Meth Addiction Treatment Center in Southern California

Meth, also known as methamphetamine, is an extremely powerful stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system in the body. After a person takes meth, they experience a range of pleasurable symptoms such as boosted energy levels, alertness, and a euphoric sensation. However, those effects do not last forever, and consistent meth abuse then makes way for more severe negative affects that target a person’s physical and mental health.

Recovering from a meth addiction is difficult, especially once the body becomes dependent on the drug. At this stage, a person will go through unpleasant withdrawal symptoms once they stop taking meth, leading them to take the drug again so they don’t experience them.

What Are the Signs of Meth Addiction?

It is crucial to know the signs of meth addiction so you can seek meth treatment if you need it – treating an addiction sooner rather than later is always preferable to reduce risk. Here are the signs.

Physical Signs:

• Weight Loss

• Poor Hygiene

• A Pallid Complexion

• Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss

• Dilated Pupils

• Hyperactivity

• Injection Marks

• Dry Mouth

• Insomnia

Behavioral Signs:

• Social Withdrawal

• Risky Behavior

• Being More Secretive

• Lying

• Poor Work Performance

• Acting Compulsively

• Seeking Drugs

• Owning Paraphernalia

If these symptoms apply to you or someone you know, remember it is never too late to seek professional help, and our meth addiction treatment program in Southern California is always open to individuals wanting to get clean.

Who is More at Risk of a Meth Addiction?

Some people are more likely to develop a meth addiction because they tick off some risk factors, which include:

• Genetic Predisposition

• Early Exposure to Meth

• Low Socioeconomic Status (such as poverty)

• Little Support from Parents

• A History of Trauma

• The Presence of a Mental Health Disorder

Of course, not everyone who ticks off several of these risk factors will definitely become addicted to meth, it’s just slightly more likely.

What are the Dangers of Meth Abuse?

One of the greatest reasons to seek proper treatment for meth abuse is the dangers it poses.

• Risk of Cardiovascular Events: Someone who takes meth has an increased risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke. This is because the drug increases the heart rate and blood pressure.

• Mental Health Problems: Meth can significantly impact a person’s mental health, causing symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, paranoia, and hallucinations.

• Meth Mouth: People who have methamphetamine addictions often experience what is called “meth mouth”. This refers to severe tooth decay, which often leads to tooth loss.

• Infections: Using meth increases a person’s chances of contracting certain diseases such as HIV. This happens when people share needles.

• Organ Damage: Frequent meth use can cause significant damage to the organs, including the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

• Meth Overdose: A meth overdose is life-threatening and occurs when a person takes too much meth in a short period of time. This causes symptoms such as chest pain, severe stomach pain, kidney failure, breathing difficulties, and an irregular heartbeat. Seek immediate medical attention if you spot these signs.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Meth addiction treatment requires you to go through the withdrawal process. These withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant, which is why a medical setting is so important. The most common symptoms include:

• Intense Cravings

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Irritability

• Headaches

• Tremors

• Increased Sweating

• Muscle Pains

• Heart Rate Changes

The first few days after stopping meth usually bring the worst symptoms, with most meth withdrawal symptoms subsiding after a week. Meth addiction rehab, like the one we have here in Southern California, provides medical care to alleviate these symptoms.