Methamphetamine is a derivative of amphetamine, which is a potent central nervous system stimulator. Amphetamines are prescribed to treat medical conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy, and clinical obesity, and when used properly, are highly effective. Methamphetamine, also referred to as meth, crystal meth, crystal, and crank, is commonly illegally produced in meth labs and sold as a recreational drug.
In Washington, Spokane has been identified as a major distribution hub for drug cartels moving meth into the Pacific Northwest and Canada, which contributes to higher rates of meth addiction here. For Spokane meth rehab, you can turn to Spokane Falls Recovery Center. Contact us at 844.962.2775 to learn more.
How Does Meth Affect the Brain?
Compared to regular amphetamine, meth passes into the brain more quickly and in larger amounts, making it much more potent. Meth causes the rapid release of high amounts of dopamine in reward centers in the brain. Dopamine plays a key role in how we feel pleasure. The intense effect of meth on the brain’s production of dopamine is what makes it so addictive. Though intense, the high users get from meth is short-lived, causing people to take repeated doses to maintain the high. This “binge and crash” pattern is very unhealthy. The prolonged use of meth creates changes in the brain that can be irreversible.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Use and Addiction
Meth can be taken several different ways. Most commonly, it is smoked, but it can also be injected, swallowed, snorted, or inserted into the rectum. The production of meth requires the use of toxic chemicals that remain in the finished product. Smoking meth exposes the teeth and gums to these chemicals and erodes them, a condition known as “meth mouth,” which is the most obvious indicator of meth addiction.
Because it is so highly addictive, meth use often quickly escalates to dependency and then addiction. The physical and psychological effects of meth addiction are often more apparent than with other substances and can include:
- Extreme weight loss
- Intense itching that usually leads to scabs and sores
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Confusion and hallucinations
- Violent behaviors
- Inability to sleep, often for several days
- Hyperactivity, tics, or being “jumpy”
Meth addiction poses a high risk for overdose. This is especially true when used in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs, which it commonly is. Studies on the prolonged use of meth reveal that it is associated with impaired verbal learning and coordination and significant changes to areas of the brain that regulate emotion and memory. For individuals who complete meth addiction treatment, these changes in the brain often begin to reverse after a year or so of sobriety. Unfortunately, for some, the changes are permanent.
Meth Addiction Treatment in Spokane
In Spokane, meth use is a significant issue for the individuals caught in its grip and their friends and families. Luckily, Spokane Falls Recovery Center offers effective meth addiction treatment. Available programs include:
- Assessment and intervention
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient program (OP)
- Court-ordered treatment and legal support
Additionally, we are excited to announce that this fall we will be opening a meth detox program to complement our already extensive meh addiction treatment offerings.
At Spokane Falls Recovery, we provide evidence-based treatments for meth addiction. We also can provide co-occurring capable treatment for mental health disorders that are often contributors to substance use disorders. Addiction is a disease that damages a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and that is why we make a point of providing individualized care designed to promote holistic healing.
Find Recovery from Meth Addiction at Spokane Falls Recovery Center
The goal of meth addiction treatment at Spokane Falls Recovery Center is to provide individuals with the tools they need to live a healthy, productive, and fulfilling life of recovery. Many who suffer from meth addiction feel trapped because they cannot break the cycle of dependence on their own. The team at Spokane Falls Recovery Center is here to help. Reach out to us online or call 844.962.2775 to find recovery from meth addiction today.
