502-586-4554Known for its destructive nature and highly addictive properties, methamphetamine or meth affects the lives of thousands of Americans yearly. With a reputation for wreaking havoc upon both one’s mind and body, it is important to learn about this dangerous substance.
Meth addiction treatment in Louisville can lead to a full recovery. Last but not least, it can create sobriety that lasts a lifetime. Louisville Addiction Center is proud to provide effective treatment options for meth dependence. We can help a person reclaim their freedom and begin living a healthy, addiction-free life.
What Makes Meth So Addictive?
Meth is classified as a stimulant. This means meth acts upon a person’s central nervous system when ingested. Also known as an “upper,” meth artificially increases energy and heightens various senses. This often leads to people staying awake for days or even weeks at a time.
When ingested, meth acts on the dopamine receptors in the brain. In doing so, meth releases unnaturally high levels of dopamine into a person’s brain, resulting in feelings of euphoria, excitement, and feeling “high.” This euphoria is short-lived. However once the effects of the drug wear off, a person is left with an unnaturally low level of dopamine.
Dopamine is responsible for regulating the pleasure centers of the brain along with the brain’s natural reward system. Despite this, any uneven levels can result in severe depression, anxiety, and paranoia. This often leads to someone using more meth in order to get the same effects.
As someone continues to use, they may require more and more meth in order to feel the same effects. This, in turn, results in the development of addiction. Being such a powerful stimulant, meth has been known to hook people in as little as one use.
Is Meth Dangerous?
In short, meth is highly dangerous. Unlike many drugs, methamphetamine can be created using various methods, ingredients, and substances. While a drug like heroin is made up primarily exclusively of opium or morphine, meth can be made up of entirely different substances which produce a similar effect.
Much of the danger in using meth comes from the substances that one ingests when using. These may include gasoline, battery acid, pseudoephedrine, sulfur, forms of copper, phosphorus, fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and more. The process of creating meth itself can be highly dangerous.
Many of the substances used in its creation are flammable, toxic, and even explosive. This results in many people dying due to fire, explosion, suffocation, and exposure.
Aside from the inherent dangers of making and using meth, the long-term effects are nothing short of terrifying. Those on meth are often unable to sleep for days or even weeks at a time, leading to a host of mental and physical health problems.
As a person experiences this drug-induced insomnia they are more likely to experience delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis. These often lead to someone partaking in risky or dangerous behaviors without regard for the safety of themselves or those around them.
Meth also serves as an appetite suppressant, often leading to a dramatic loss of weight and malnutrition. Additionally, the ingredients in meth break down the body from the inside out. “Meth mouth” refers to the common loss of or rotting of teeth and gums in those addicted to the drug.
Open sores and infections are common, as they often experience the sensation of “insects” underneath their skin. Due to these factors, meth use in any capacity should be considered highly dangerous and destructive to both the mind and body.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Use
Knowing how to spot the signs and symptoms of meth addiction can leave a person better prepared to protect both themselves and their loved ones. Unlike many drugs that go undetected for long periods of time, meth use quickly takes its toll on the body. This is because of the highly destructive nature of the drug and its ingredients, and the fatigue brought upon by a lack of sleep and nutrition.
Signs and symptoms of use may include but are not limited to:
- Delusions
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Open wounds, scabs, or sores
- Erratic behaviors
- Risky behaviors
- Sudden affinity for large amounts of caffeine
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities
- Tooth decay
- Convulsions
- Irritability
- Scratching
While this list is not exhaustive, the aforementioned signs and symptoms of use are common among meth users. Knowing how to spot these signs can help one to get themselves or their loved ones the help they deserve. Meth addiction treatment in Louisville can lead to a healthy recovery and sobriety that lasts a lifetime.
How We Treat Meth Addiction At Louisville Addiction Center
At Louisville Addiction Center, we have the tools and resources necessary to help those suffering from meth addiction regain their independence and sobriety. Because we know no individual situation is the same, we have a variety of resources and programs at our client’s disposal.
Upon first entering our center, a person will be thoroughly evaluated by one of our medical professionals. This helps to ensure that no dual diagnosis goes unchecked and that each client gets the individual attention that they deserve.
After this initial evaluation, clients work with our team of professionals to come up with the perfect treatment plan for a successful and long-lasting recovery.
Some of the treatments available at Louisville Addiction Center include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Holistic therapy
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- 12-Step/life skills program
Find Relief From Meth Addiction in Kentucky Today
Meth addiction can send your life into a downward spiral. Fortunately, Louisville Addiction Center is here to help. Our compassionate and professional staff await you with open arms to help you every step of the way during your recovery.
At Louisville Addiction Center, we understand how difficult living with addiction can be. We also know that through effective treatment, lasting recovery and a lifetime of sobriety are achievable. There has never been a better time to get yourself or your loved one the help they deserve.
Contact us today, and take the first steps in your journey to lasting wellness.
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Addiction and co-occurring disorders don’t have to control your life. Louisville Addiction Center is waiting with open arms to give you the tools necessary for lasting change. Reach out to us today to learn more.
