Methamphetamine misuse is a common form of substance abuse affecting both men and women. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that has a high potential for dependence. The consequences and risks associated with long-term use are detrimental to one’s health and can ultimately cause irreversible damage. So, when it comes to seeking treatment for methamphetamine addiction in Austin, professional help is paramount!
Methamphetamine Addiction: What is Methamphetamine?
It’s a potent and highly addictive drug that goes by many names; methamphetamine is categorized as a schedule II drug with a high potential for misuse and can lead to severe physical and psychological dependence. Now, chances are you’ve probably heard of some of the common terms or street slang it goes by—crystal meth, speed, chalk, and ice—to name a few. These colloquial terms tend to denote the form of methamphetamine available; for example, speed entails that the drug comes in a powder, while the term ice entails the drug being in a crystal or rock-like form.
The Addiction to Methamphetamine: Short-Term Effects of Meth on the Body
Methamphetamine is a powerful narcotic that will primarily affect the central nervous system. A person who misuses methamphetamine may experience immediate effects such as :
- Euphoria and/or a sudden head-rush.
- Decrease in appetite.
- Wakefulness and hyperactivity.
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate, which may be accompanied by an irregular heartbeat).
- Hyperthermia (Increase in body temperature)
It’s important to mention that the exact mechanism of action of methamphetamine is unclear; however, researchers speculate that that consumption leads to a sudden and often substantial release of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that essentially acts on the reward and pleasure center of the brain. High dopamine levels often act as a catalyst in addiction—you’re essentially teaching your brain to repeat the activity to gain pleasure.
Methamphetamine Addiction Rehabilitation: Long-Term Consequences of Addiction
Unfortunately, methamphetamine addiction is a severe condition with life-threatening consequences. Chronic meth users may develop a wide range of syndromes, including:
- Tooth decay and/or loss
- Kidney and/or liver damage.
- Malnutrition.
- Paranoia and aggressive behaviors.
- Hallucinations (auditory and visual).
- Memory loss & a decline in cognitive function.
- Chronic users also put themselves at risk of acquiring infectious diseases such as HIV (AIDs), depending on the method they are using the substance.
Quitting Meth Cold Turkey: Treating an Addiction to Methamphetamine
Quitting cold turkey is a term often used to describe a person who chooses to halt all meth consumption suddenly and immediately completely. Unfortunately, quitting meth cold turkey is not an easy task! And should not be done without medical and professional supervision. Methamphetamine withdrawal is indeed a genuine concern which can include a range of symptoms like:
- Anxiety and increased irritability
- Depression
- Psychosis and paranoia
- Fatigue
Emerge Recovery TX: Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment in Austin
Women suffering from an addiction to methamphetamine will require extensive treatment, which often includes a subset of behavioral therapy. Here at Emerge Recovery TX, we utilize innovative therapies to help you during the recovery phase and build your mental and physical well-being. We offer a variety of meth addiction treatment options, including
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: This type of focused psychotherapy involves helping a patient recognize mental triggers that may influence their necessity to consume a substance. To put it simply, it’s a type of therapy that teaches a patient how to identify triggers, control oneself, and maintain sobriety. This form of treatment is used to support long-term cocaine addiction recovery.
- ACT Therapy: Acceptance and commitment—this form of therapy is designed to help patients understand their addiction in order to grow from it. ACT therapy teaches patients mindfulness and self-acceptance.
Women struggling with an addiction to methamphetamine in Austin will also have the opportunity to participate in individual therapy, one-on-one counseling, process groups, and group therapy.