San Antonio TX Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment
Treating Methamphetamine Addiction in San Antonio
Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive stimulant that belongs to the group of drugs called amphetamines. These drugs speed up the body’s central nervous system.
It can have detrimental effects on a user’s health and well-being. Meth users experience a sensation of being high that is accompanied by intense periods of energy and anxiety. Meth is a dangerous drug due to its short and long-term risk factors.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, crystalline powder. It has a bitter taste and is easily dissolved in water or alcohol. Meth users can swallow, snort it, smoke it, or inject it.
When meth is in its smokable form, it is called crystal, ice, glass, or crank because of its transparent, sheet-like crystals. It is smoked in a pipe.
Methamphetamine may be prescribed by a doctor in the United States for treating ADHD (Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder) or as a weight loss aid.
Methamphetamine High
Meth produces a powerful, long-lasting euphoric high that varies in length from eight to 24 hours. The search for this intense high leads many people to try the drug initially. During their high, a meth user may become argumentative, hyperactive, or aggressive. They may speak or behave irrationally.
Some people binge on meth by using the drug repeatedly for days at a time to continue staying high. A meth binge can result in staying awake for several days, followed by a “crash” from extreme exhaustion and long periods of sleep. “Tweaking” refers to someone who has missed several days of sleep in a row while binging on meth and is showing symptoms of mental instability, paranoia, and psychosis (a break with reality).
What are Meth’s Effects?
Meth affects users in the following ways:
- Increased energy: Methamphetamine stimulates the brain to release dopamine, giving the user a sense of euphoria and more energy. The user may talk incessantly due to this energy boost.
- Intensified Focus and Alertness: Meth users may find it easier to focus and concentrate. They may feel more capable of completing tasks and more productive.
- Suppressed Appetite: Methamphetamine can curb the appetite, leading to weight loss. Chronic users can lose weight and may experience malnutrition.
- Higher Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Meth acts as a stimulant on the cardiovascular system. It causes the heart rate and blood pressure to increase, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Agitation and Paranoia: Long-term meth users may experience symptoms like agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations.
- Hyperthermia: Meth use can cause elevated body temperature. The meth user may also experience convulsions. This is a medical emergency; if the person doesn’t receive immediate medical treatment, they may die.
Methamphetamine and Dopamine
Scientists don’t understand precisely how drugs like methamphetamine act on the brain’s neurotransmitters like dopamine to produce a feeling of pleasure (the high). They do know that using meth releases high levels of dopamine in the reward circuits of the user’s brain. This action “teaches” the brain to repeat the pleasurable activity by retaking the drug.
Long-term Consequences of Meth Addiction
Long-term meth users may exhibit these types of symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Auditory hallucinations
- Confusion
- Delusions
- Insomnia
- “Meth mouth”
- Mood disturbances
- Paranoia
- Violence
- Visual hallucinations
The psychotic symptoms may last for months or years after a person stops using meth. Stress can trigger a recurrence of meth psychosis in people who use methamphetamine and who have previously had a psychotic episode.
“Meth mouth” is extreme tooth decay due to long-term methamphetamine use. Meth users have black or stained, rotting teeth. Meth users often crave sugary foods and drinks while high. They also grind their teeth, leading to further dental damage. Methamphetamines can also cause dry mouth. Meth users may not brush their teeth for several days when using the drug.
Dealers may use household cleaners, fertilizers, or battery acid when making meth. These substances cause further damage to the teeth and gums.
Methamphetamine Misuse and Pregnancy
Information about methamphetamine misuse during pregnancy is limited. Studies on this topic have used small patient samples, and they have not tracked other possible drug use. The available research indicates that mothers who use methamphetamine while pregnant are at higher risk for:
- Heart and brain abnormalities in the baby
- Lethargy in baby at birth
- Placental abruption (separation of the placental lining from the uterus)
- Premature delivery
- Small infant size at birth
The National Institute on Drug Abuse funded an extensive study on developmental outcomes in babies and children born to mothers who had misused meth during their pregnancies.
- These children were likelier to show increased stress levels, decreased arousal, and poor movement quality in infancy.
- By one and two years of age, these children demonstrated “delayed motor development.”
- Preschool and school-aged children showed “subtle but significant” attention impairments. They were also more likely to have cognitive and behavioral difficulties, which are related to issues with their executive function and lack of self-control.
Treatment for Meth Addiction
At Stone River Recovery, we recognize that every individual’s journey to recovery is unique. That’s why we offer specialized programs designed to address specific needs and provide tailored treatment options for residents of San Antonio, Texas
Detox
The first step in meth treatment is for the client to complete a detox program. People with a meth addiction are often concerned that if they try to stop using it all at once (“cold turkey”), the experience will be physically and emotionally uncomfortable, if not painful.
The Stone River Recovery Center (Stone River) uses Disorder Detox Services, which is staffed by qualified, caring professionals who ensure that clients are kept comfortable. The facility is managed by a doctor and constantly supervised by licensed nurses and support staff.
From that point, clients move into the next phase of meth treatment in San Antonio. They undergo an assessment to determine which type of program will best fit their needs and treatment goals.
Residential Treatment
When a client is at home, their regular lives have stressors and distractions that encourage the person to continue using meth. While staying at a residential treatment program for meth, those elements don’t exist. The residential treatment program gives clients a chance to focus their attention entirely on their recovery.
Stone River’s evidence-based treatment approach gives clients a strong foundation for their recovery. The program includes 12-step meetings, individual and group therapy sessions, family counseling, trauma-informed care, and more.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
We recognize the unique challenges faced by individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community who are battling addiction. Our specialized program addresses the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and substance use disorders. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff provides a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore their identity, address the specific issues they face, and receive targeted treatment that is sensitive to their unique needs.
Contact Stone River Recovery Center for Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction in San Antonio, Texas, Stone River Recovery Center is here to help you start your journey toward recovery. Our dedicated team of professionals understands the complexities of addiction and is committed to providing comprehensive treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
To get started on the path to recovery, we encourage you to reach out to us and schedule a consultation or assessment. This initial step allows us to gather important information about your situation and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Scheduling a consultation or assessment is easy. Simply give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website, and one of our friendly staff members will assist you. We understand that taking this step can be daunting, but our team is here to support you every step of the way.
At Stone River Recovery Center, we prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of our treatment services. We understand the sensitive nature of addiction and the importance of maintaining your privacy throughout the recovery process. Rest assured that all information shared with us is handled with the utmost discretion and in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
If you have any concerns about confidentiality or privacy, please let us know, and we will be happy to address them. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where you can focus on your recovery without worrying about your personal.
