Are you concerned that a loved one may have become addicted to methamphetamine? “Meth” has been called “the most dangerous drug on Earth,” and for good reason. It’s easy to find this street drug can be made from a few basic household products. Once someone becomes addicted, they will not be able to stop using on their own and will need professional help at a long term addiction treatment program for the best chance to become clean and sober.

Meth comes in two forms; crystal and powder. “Crystal meth” is a crystallized chunk or rock that can be smoked or heated and injected. Powdered meth, also known as “speed” is less potent than the crystal variety. It is a white, bitter-tasting powder that can be smoked, eaten, snorted, dissolved in a liquid or injected.

How Does Meth Addiction Happen?

Both forms of the drug produce a rush of euphoria. The person feels energized and confident. These effects will generally last from six-eight hours, although some people will experience them for 12 hours or more.

When your loved one uses meth, it causes their brain to release a massive amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This is why the pleasurable experience of the drug lasts for several hours. With repeated use, meth actually depletes the dopamine in the brain. One reason a person becomes addicted to the drug is because they no longer possess the naturally occurring neurotransmitter and cannot experience pleasure on their own.

Signs And Symptoms Of Meth Abuse

The exact signs and symptoms of meth abuse will vary from person to person. If your loved one displays signs from the below, he or she may have a substance abuse issue that requires professional treatment.

• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Disorganized thoughts
• Hair loss
• Euphoria
• Insomnia
• Intently focused attention (tweaking)
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of skin elasticity
• “Meth bugs” (sensation of bugs crawling beneath the skin)
• “Meth mouth”/tooth loss
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Open sores
• Repetitive behaviors
• Social isolation
• Unexplained financial problems
• Vomiting

Long Term Addiction Treatment Program In FL

At New Beginnings Recovery Center, we know that our clients have the best chance for achieving sobriety if they are enrolled in a long term treatment program. Long term care helps us address any mental health issues as well as the addiction while teaching real-life relapse prevention skills. We offer both a 60 and 90-day program to help our clients. During this stage of treatment, clients are housed in one of our beautiful North Palm Beach homes to focus on their transition to real life while still attending group and individual therapy and counseling sessions, as well as following a 12 step program.

Learn more about both our inpatient treatment housing  and our sober living houses which include full access to our effective recovery services.

Call Us Now To Learn More About Our Programs And How We Can Help Your Loved One Today!