Derived from its parent drug, amphetamine, which was originally used in nasal decongestants, methamphetamine was developed in the early 1900s as a more potent form of amphetamine. Compared to its parent drug, methamphetamine has longer-lasting and more harsh effects on the central nervous system. Because of their strength, methamphetamines have become widely misused in the US. Now, methamphetamine addiction is a pervasive problem, with 1.6 million people diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder in 2022 alone.
Commonly known as meth, methamphetamines are a class of highly addictive synthetic drugs. This means that the substance is man-made, usually in a makeshift lab, and does not occur organically in nature. Methamphetamine can come in many forms but is most commonly produced in powder or crystal form. It can also be liquified for intravenous injection.
The use of methamphetamine can cause a range of mental and physical symptoms, such as:
As a stimulant drug, methamphetamine activates the brain’s central nervous in a way that is hard to achieve without substances. Soon after use, sometimes within seconds, the nervous system starts firing out neurotransmitters, which begin the release of serotonin and dopamine into your system. Serotonin and dopamine are known as “feel-good chemicals” because of the pleasurable sensations and moods that they produce. When such a big burst of feel-good chemicals is released, your brain will remember the substance that caused that reaction. Then, once the high has worn off, your brain will crave the substance again in order to obtain another surge of feel-good chemicals. This is how methamphetamine addiction happens.
However, with addiction also comes tolerance. Often, you will need higher and higher doses of the substance to get the same results. A big enough dose of a stimulant like methamphetamine can lead to overdose and death. Signs of a methamphetamine overdose include:
At Athens Area Commencement Center, we know how difficult it can be to overcome methamphetamine addiction. Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic, debilitating condition that has taken too many lives already. We also know that with professional help and support, recovery and sobriety are possible. Often, admitting that you have a problem and asking for help is the hardest step.
Our goal at AACC is to make recovery all about you. Your treatment will center on your needs and goals and will be adapted to who you are as a person. We craft individualized care plans for each of our clients, making sure that their treatment will work for them. Our team is flexible and compassionate to people from all walks of life. Whether you need intensive outpatient care or something that works with your professional schedule, we can tailor a plan that’s perfect for you.
AACC believes in clients taking an active role in their recovery journey. That means that whatever your treatment plan looks like, it will empower you to take back control of your life. In order for treatment to have long-term success, you need to be dedicated to abstinence and healing. Our team is here to give you the support and guidance you need to get on the right track, but it is ultimately up to you whether your recovery is successful.
During your time with us, you’ll see that the core of our treatment philosophy is a comprehensive care approach. That means that we aren’t just interested in getting you sober, though that is an important step. We also want to heal the hidden wounds that may have led you to methamphetamine addiction. There are often underlying issues and mental health conditions that have contributed to your SUD. Through psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), you can start the process of treating those underlying issues. Recovery at Athens Area Commencement Center means healing mind, body, and soul.
After completing your treatment for methamphetamine addiction with AACC, you’ll continue your healing journey with the support of our aftercare services. Recovery is an ongoing, sometimes life-long process that requires resilience and support in all areas of life. It’s important to remember, too, that recovery is almost never linear. There will likely be speedbumps and roadblocks. Relapse is common, but it is not the end of your journey. In our aftercare programs, you’ll learn about relapse prevention, dealing with triggers, and what to do if a relapse does occur.
Ongoing counseling is the cornerstone of aftercare at AACC. You’ll continue to meet with a therapist as often as you need to to keep yourself on the right path. The real world can be a difficult place for people facing SUD, and having a safe space to retreat to is vital to successful recovery.
Support groups are also a great resource that you’ll have access to through AACC’s aftercare program. After treatment, it’s easy to feel alone in a world full of people who don’t understand what you’re going through. Meeting with people who are also in recovery can help you feel seen and understood. It’s also a great opportunity to build healthy friendships that don’t center around substance use. These resources can be invaluable, especially in the early stages of recovery from methamphetamine addiction.
Getting started on your healing journey can be scary, but Athens Area Commencement Center is here to support you. Call us at (706) 546-7355.