Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is an incredibly powerful and highly addictive synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Unlike other drugs that slow down the body’s nervous system and responses, this drug speeds it up and in turn produces a sense of euphoria. It can make you feel like you’re on high alert, reduce your appetite, increase your activity and give a strong sense of well-being.
Meth can be found in the form of pills, powders or rock-like crystals called “ice.” Because it comes in many forms, its appearance will vary. Meth can be injected, smoked, snorted or ingested orally to produce a quick-acting rush. The effects of a meth high can last for 4-16 hours, depending on the method and amount of the substance used.
Methamphetamine, or meth, produces a range of effects that start with increased energy and confidence. Following this, a longer phase occurs, which is characterized by increased talkativeness and fixation on singular tasks. Many people who are addicted to meth continue taking it to maintain the sensation of euphoria. As the drug wears off, a phase called tweaking begins, where intense cravings, depression, potential hostility and hallucinations can occur. Ultimately, a crash will come and it promotes a deep sleep followed by a “hangover,” which includes exhaustion and hunger until the drug is used again.
Meth produces an elevated amount of dopamine in the brain which teaches you to continue taking it. The elevated levels of dopamine can also damage brain nerves over time.
Long Term Effects and Risks of Meth Addiction
While meth use can produce an intense high, it is highly addictive and the effects of long-term use or overuse can create serious consequences. Using meth can cause long-term damage to your health even after you’ve stopped taking it. Long term effects include:
- Changes in the function and structure of the brain—massive amounts of dopamine are released, creating the need to use more
- Critical damage to the brain tissue
- High blood pressure or heart irregularities, increasing risk for heart attack and stroke
- Dental issues
- Intense itching, which can lead to sores
- Anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders/cognitive functioning
- Increased risk of HIV or hepatitis infections due to potential needle sharing
- Extreme weight loss
Meth can also cause an overdose, which can cause severe symptoms or death. An overdose is also likely when meth is mixed with other drugs. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is a hazardous yet common drug that is unknowingly added to many drugs and is known for producing deadly overdoses.
How Do I Know If I Need Rehab for Meth?
Addiction to meth does require the need for rehab to detox and recover properly. Recognizing the need for rehab requires self-awareness. Several signs and symptoms can indicate that you or a loved one may have a problematic relationship with meth, including:
- Inability to quit using meth, even though you may want to
- Impact on your daily life and functioning
- Development of a tolerance and experience of withdrawal symptoms
- Experiencing physical health symptoms
- Continued use despite consequences
- Social isolation
If you identify with these signs or notice them in a loved one who struggles with meth use, seeking professional help is crucial.
Rehab for Meth Addiction
Various forms of effective treatment are available for those with meth addiction. Since treatment involves abstaining from the drug, you may experience withdrawal symptoms during the detox process. It generally takes about a week for these symptoms to resolve. Following detox, other forms of treatment can address the behavioral addiction and underlying mental health conditions. These levels of care include:
- Inpatient: You’ll live in a treatment center or hospital-like setting and have 24/7 monitoring for your safety
- Residential: You’ll live in a rehab for 28+ days and engage in treatment with a comprehensive staff and a community of peers.
- Partial hospitalization (PHP): You’ll meet 5-7 times a week for a full day.
- Intensive outpatient (IOP): You’ll meet 3-5x per week for several hours at a time for more intensive care.
- Outpatient (OP): You’ll live at home and meet 1-2x per week with your provider and others in treatment.
Your physician or mental health therapist can help you determine which level of care you need by using an assessment. The assessment will likely cover whether you have been to treatment before, how often you use and how much, if you have mental health concerns and if you have any medical issues. In addition to an assessment, your provider can also make treatment recommendations.
Can I Use The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for Meth Treatment in The U.S.?
If you’ve been clinically diagnosed with meth addiction, then you can receive Family and Medical Leave Act support. The FMLA ensures that you do not lose your job when taking necessary time (up to 12 weeks) off to heal from a serious health condition. This act also guarantees that you retain the same terms of employment that you originally had for your job.
What’s provided in your FMLA may vary and have eligibility requirements. Talk with your Human Resources (HR) department at work or look online for more information on FMLAs.
Benefits of Rehab for Meth Addiction
If you need meth addiction treatment, getting away from your daily life and habits can help with recovery. Some benefits of rehab for meth addiction include:
- Detox support - Medically supervised detox helps make the process safe.
- Improved mental health - Meth addiction often co-occurs with psychosis, mood disturbances or other mental health issues. With appropriate dual diagnosis treatment, you can improve your mental health.
- Education - Rehabs will often offer psychoeducational groups about the disease of addiction and your journey to recovery.
- Peer support - Rehab provides the opportunity to build robust and sound relationships with others who have similar experiences, understand the struggle and do not judge you.
How To Support Someone With Meth Addiction
Addressing a loved one’s meth use disorder can be challenging. For the best results, balance understanding their situation and encouraging them to seek professional help. Some effective ways to support your loved one in the process include:
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Learn about the signs of meth addiction - Because meth is a stimulant, your loved one may show signs of addiction by having high energy and needing less sleep.
They may also seem confused or paranoid when they are high around you.
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Start a conversation - Be as clear and direct as possible while expressing empathy for your loved one. Avoid being pessimistic, blaming them or allowing your
emotions to get in the way of listening.
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Attend Nar-Anon - a support group can help you prioritize self-care and introduce you to others who love someone with a substance use disorder.
It’s important to remember that amidst the struggles of you or your loved one, there is hope. With the right support and resources, recovery from meth addiction is possible.