Meth is increasingly common across the United States and here in New Hampshire. The white powder and concentrated crystal forms are inexpensive and easy to get. Unfortunately, meth is highly addictive. Some people can develop a meth addiction after their first dose. Like other illicit drugs, it’s hard to know what’s in a dose of meth, making it dangerous and often deadly. Knowing the signs of meth withdrawal can help you, or someone you love knows when it’s time to seek meth addiction treatment.
Quitting meth cold turkey can be dangerous. If you or someone you love is showing signs of meth withdrawal, we can help. Our holistic outpatient recovery programs help clients get to the root cause of addiction with evidence-based and alternative treatments. Call A Better State now at 781.412.1488 to learn more about our meth addiction treatment and get started today.
How Does Meth Use Lead to Addiction and Withdrawal?
Meth is a stimulant that speeds up messages from the brain to the body. This speeds up heart rate and metabolism and, for some, can boost confidence or help them focus. Meth can cause increased sensations, manic behavior, joy, delight, paranoia, and confusion. Too much meth can cause seizures and heart attacks.
In its concentrated form, crystal meth creates a more intense high. Both types of meth flood the brain with unnatural levels of dopamine, the chemical responsible for joy, elation, and motivation. Dopamine can increase the risk of addiction through the “dopamine reward effect.” The more dopamine someone consumes, the greater their desire for it becomes. While the brain produces dopamine every day and can make more dopamine with certain foods or supplements, illicit drugs like meth provide so much dopamine a person can crave more as soon as the drug wears off.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
The first symptom of meth addiction is withdrawal. Meth highs generally last 12 hours. As the drug wears off, the body slows down and re-regulates. Unlike a come-down, withdrawal occurs when the brain stops making its own dopamine and relies on meth for essential chemical processes. Three signs of meth withdrawal include:
Believing You Cannot Live Without Meth
The dopamine reward effect can make it challenging to overcome withdrawal. Paranoia, confusion, and the belief you cannot live without more meth can cause irrational behavior, thoughts, and self-harm.
Cravings
Meth cravings are a sign of meth withdrawal and addiction. Carb cravings are also common during meth withdrawal because carbohydrates can increase essential chemicals in the brain.
Changes in Sleep
Because meth is a stimulant, it’s hard to sleep while using meth. Withdrawal can cause fatigue, sleepiness, and difficulty staying awake. It can also affect sleep by causing high levels of anxiety and paranoia.
During withdrawal, willpower is not enough to stop someone from using more meth or other drugs. For those struggling with mental health conditions, withdrawal can be even more difficult. During withdrawal, it’s vital to seek meth addiction treatment to prevent relapse and meth-related health complications.
Treat Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal in New Hampshire
Contrary to popular belief, many meth users maintain relatively normal lives. Meth is especially popular among party culture, students, and working professionals. Unfortunately, meth is dangerous and highly addictive, making meth treatment essential. If you or someone you love is struggling with signs of meth withdrawal, don’t detox at home. A Better State can help.
With a range of outpatient treatment programs, our trauma-informed, holistic outpatient treatment center provides clients across New Hampshire with the support they need for substance abuse, mental health, and addiction. Our evidence-based therapy programs include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Art therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
With depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety treatments, 12-step programs, and a daytime or evening treatment, we have the program to help you safely recover from meth.
Learn More About Meth Addiction Treatment
Meth addiction treatment can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be. A Better State can help you or someone you love finds the support they need for meth addiction treatment and recovery from withdrawal symptoms. At A Better State, our team of caring professionals is ready to help you start your journey towards a more positive, healthier lifestyle. We understand that drug addiction can be lonely, and we are here to offer support and guidance every step of the way.
With our comprehensive outpatient treatment programs and evidence-based therapies, we will help you make a full recovery. Let us help you find the right program for your needs. Don’t let meth hold you back. Contact us now at 781.412.1488 to learn more about holistic meth addiction treatment at A Better State.
