Meth Addiction Symptoms

Methamphetamine, more commonly known as meth, is a synthetic street drug that affects the central nervous system. It works by increasing dopamine release and blocking the dopamine re-uptake in the brain. Meth is the most chemically similar to amphetamines used to treat disorders such as ADHD. It can also be a highly addictive substance.

Meth can be consumed by smoking, swallowing, or snorting. Users injecting meth dissolve it into liquid and draw it into a syringe. Depending on the method of consumption, meth can result in varying effects. Smoking or injecting meth allows the drug to move quickly into the bloodstream and brain, causing an immediate and intense rush of euphoria. Snorting or ingesting the drug orally also produces the same feelings, but at a slower rate over a longer period of time.

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Pile of large crystal meth shards near two small pills with a syringe in the background

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 14 million people have tried meth, making it one of the most commonly misused mind-altering substances. After the initial 30-minute rush, the high makes meth users feel confident, productive and sometimes arrogant or argumentative. During these feelings, appetite drops and energy soars, making meth a highly and quickly addictive substance.

Meth Addiction Symptoms

  • Paranoia 
  • Irritability 
  • Insomnia 
  • Intense itchiness 
  • Extreme restlessness 
  • Confusion 
  • Mood disturbances 
  • Aggression 
  • Increased sex drive 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Repetitive motor activity 

Behavioral Side Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse

Meth abuse can cause side effects such as psychosis (auditory, visual and tactile hallucinations), paranoia and severe irritability. Because meth is a stimulant drug, it can lead to insomnia. This causes the abuser to stay awake for days or even weeks at a time. While on a meth binge, insomnia allows meth abusers to experience an overstimulated euphoric long-lasting high.

While chasing this high, users often lack an appetite and do not eat for long periods of time. Living with no sleep or food for an extended period of time can result in detachment from reality. This is commonly referred to as “tweaking”.

During this meth-induced break with reality, abusers may experience paranoid ideations. They can have vivid hallucinations or become convinced that they are not safe. Someone who is tweaking is also more prone to engage in risky behavior including criminal activities. The combination of these can lead to psychological damage and legal repercussions.

Person sitting in an abandoned dark room, wearing a hoodie with hands up blocking the view of their face

Physical effects of Methamphetamine Addiction

Young Man wearing hoodie in a dark room pulling at his own face in agony

The most recognized meth addiction symptoms are constant scratching and/or picking of the skin. Other symptoms can include dental decay (also known as meth mouth), drastic weight loss, and visible sores on the skin.

It is also common for meth users to develop track marks and abscesses on injection sites on account of using IVs. Because many users inject meth, there is a higher possibility of contracting blood-borne diseases. Such diseases include HIV and Hepatitis C from needle sharing or using dirty needles.  

Meth abusers also frequently experience heightened sex drives because of the confident and outgoing feelings they develop while on the drug. Under the influence, individuals are prone to engaging in high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex. This makes them vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

When withdrawing from meth, it is normal to feel totally depleted of energy. The nervous system exists the fight or flight mode and exhaustion sets in. Other physical withdrawal symptoms of meth abuse include memory loss, aggression, damage to the heart system and malnutrition. This is a result of multiple days of “tweaking.”

Out of focus man in need of meth addiction treatment, holding up a bag of white powdery meth

Meth Addiction Treatment Program California

At Hotel California by the Sea, our meth addiction treatment program in California offers individualized treatment plans. Our meth addiction treatment centers believe in treating every aspect of the client’s addiction, including physical and emotional factors. Intensive therapies such as CBT and marriage and family therapy help clients develop a deeper understanding of their addiction. They focus on learning effective coping techniques and building a solid foundation for their recovery and sobriety.

Meth Addiction Treatment Centers in Washington

Our meth addiction treatment centers in Washington offer all levels of care when it comes to substance use disorder treatments. Men, women and young adults are given a full assessment and a comprehensive treatment plan targeting their needs for recovery. Medical detox, 24/7 residential services and outpatient programs allow clients to continue with therapeutic and vital social services. Our clinical team of medical physicians, psychiatrists, therapists and case managers are dedicated to guiding clients throughout the entire rehab process.

Meth Addiction Treatment Program Ohio

At our meth addiction treatment program in Ohio, clients can expect to receive a wide range of treatment options. Hotel California by the Sea offers unique substance use disorder therapies. These intensive treatments include CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy

Participating in individual and family therapy allows clients to get to the root causes of their addiction. Clients learn the most effective techniques on how to cope with cravings of drug use as well as coping with distressing and triggering situations. Hotel California by the Sea’s meth addiction treatment program in Ohio gives clients the best opportunity to get sober.   

Two pairs of feminine hands holding each other supportively

Find a Meth Addiction Treatment Near Me

If you are searching for a “meth addiction treatment near me”, contact us today. Learn more about Hotel California by the Sea’s meth addiction treatment centers. We offer intensive therapies and rigorous treatment programs such as detox, residential and outpatient services. There is no one size fits all treatment when it comes to substance use disorder treatments.

All of our clients receive an individualized treatment plan according to their needs and the recommendations of their clinical team. Custom care is crucial when targeting addiction in men, women and young adults.  

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