Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a highly addictive substance that affects the central nervous system. It increases the amount of dopamine in your brain, rapidly releasing this natural chemical in reward areas in order to make you want to repeat the experience, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
That reinforcement of reward behaviors is how a person develops meth addiction, which can have potentially life-threatening outcomes. Fortunately, professional meth addiction treatment can help.
Tower Behavioral Health provides inpatient treatment for adults age 18 and older of all genders who are struggling with meth addiction that co-occurs with a mental health concern.
Signs & Symptoms of Meth Addiction
The so-called “high” of meth fades quickly, so users often take repeated doses in a pattern that’s known as “binge and crash.” Some bingeing of meth takes place in a form called a “run,” in which the user goes without food and sleep for several days while taking meth every few hours.
Those are obvious signs of meth addiction. The following are some additional, sometimes less transparent, signs and symptoms that may indicate that you need treatment for meth addiction:
- Hallucinations
- Irregular or faster heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Impaired judgment
- Extreme damage to teeth or gums
- Disrupted sleeping patterns
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Intense itching
- Higher body temperature
- Paranoia
Any of these concerns should be taken very seriously. If you’re experiencing some of the above symptoms of meth addiction, you may need help from a qualified healthcare professional.
At our facility in Reading, Pennsylvania, we can administer a complimentary assessment that will help us determine if you can benefit from treatment for meth addiction that co-occurs with a mental health disorder.
Meth Addiction Statistics
Meth is a drug that, unfortunately, has seen an increase in popularity in the United States over the past decade. That means that meth addiction is a very real concern among adults in America.
The following are some statistics that show the impact of meth in the U.S.:
- The 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) revealed that 5.4% of the American population, or 14.7 million people, has tried meth at least once.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the annual rate of meth overdose deaths increased by more than 150% from 2010 to 2014.
- The CDC also found that, from 2015-2018, an estimated 6 million American adults reported meth usage within the past year.
- The rate of past-year use was nearly twice as high for men (8.7%) as for women (4.7%).
- Of those meth users in the U.S., 52.9% had what would be classified as methamphetamine use disorder, but fewer than a third received meth addiction treatment.
The Effects of Meth Addiction
Without proper professional treatment, meth addiction can cause a considerable amount of damage in your life. Some of the short- and long-term effects you may experience if meth addiction goes untreated include:
- Skin sores
- Severe dental problems
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV infection or continued progression of HIV/AIDS
- Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Long-term cognitive complications
- Difficulty with verbal communication
- Inability to maintain relationships or form new ones
- Chronic unemployment and financial ruin
- Homelessness
It’s not too late to get meth addiction treatment that can save your life and keep you from experiencing these undesirable outcomes. By choosing to receive meth addiction treatment at Tower Behavioral Health, you can begin to undo any damage already incurred and prevent further harm.
Why Choose Us to Treat Co-Occurring Meth Addiction
It’s a truly bold step to come to the conclusion that you need professional treatment for meth addiction that co-occurs with a mental health disorder. When you come to that realization, you want to make sure that you find meth addiction treatment that best suits your needs.
Tower Behavioral Health will provide you with a personalized treatment plan that will address the symptoms of mental health concerns and co-occurring meth addiction. This plan will be unique to you and will reflect your needs, strengths, and goals. We’ll develop this concise course of action through an assessment prior to admission that will give our team of meth addiction treatment professionals a window into the current challenges you’re facing.
Inpatient meth addiction treatment at Tower Behavioral Health takes place in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that will help you heal from the pain of your past and chart the best path forward toward a future free of addiction. You’ll work with a team of compassionate professionals and come to understand that you’re not alone through therapeutic interactions with other patients who have struggled with mental health concerns and co-occurring meth addiction.
The patient comes first at our facility in Reading, Pennsylvania, and that continues after you leave our meth addiction treatment program. We will provide you with a detailed discharge plan that identifies continuing care resources and will allow you to build on the progress you made with us.
Therapies Used in Co-Occurring Meth Addiction Treatment
We use a variety of evidence-based therapies and techniques to help you thrive in meth addiction treatment. To best assist in the healing process, we use an array of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and motivational interviewing.
You’ll also participate in a variety of therapeutic programs that will allow you to address the troubles of your past and learn from your experiences to find a better path forward. These may include:
- Group therapy
- Medication management services
- Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
- Music, art, and dance/movement therapies
- Individual therapy
- Family meetings
Mental health concerns and co-occurring meth addiction don’t have to define you. It’s possible to manage your symptoms and return to the happy, healthy life you once knew. When you’re ready, Tower Behavioral Health is here to show you how.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Tower Behavioral Health.
