Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system, causing jitteriness, bursts of euphoria, delusions, and aggression. People use meth to increase energy, lose weight, and feel confident, but—since meth is unregulated by the FDA—it is easy for people to take higher doses than they expected. Taking higher doses on a regular basis increases tolerance, causing people to need more and more of the drug. The effects of methamphetamine addiction include facial sores, extreme paranoia, antisocial behavior, isolation, aggression, and tooth loss. Contact Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon, to learn about our remarkable meth abuse treatment programs and substance use treatments.

How is Meth Made?

Two people embrace during a meth addiction rehab programUnlike drugs derived from plants or created in professional laboratories, meth is often considered a “do it yourself” drug, manufactured at home or in makeshift meth labs. The process of making meth involves hazardous chemicals and equipment. Explosions in these “labs” can cause injury or death.

The components used to make meth are highly flammable and toxic. Chemicals such as pseudoephedrine, sulfuric acid, anhydrous ammonia, lithium batteries, drain cleaner, and paint thinner are combined in various forms to make the drug.

Why Do People Become Addicted to Meth?

Methamphetamine use is associated with a range of health risks and dangerous behaviors. People may become addicted to meth because it produces an intense rush of pleasure and its effects can last much longer than other stimulants.

Some individuals also think that using meth helps them feel more confident and self-assured, leading to further use in order to maintain these feelings. People may also turn to meth as a form of self-medication for physical pain, mental health issues, or even social anxieties or loneliness. The drug can become an escape from reality and create an artificial sense of purpose and well-being.

Once people become addicted to meth, it can be incredibly difficult for them to break the cycle of use and withdrawal. The intense cravings for the drug can lead to compulsive behaviors, which can be incredibly hard to resist. Meth addiction is a serious problem with devastating physical and psychological consequences for individuals and their families. Luckily, there are treatment options available that can help people struggling with meth addiction regain control of their lives.

Meth Use Is Not Worth the Rush

Millions of Americans suffer from addictions to legal and illegal drugs. As already mentioned, meth causes users to feel extreme euphoria and confidence but leads to a harsh-come down. The addictive nature and harmful side effects of meth make this drug extremely dangerous. So what is substance use treatment like, and how do you know if you or someone you love needs help? The following Crestview Recovery meth addiction rehab programs help people get on the road to recovery:

Meth Addiction Treatment in Portland

If you’re concerned that someone you love is suffering from their meth use, their access to addiction treatment may save their life. People are addicted to methamphetamine when their desire to use the drug consumes other aspects of their lives. Signs of methamphetamine use include rotten teeth, extreme paranoia or hallucinations, scabby skin, violent mood swings, shakiness, and delusional thoughts.

The long-term physical and psychological side-effects from prolonged meth abuse can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. Side effects can include permanent brain damage or mental health problems, rotten teeth (“meth mouth”), skin infections, and cardiorespiratory problems. People suffering from meth addiction usually need meth detox programs and treatment in order to become sober. If quitting meth on your own hasn’t worked, contact Crestview Recovery in Portland to learn about our meth recovery treatment options.

Use Meth? You May Need a Meth Addiction Rehab Program in Portland

 For people who are addicted to methamphetamine, there may be negative symptoms if the drug is stopped abruptly. This is also known as withdrawal and may include the following symptoms: depression, anxiety, agitation, fatigue, or mood swings. After a person has meth out of their system, the actual work of recovery begins. This can be a difficult time as tough memories or emotions may resurface.

Fortunately, addiction counselors have the experience to help patients through this with a combination of individual counseling or group therapy and other exercises. Once an addiction is thoroughly processed, one can truly begin healing.

Get Help For Yourself or a Loved One at Crestview Recovery

Seeking out help from addiction treatment programs in Portland may be confusing or scary, but it is ultimately a brave action that can help a person gain a new life. By recognizing the signs of meth abuse and battling them head-on, anyone can succeed in recovery. Contacting professionals at meth treatment centers, such as Crestview Recovery, is the first step in gaining more information about meth rehab. Overcoming meth use isn’t easy, but sobriety and recovery are possible with the right programs and recovery community. To learn more about our meth addiction programs, give us a call.