Methamphetamine, or meth, is a popular amphetamine made in home labs across the United States using various chemicals found in many households. Methamphetamine can be either a white powder or a concentrated crystal. It is a potent stimulant drug. Contrary to popular belief, people from all walks of life take meth, especially to enhance work performance or sexual pleasure. Meth addiction treatment is the best way to stop using meth and prevent relapse.
The first step towards helping someone living with meth addiction is getting help. A Better State is here. Our outpatient programs provide flexible dual diagnosis treatment for the New Hampshire area. Call us now at 781.412.1488 to learn how to help someone with meth addiction and our addiction treatment programs.
What Is Meth Addiction?
Meth works by speeding up messages from the brain to the body. Like caffeine or cocaine, meth speeds up heart rate, metabolism, breathing, and other organ systems. This heightens sensation and can help some people focus. It can also make people more confident and talkative. As this happens, the brain releases dopamine, the pleasure chemical that can often lead to a “dopamine reward” effect.
The more dopamine someone has, the more dopamine they will need to feel pleasure, joy, and motivation. Meth provides the body with high dopamine levels that the brain cannot produce, making meth highly addictive. Some signs of meth addiction include:
- Tooth decay, facial sores, mouth sores
- A decline in physical appearance and self-care
- Changes in sleep patterns, hygiene, and daily behavior
- Mood swings
- Drug cravings and drug-seeking behavior
- Confusion or paranoia
- Increased talkativeness and productivity
- Manic social behavior followed by isolation
These are only some signs of meth abuse and addiction. Because meth is a stimulant, it’s important to watch for manic behavior followed by depression. During a “come down,” the organ systems slow down to re-regulate. This causes many people to experience depressed moods and lethargy. The more often someone takes meth, the more likely they will develop a meth addiction and potential overdose.
Helping Someone with Meth Addiction
Talking to a loved one about their meth use is the first step towards helping them recover. Always approach addiction from a place of curiosity and concern for a loved one. Avoid judgemental language. Knowing that someone struggling with addiction may also struggle with mental health, it’s essential to help them find a qualified addiction therapist who can diagnose and treat mood disorders alongside addiction. This is called a “dual diagnosis.”
This approach can also help provide the whole family with education on mental health and addiction treatment. Addiction therapy is one of the most crucial parts of recovery. Helping someone find a support group and keeping them accountable to attend the group is another way to provide ongoing support.
Accompanying someone to treatment, driving them to meetings, attending family therapy, and setting strong boundaries can be a way to support meth addiction recovery. While someone will not succeed in treatment until they are ready, showing care, concern, and support can be a great place to begin.
Finding Meth Addiction Treatment in New Hampshire
Accepting its time for treatment isn’t easy. Finding meth addiction treatment should be. If someone you love is struggling with meth, now is the time to seek help. Meth can have lasting physical and mental side effects and often leads to overdose. If you’re unsure how to help, call A Better State today.
Our trauma-informed outpatient programs provide the New Hampshire area with comprehensive, flexible care that meets their needs and schedules. With a range of therapies, clients at A Better State enjoy both behavioral and alternative therapies for holistic, trauma-informed recovery. With yoga, art, and mindfulness meditation, our clients get the support they need to recover, reconnect, and return to their lives.
Learn How to Help Someone with Meth Addiction at A Better State
Helping someone you care about who is struggling with addiction can be challenging. A Better State offers the support and education that family members need to understand addiction, learn healthy boundaries, and provide supportive care. At A Better State, we provide a variety of addiction treatment programs that can help someone struggling with meth addiction. Contact A Better State to learn more about our meth addiction treatment programs, and get started today. Reach our staff at 781.412.1488 for more information about how to help someone with meth addiction.