Methamphetamine Addiction
Tarzana Treatment Centers offers specialized drug treatment programs to address the various aspects of methamphetamine addiction and recovery. If you already know that you or a loved one needs help, please call us for drug treatment at 888-777-8565 or contact us by email here. If you need more information, read below.
Methamphetamine Addiction
Addiction to methamphetamine can get started several ways, but 2 of them are very common. This drug, also known as “speed” or “crystal meth” brings euphoria and a sense of alertness to the user that is unmatched in any other drug. It is usually inhaled on the initial use, and as addiction takes hold can be smoked or injected intravenously. The latter is of course very dangerous and only occurs in the most extreme cases.
In many cases, methamphetamine use begins as a recreational drug that gives the user the ability to stay awake and alert longer while drinking. Since snorting the drug causes a burning sensation for several seconds prior to the euphoric pay-off, most first-timers are put off. Some are willing to endure the momentary displeasure for the euphoria, but not on a regular basis. A portion of that group will sign a virtual contract with the drug, considering the pain a minor inconvenience to what they consider a very positive experience. This group has become addicted and will probably soon switch from snorting to smoking and possibly even injecting the drug daily.
Lesser known, but almost as common a start to using crystal meth, is the practice of self-medicating. Undiagnosed ADHD and bipolar sufferers report feeling “normal” when they use methamphetamines. The practice usually begins during the early to mid-teen years. Tolerance, when the body needs more of a substance to produce the same results, leads to more frequent use. While binges are more likely than daily use in this type of methamphetamine addiction, large quantities tend to be used for several days at a time.
Methamphetamines damage the body in many ways, including brain deterioration, in the great majority of addicts. Psychological impacts may be permanent. Although the physical dependence to the drug requires no medication during drug detox, medical detoxification in residential drug treatment is recommended due to strong cravings and possible medical issues that result from methamphetamine use.
Tarzana Treatment Centers offers specialized drug treatment programs to address the various aspects of methamphetamine addiction and recovery. Please call us for drug treatment at 888-777-8565 or contact us by email here.
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