverage they provide depends on the individual’s plan and the treatment program chosen. Some companies will cover all of the costs, while others may pay only a portion of the costs. Furthermore, some companies may require treatment at in-network treatment facilities.

Design for Change is proud to be accepted as an in-network treatment provider with many major insurance companies. Our program consistently meets high standards in client care and safety in order to qualify as an in-network treatment provider. This means our clients will receive the excellence in addiction treatment they need and deserve.

We accept the following insurance to help clients get affordable, high-quality addiction treatment:

Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross
Beacon Health Options | Carelon
Blue Cross
BlueCross and BlueShield
Cigna and Evernorth
ComPsych
GEHA
Highmark
Humana
Kaiser
Magellan
MHN | Health Net
MultiPlan
The Alliance
TRICARE
TriWest

To learn more about meth rehab at Design for Change Recovery in Lancaster, CA, speak with one of our treatment advisors today. You can reach us by phone, email, or online for a confidential assessment and to verify your insurance.

Meth addiction can negatively affect your life in so many ways. But, meth rehab at Design for Change will have positive effects that last a lifetime.

Sources:

nida.nih.gov/ – What is Methamphetamine?

nida.nih.gov/ – What is the Scope of Methamphetamine Use in the United States?

psychiatry.org – What is Substance Use Disorder?

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ – DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders

samhsa.gov/meth – Know the Risks of Meth