Meth is a powerful stimulant drug that is considered one of the most addictive drugs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), estimates that more than 2.6 million people used meth in 2020 and about 1.5 million people had a methamphetamine use disorder.
Quitting meth without professional treatment is impossible for most people. Between the agonizing withdrawal symptoms and incessant drug cravings, most people end up relapsing shortly after they commit to the idea of sobriety. However, with the help of a licensed and accredited meth rehab center in California, anyone can overcome meth addiction and lead a healthy, sober life.
Signs of Meth Abuse and Addiction
People often smoke, inject, or snort meth. The drug produces a rush of euphoria as well as energizing effects. Common side effects of meth include:
- Increased energy and focus
- Hyperactivity
- Talkativeness
- Dilated pupils
- Increased wakefulness and inability to fall asleep
- High blood pressure
- Elevated body temperature
- Anxiety or agitation
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Aggression
- Tremors
People who abuse meth regularly or binge on it may be more likely to experience paranoia and anxiety. Meth abuse is also notorious for causing the sensation of bugs crawling on or under the skin, causing people to pick at their skin.
When the effects of meth wear off, users typically experience a “crash” that is characterized by symptoms of irritability, hunger, fatigue, and depression.
Meth is so addictive that addiction can develop after just a few uses. Signs that you or a loved one are addicted to meth and require drug rehab include:
- Isolating from friends and family
- Lying to loved ones about drug use
- Wanting to quit but feeling as though it is impossible to do so
- Trying to quit but being unable to follow through with recovery
- Spending excess time thinking about meth, using it, and recovering from the effects of it
- Engaging in risk-taking, dangerous, or illegal behaviors
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed
- Shifts in mood or sleep patterns
- Needing to increase your dose over time to feel the same effects as you once did from a lower dose (tolerance)
- Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when the effects of meth wear off
If you or a loved one are struggling with meth addiction, please speak to one of our qualified admissions counselors today to start your recovery journey.
Detox is the First Step
When you stop taking meth, you will experience symptoms of withdrawal that make it challenging to remain sober. Symptoms like severe depression, anxiety, cravings, irritability, paranoia, and suicidal ideation can be hazardous, leading you to relapse or experience a mental health crisis. As a result, it is always best to detox under close medical supervision at a licensed detox facility.
Meth detox centers in California offer 24-hour medical care, holistic support, and prescription medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. While the FDA has not yet approved any medications specifically for the treatment of opioid withdrawal, you may be prescribed symptom-specific medications based on your situation.
Some of the most commonly used medications during meth detox include:
- Benzodiazepines for anxiety, irritation, and sleeplessness
- Sedatives or antipsychotics for agitation, paranoia, or psychosis
- Clonidine (an antihypertensive) for high blood pressure and anxiety
Physical symptoms, such as aches and pains, are typically managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Levels of Care in a California Meth Rehab Program
After detox, treatment continues with the goal of helping you overcome the root causes of your addiction and develop healthy coping skills for recovery. Most people start with inpatient residential rehab and then step down to lower levels of care when they are ready to do so.
Inpatient Residential Meth Rehab
Inpatient residential rehab is the highest level of care in addiction treatment during which clients stay at the facility’s supervised housing for the entirety of their care. Days are spent participating in group and individual therapy as well as other structured activities that focus on healing from the effects of meth addiction.
While under 24-hour care and supervision, clients receive highly individualized treatment based on their unique needs. Inpatient rehab may last up to 30 days, including detox.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
After finishing inpatient meth rehab, clients usually step down to partial hospitalization (PHP). During PHP, clients have the option to live in a monitored environment while receiving treatment Monday through Friday at an outpatient clinical office. Days are spent engaging in group and individual therapies discussing topics ranging from mental health to relapse prevention.
The goal of PHP is to provide comprehensive, individually-tailored care, but with some level of freedom, allowing you to begin adjusting to living in sobriety.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for meth addiction require the attendance of scheduled therapy sessions 3-5 days a week depending on your medical necessity. Therapy sessions may last a few hours at a time, but they are flexible enough that you can go back to work, care for your family, or spend time with your support group outside of treatment.
IOP helps ease the transition away from rehab and into the real world. IOP sessions may focus on relapse prevention, life skills, coping skills, support groups, and relapse triggers.
Meth Addiction Treatment Therapies
Clients at Sheer Recovery’s California meth rehab center undergo comprehensive psychiatric and physical assessments to determine their personal needs, allowing the clinical team to curate custom-tailored treatment plans for each individual. As a result, the exact therapies you will participate in may vary depending on your situation.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the most effective therapies used to treat meth addiction include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – A commonly used psychotherapy that helps clients understand their current problems or past experiences in order to change their behaviors and thought processes. CBT is one of the most widely used addiction treatment therapies.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) – A treatment approach that helps clients overcome insecurities or ambivalent feelings about getting sober. It aims to help clients become more motivated to change their behaviors and reduce stimulant drug abuse.
- Contingency Management (CM) – A type of behavioral therapy that incentivizes positive behaviors, such as attending meetings, taking medications as prescribed, or passing drug tests.
- Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) – An approach that aims to identify the behaviors that reinforce stimulant (meth) abuse and introduce lifestyle options that are more rewarding than drugs and alcohol. CRA involves community support, vocational guidance, life skills training, improving communication skills, and developing sober support networks.
Find a Top-Rated Meth Rehab Center in California Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with meth addiction, know that effective treatment is available. Sheer Recovery, located in Orange County California, offers a private, secure, and comfortable residential treatment facility equipped with cutting-edge technologies and an experienced clinical team.
Our licensed therapists will gently guide you through your therapy sessions, helping you heal old wounds and prepare for a sober future. Upon completion of our substance abuse treatment program, you will leave rehab feeling prepared to embark on your recovery journey.
Our dedicated admissions counselors are available 24 hours a day to take your call, assess your needs, and answer any questions you may have. Call now to get started.
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