Meth Addiction in Cleveland OH (877) 804-1531

Meth addiction is a serious problem that often requires detox and specialized drug treatment. From the early stages of intervention and detoxification to the later stages of behavioral therapy and relapse prevention, there are qualified Drug Treatment Centers in Cleveland that can help you manage the entire process of meth addiction treatment. Methamphetamine is widely abused for its euphoric, stimulant and aphrodisiac qualities, and is widely available on the black market as a recreational drug. Meth addiction causes a range of physical and psychological problems, with tolerance developing over time and dependence possible with extended use.

Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the phenethylamine and amphetamine classes. While it does have some legitimate medical uses for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity, it is mostly taken illegally for recreational reasons. Extensive and long-term use can lead to meth addiction, with tolerance developing over time and a withdrawal syndrome likely upon cessation of use. Meth exists as two enantiomers, dextrorotary and levorotary. The levorotary form of the drug is available in some over-the-counter nasal decongestant medications, with dextromethamphetamine being the stronger CNS stimulant and the version normally for sale on the black market. Call Cleveland Drug Treatment Centers today at (877) 804-1531 to learn about available treatment options.

Effects of Use

This stimulant is largely taken to induce feelings of euphoria and increase physical and mental energy. A range of side effects are associated with meth consumption, including dilated pupils, excessive sweating, increased movement, dry mouth, teeth grinding, blurred vision, dizziness, numbness, dry skin, irregular heartbeat, acne, pale appearance, low blood pressure, diarrhea, constipation, twitching, numbness and many more. The adverse physical effects of meth depend greatly on the extent of abuse, dosage level and purity of the final product, with mild physical disturbances possible alongside severe medical complications.

Meth use is also associated with a range of psychological effects, including euphoria, dysphoria, insomnia, decreased fatigue levels, restlessness, grandiosity, sociability, self-confidence, apprehension, and repetitive and obsessive behavior patterns. Extensive use also has a high degree of association with depression, anxiety, violence, suicide, and methamphetamine psychosis. Tolerance does develop over time, with heavy users of the drug often needing higher doses in order to achieve the same effects.

Withdrawal and Detox

This drug is not typically associated with a physical-somatic withdrawal syndrome, with users more likely to experience emotional-motivational symptoms upon cessation of use. Highly dependent meth users have reported a time-limited withdrawal syndrome, however, with severe physical and mental symptoms lasting up to 24 hours after the last dose. This period is likely to include intense drug cravings along with dysphoric mood, lack of motivation, changes to sleep patterns, physical fatigue, increased appetite and vivid dreams. The possibility of relapse is very high in this early stage of withdrawal, with residential detox and treatment regimens recommended for the best chance of success. While no medications have proved especially effective for the treatment of meth abuse and dependence, fluoxetine and imipramine have shown some promise.

Psychotherapy for Meth Abuse

A range of behavioral therapy programs and counseling initiatives are useful in treating meth abuse. Typical treatment modalities for meth abuse include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational programs, family therapy, art therapy, music therapy, biofeedback, general spirituality, 12-step counseling, individual counseling, moral reconation therapy, SMART recovery and many more. Relapse prevention systems play a big role in every comprehensive treatment regime, with patients taught specific psychological skills in order to recognize triggers and given practical support during the recovery process.

To find out more about your options for treatment, call Cleveland Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531 today.