The United States saw the steepest spike in drug overdose deaths to date during the pandemic. Meth overdoses have increased at a rate even higher than some other highly addictive, dangerous drugs available on the street. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II synthetic stimulant that can be manufactured in kitchen labs out of commonly available ingredients. If you are concerned about your abuse of meth or that of someone you care about, reach out to a meth addiction treatment center. The benefits of meth addiction treatment are key to a better future.
Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge (PAATC) has a meth abuse program staffed with professional, caring counselors, medical professionals, and others who are well-versed in treating meth addiction. Reach out to PAATC today to learn how you can leave meth behind. Call 888.546.2579 or use our online form.
Why is Meth So Addictive?
Methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous and powerful drugs on the market, making it highly addictive. The drug works on the reward center in the brain, releasing large amounts of dopamine and causing a sense of euphoria that can be difficult to resist. This intense feeling of pleasure can quickly become compulsive if use continues, leading to cravings and an increased tolerance for the drug.
The long-term use of methamphetamine can lead to serious physical and mental health issues, such as psychosis, addiction, depression, and even death. The changes in brain chemistry caused by meth use can also make it difficult for someone to quit using on their own, increasing the risk of relapse. People who are addicted to methamphetamine often need professional help in order to recover successfully. With the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.
Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Meth is manufactured as a powder or a crystal and can be injected, snorted, or smoked. Continued and increased use can result in a range of highly unpleasant side effects, including:
- Psychotic episodes including hallucinations and paranoia
- Aggression or violent outbursts
- Extended periods of insomnia and hypervigilance
- Dissociation from reality
- The feeling of bugs crawling on or under the skin
- Potential self-harm
One of the top five most addictive substances in existence, meth holds on tight to those with a meth use disorder. However, a meth abuse program can help you overcome your substance use.
6 Benefits of Meth Addiction Treatment
When you enter a meth addiction center to stop all use of meth, you’ll learn about living a drug-free life and reclaim your wellness. The professionals treating meth addiction every day in rehab centers are heroes committed to helping people just like you.
How can you benefit from meth addiction treatment? There are six clear positives of drug addiction treatment listed below.
1. Education
Part of meth addiction treatment is learning about addiction and your own addiction journey. For instance, you understand how meth affects your brain chemistry and body, the underlying factors of your substance use, and how meth use disorder affects your relationships and the well-being of family and friends. Knowledge is power, and once you are through detox, that empowering knowledge will inform the rest of your recovery.
2. Improved Mental Health
Even without a co-occurring mental health disorder, methamphetamine addiction can compromise your mental wellness. The fierce grip meth has on those addicted to it comes with a loss of mental clarity, disordered and paranoid thoughts, and an inability to pursue anything but the use of meth. After medical detox, therapy, peer support, and other treatments, you will feel the return of your mental health.
3. Boundary Setting
If you are addicted to meth, the poor boundaries between you and people in your life are a direct result of family and friends enabling you. As a result, your addiction takes precedence over taking responsibility for your life and actions. This action is a survival tactic but does not truly serve you. The boundary distortions need to be corrected so you and your support network can communicate and function in healthy ways.
4. New Skills and Habits
In rehab for meth addiction, you’ll learn a range of skills, such as:
- Self-discipline
- Goal-setting
- Time-management
- Self-care
- How to set short- and long-term goals for mental and physical health
These skills will provide you with beneficial structure and focus, which can also reduce anxiety.
5. Peer Support and Accountability
One of the best benefits of meth addiction is that it offers a strong peer network in addiction recovery. All your interactions with peers who have lived-experience with meth addiction will help you. At meals, in group therapy, and in 12-step program meetings, you offer understanding and support to one another and hold each other accountable.
6. Aftercare
When you complete treatment, care does not stop there. Many programs offer an aftercare plan and some even provide alumni programming which offers ongoing peer support and community connection. Aftercare provides an essential safety net to help prevent relapse and continue your recovery journey. With the right treatment and support, you can break free from meth addiction and reclaim a drug-free life.
Learn More at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge
Learn more about the evidence-based therapies at PAATC by reaching out today. Our inpatient and outpatient rehab options can offer options that suit your needs and circumstances. The staff at PAATC has extensive experience and training. Call 888.546.2579 or use our online form to be connected to someone who can help.
