Methamphetamine (meth) addiction is a serious disorder that can be incredibly difficult to overcome. Discovery Place offers effective meth addiction treatment in Nashville, Tennessee. We provide comprehensive treatment programs designed to address the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of those suffering from meth addiction.
Our compassionate staff is specially trained to provide evidence-based practices in individual, group, and family counseling sessions. Discovery Place gives individuals the resources they need for lasting sobriety and a brighter future ahead.
What is Methamphetamine (Meth)?
The drug methamphetamine (meth) was developed from amphetamine and gained FDA approval. Methamphetamine, under the brand name Desoxyn, is used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and weight loss when taken as prescribed today. However, illegal meth labs dangerously alter this powerful stimulant to produce crystal meth. This illicit chemical cocktail causes euphoria and heightened activity but with devastating health consequences.
An escalating problem across the United States, meth trafficking has been largely fueled by Mexican drug cartels. To reduce illicit manufacturing in the U.S., Congress passed the Combat Meth Epidemic Act in 2005. This act mandates stricter regulation of chemicals used to produce illicit methamphetamine. The chemicals found in some cold medications must be stored behind counters or cabinets at retailers. In addition, customers must display IDs upon purchasing them.
Common Street Names
- Bikers coffee
- Black beauties
- Chalk
- Chicken feed
- Crank
- Crystal
- Glass
- Ice
- Poor man’s cocaine
Consequences of Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine is a potent and highly-addictive synthetic substance that can have devastating effects on both mental and physical health. As one of the most dangerous illicit drugs, meth affects users by speeding up their heart rate, increasing blood pressure, and disturbing cognitive function. As such, it leads to agitation, paranoia, and even psychotic episodes in extreme cases. Those who become dependent often use it alongside other narcotics. This further compounds the already severe risks associated with its consumption alone.
Transactional criminal organizations (TCOs) in Mexico are at the center of a highly potent and inexpensive methamphetamine production ring that is wreaking havoc across America. Sadly, in addition to easily accessible pseudoephedrine, these illegal labs use an array of toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, these have long-term environmental hazards long after the lab has closed down.
Meth’s Short-Term Effects
Methamphetamine use, even in small doses, can have devastating health effects that are comparable to those of other stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines. What’s more, a person can overdose on methamphetamine, resulting in serious, harmful symptoms or death. Many users are not aware that cheap, toxic synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are often mixed in with street meth. Unfortunately, this can lead to an accidental overdose or addiction.
Besides euphoria, there are many short-term or immediate effects, including:
- Increased wakefulness and physical activity
- Decreased appetite
- Rapid breathing
- Irregular and fast heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure and body temperature
Meth’s Long-Term Effects
Methamphetamines have a severe and lasting impact on the brain, causing changes to how the dopamine system operates. This can lead to reduced coordination and difficulty learning new information. These issues may persist in users even after they’ve stopped using them for an extended period. Additionally, this illicit drug is known to affect areas responsible for emotion processing as well as memory formation long-term.
Therefore, making it all too apparent why meth addiction requires professional medical care, as long-term effects include:
- Extreme weight loss
- Addiction
- Severe dental problems
- Intense itching, leading to skin sores from scratching
- Anxiety
- Changes in brain structure and function
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Sleeping problems
- Violent behavior
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
How Does Meth Affect the Brain?
There is an immense risk of using meth. These risks can lead to psychological and physiological problems with prolonged abuse, including brain damage and psychosis. When meth reaches the brain, it releases a surge of dopamine.
Dopamine affects feelings of pleasure and reward. It floods the brain and leads to compulsive behavior in users. Eventually, this causes changes in brain structure and chemistry. Meth also has powerful effects on the prefrontal cortex resulting in impaired cognitive function. Decreased executive functioning such as planning skills, problem-solving abilities, and memory formation occur.
Additionally, chronic meth use may cause reduced gray matter volume leading to further cognitive decline including deficits in working memory and decision-making abilities. Also, prolonged use of meth can lead to long-term damage in the areas of the brain. these areas are responsible for emotion regulation, self-control, motivation, and even physical well-being.
Why is Meth So Hard to Overcome Without Help?
As the body becomes accustomed to higher levels of dopamine due to frequent meth use, it begins producing less naturally occurring dopamine. Over time, this results in decreased interest or pleasure from activities that were once enjoyed. Also, tolerance increases requiring more frequent or higher doses of meth to achieve desired effects.
Meth causes such drastic changes to occur in the brain, that a person’s decision-making ability is altered. This makes it difficult to stop using without help. Withdrawal symptoms are another reason meth addiction is hard to overcome. When people try to stop, they may experience a range of uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Depression
- Irregular sleep
- Anxiety
- Cognitive issues
- Headaches
- Muscle pain and spasms
- Appetite changes
- Intense cravings
- Psychosis
- Fatigue
What to Expect During Meth Addiction Treatment in Nashville, TN
Methamphetamine addiction is a serious disorder. It requires comprehensive professional treatment to heal its effects on both body and mind. Individuals suffering from meth addiction can achieve sobriety with dedicated care and support. During our meth addiction treatment in Nashville, Tennessee, guests learn how to manage cravings and develop healthy coping skills for better outcomes, both physically and mentally.
For 25 years, Discovery Place has been providing real solutions for lasting sobriety. Men recovering from alcohol and drug addiction have turned to us time after time. This is in part due to our engaging 12-Step recovery program and a partnership with some of the region’s top private care providers. And best of all? Our first-class services and flexible programs come at an incredibly accessible cost.
Discovery Place Addiction Treatment Programs
At Discovery Place, we deliver effective meth addiction treatment in Nashville. Our experienced team understands meth addiction and treatment that works. They know what it’s like to feel as if meth has taken control of someone’s life, and therefore can guide them through the recovery process.
Our programs include:
- 30-day rehab program
- Long-term recovery program
- Step-down residential program
- Continuing care and Aftercare programs
- 12-Step programs
- Family programming
Discover Lasting Recovery
At Discovery Place, we provide personalized treatment plans for each guest. Our comprehensive programs offer both long-term recovery and short-term stabilization, depending on individual needs. Every guest has a unique story deserving of competent and compassionate care.
If you or your loved one are seeking meth addiction treatment in Nashville, Tennessee, rest assured, we will provide the support needed to achieve a long life of sobriety.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs.
