What is Meth?
Methamphetamine, also known as meth or crystal meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Meth use produces feelings of euphoria and increased energy due to a rush of dopamine – a chemical that's responsible for inducing feelings of pleasure, increasing memory retention, and reward processing. Meth use, however, produces a level of dopamine that is much higher than the natural levels produced by the brain.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, meth has been classified as a Schedule II stimulant, which makes it legally available only through a medical prescription. Used in limited cases to treat ADHD, the prescribed dose of methamphetamine is far lower than the dosage usually used during substance abuse.
Signs of a Meth Addiction
Because of meth's highly addictive nature, it takes an incredible toll on the body and the brain which often leads to visible signs of a meth addiction. These signs can include:
- Hyperactivity
- Physical symptoms, such as dilated pupils, skin sores, rapid eye movements, rotting teeth, extreme and sudden weight loss, and the presence of burns on the skin
- Facial tics and twitching
- A change in personality including mood swings and agitation
- Erratic sleeping patterns or a noticeable lack of sleep
Long-term meth use can also lead to very serious health issues including liver and kidney damage, heart damage, and many psychological effects including depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia. If you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of a meth addiction, know that help is out there and detox from meth may be the best next step.
How to Detox from Meth
If you are looking to get meth out of your system, it's imperative to detox safely, as the effects of withdrawal and detox from meth can be extremely dangerous if not done under medical supervision. An unsupervised detox from meth can produce symptoms that are extremely uncomfortable and often require medical attention or will set you up for a quick relapse. Instead, facilities that specialize in drug detoxification, like our state-of-the-art facility in Orange County, allow you to rid the body of meth while helping you to safely navigate the withdrawal phase and help you to minimize the effects of detoxification on the body.
Laguna View Detox Can Help
Struggling with a meth addiction can be difficult on both the mind and the body. It's important to remember that even for those with a severe addiction, detox from meth is possible and you can recover to live a healthier, happier life. At Laguna View Detox, we know just how important the detox process is, which is why we provide a safe and luxurious environment to help you break the cycle of being in and out of treatment. If you are ready to take the next step to break your addiction to meth, contact us today and we'll help you begin your journey toward healing.
