Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment

Methamphetamine — also known as meth, chalk, crystal, ice and speed — is a highly addictive stimulant drug that causes an intense “high” and then fades, leaving people to ingest more. Common forms of meth include a white powder or pill that is bitter-tasting and crystal meth, which looks like shiny, blue and white glass fragments. Furthermore, meth can alter brain chemistry and cause addictive behavior.

According to a 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 1.2 million people reported using meth in the past year. In addition, the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 600,000 reported using meth in any given month.

However, a major challenge for those struggling with substance abuse is a lack of meaning in life, which ultimately leads to a variety of health issues and recovery concerns.

At the Phoenix Recovery Center we offer individualized treatment programs for addiction recovery. In addition, we know and understand the science of chemical dependency with its associated neurological changes and its impact upon the pleasure system, emotions, learning, memory, motivation, and most importantly, the ability to exercise choice. We know and understand the biological and psychological science that support treatments in trauma, emotional disorders, and other mental health concerns.

In short, we work towards a greater sense of meaning that has been positively associated with the capacity to overcome difficulties in life and an ability to increase mental and physical welfare.

Below is information relating to meth addiction and our treatment programs.

Meth addiction occurs when a person develops dependence on the drug and experiences major withdrawal when they stop taking the drug. When meth is ingested, it increases the amount of dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, leading the user to experience a “euphoria” for 6-12 hours. When the drug fades, the user then experiences negative feelings, such as anxiety and depression. Because of meth withdrawal, it leads the user to take more and at a higher dosage to get the same first time “high.” When tolerance is developed, it creates addictive behavior.

Meth addiction can disrupt daily life as well as ruin family and friend relationships and lead to serious money issues, health issues, and illegal activity when not treated.

Those suffering from meth addiction will show physical signs as well as lifestyle changes.

Physical signs of meth addiction include:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased body temperature
• Faster breathing
• Severe dental problems
• Extreme weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhea

In addition to these symptoms, people addicted to meth will exhibit lifestyle changes, including:

• Unpredictable behavior
• Mood swings
• Sleeping problems
• Violent behavior
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Memory loss
• Anxiety

The severity will depend on the person and how much tolerance and dependence they’ve developed with meth.

A meth addiction deals with alterations of brain chemistry and is not easily solved by willpower and stopping the meth intake. Treatment options include medication management, inpatient/residential care, counseling, and 12 Step Programs.

At The Phoenix Recovery Center, we offer addiction recovery services and specifically treat those suffering from meth addiction. Our services include a Residential Treatment, PHP Day program, Intensive Outpatient program and general outpatient program. Click on each service to learn more about what they entail and how they can help you on a path towards recovery.

In addition, the staff at The Phoenix Recovery Center is passionate about total behavioral health in overcoming addiction. They deeply care about each person who they work with. Often our alumni comment on the profound impact of our staff members in encouraging them on their path to living a fulfilling life. Those who come to The Phoenix Recovery Center can realize a rebirth of their own dreams as they achieve their own sobriety and much, much more. And that makes all the difference.

The Phoenix Difference constitutes a carefully tailored program and recovery experience defined by research. Every effort is directed at supporting outcomes that prepare patients and their families with both the knowledge and applied behaviors to manage mental health disorders and to reclaim a meaningful life.

Furthermore, The Phoenix Recovery Center is driven by the guiding mission statement: “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.” We accomplish the therapeutic and healing experience through a continuum of care that begins with Residential Treatment and traverses across a Day Program, Intensive Outpatient (IOP), to General Outpatient (GOP). Lastly, the continuum of care culminates in a weekly Alumni Support Meeting, which provides a recovery support community to sustain the recovery capital of The Phoenix Alumni.