How do you Help a Meth Addict Reclaim Their Life?

In addition, some drugs, such meth abuse as inhalants, may damage or destroy nerve cells, either in the brain or the peripheral nervous system (the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord). Meth use and dependence can cause anxiety just as someone struggling with anxiety may take a drug like meth to self-medicate difficult symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Either way, meth use worsens anxiety in the long run and can make treatment for both the anxiety disorder and addiction more complicated. However, consistently using meth damages the brain cells that produce dopamine, which can make it harder for the person to achieve the same high over time.

Continuing Care After Meth Detox

Research has shown that methamphetamine withdrawal follows a predictable pattern. Your doctor can assess your overall health by performing a physical exam. They can also refer you to a treatment center and answer any questions you may have. If you — or your loved one — are ready to get treatment, you may find it helpful to bring a supportive friend or family member into the fold. Although an intervention may motivate your loved one to seek treatment for an addiction, it could also have the opposite effect. Confrontation-style interventions can sometimes lead to shame, anger, or social withdrawal.

• Your acceptance and patience can greatly impact their decisions to choose a more healthy way of life.
• However, consistently using meth damages the brain cells that produce dopamine, which can make it harder for the person to achieve the same high over time.
• Chocolate’s sweet flavor and pharmacological ingredients are known to create a strong craving or feel ‘addictive’ by the consumer.36 A person who has a strong liking for chocolate may refer to themselves as a chocoholic.
• We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
• During withdrawal, people can experience fatigue, disorientation and depression as well as shaking and heart palpitations.

Meth and Mental Health Disorders

The same 2011 study found that participants slept a lot in the first few days of not using meth and reported higher post-sleep refreshment. Yet the overall quality of sleep, measured by the length of time it takes you to fall asleep and the number of times you wake up, remained low even after 3 weeks had passed. Another small 2011 study involving 13 participants found that depression symptoms largely resolved after 1 week, while anxiety and other symptoms decreased within 2 weeks.

Inpatient Treatment for Meth Addiction

• So, once that euphoria wears off, they may take more in order to continue enjoying that feeling.
• Martinez says she’s hopeful more of her clients will now be able to get medical treatment for their meth addiction, rather than wind up caught in the criminal justice system.
• Levels of outpatient care can vary from partial hospitalization and day treatment to more intensive programs that require attendance for several hours a week.
• But in reality, it can be a safe place to get help with meth addiction.
• The Recovery Village helps clients develop a personalized plan to address individual symptoms, underlying issues and life circumstances for long-term recovery.
• They may have problems in school, at work or within the family.

All this information is confidential and helps them build a trusting relationship with you. The goal is to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your situation and sets you up for long-term recovery. If you’re not sure where to begin when looking for meth treatment, contact American Addiction Centers. Our compassionate admissions staff is available 24/7 at to help you find the right treatment program and answer questions about insurance coverage.

People often think of withdrawal symptoms in terms of the physical, and withdrawal can be a physical process. It occurs when you’ve become physically dependent on a substance. Practicing relapse prevention and management techniques can help improve your chances of recovery in the long term. The goal of treatment is to help you lead a healthy life without using meth. Treatment may also address other underlying conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.