Did you know that methamphetamine abuse in the United States is rising? Meth addiction can ruin relationships and destroy lives, making it one of our nation’s most serious public health crises.
BlueCrest Recovery has programs for substance abuse treatment in New Jersey at Woodland Park that help our clients overcome the isolation, shame, and trap of drug dependence. With a holistic approach to evidence-based therapies, we can keep our clients engaged and fulfilled while they learn the skills to help them stay sober. If you or a loved one struggles with meth, don’t wait to get help. Learn more about our meth rehab in New Jersey by contacting our team at 888.292.9652 today.
About Methamphetamine
The origins of methamphetamine—often called “meth,” “crystal meth,” and “speed”—as an illicit drug date back to the early 20th century, when it was used for medical purposes. It is now a Schedule II prescription drug meant only for treating certain medical conditions. For example, methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets—available under the trade name Desoxyn—are occasionally prescribed to treat obesity and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, these uses are minimal. Most of the meth used in the U.S. is illicit and highly addictive. People who use meth often become addicted to the drug and can use the help of a meth addiction treatment program to get sober.
Methamphetamine can cause serious health problems and lead to addiction faster than other drugs. Its effects can range from mild anxiety and confusion to heart attack or stroke. It is alarming that methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant now widely used as a recreational drug.
Meth can be administered through injection—intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous— or smoking, snorting, swallowing, and even insertion as a suppository. Smoking is the most common method of administration among recreational users, although intravenous injection is known to produce the fastest effects on the human body. Users typically experience a high that lasts up to 16 hours.
The Dangers of Meth Abuse
Whether used recreationally or for medicinal purposes, meth is highly addictive and, therefore, very destructive to drug users. Medical professionals are expected to exercise extreme caution when prescribing it to patients and only when alternative treatments have proven ineffective.
- The unwanted consequences associated with meth abuse are numerous and include:
- Dangerous increases in blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate
- Cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, aggression, and paranoia
- Infertility in both men and women
- Liver damage from long-term use of the drug
- An increased risk of stroke or heart attack
- Damage to the heart, lungs, and kidneys
At BlueCrest Recovery, we understand that addiction is a chronic brain condition and appropriately treat it as such. Our evidence-based therapies offer an effective approach to teaching clients how to manage cravings for meth and stay sober for life. With group and individual counseling, medication management, recreational activities, and lifestyle coaching, our meth rehab in New Jersey provides an individualized approach to recovery. But how do you know if you or someone you care about needs rehab for meth in New Jersey?
Signs of Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine has euphoric properties. Users often report increased energy and mental alertness, sometimes to the point of grandiosity and diminished appetite. It also has aphrodisiac effects, with users usually retaining high sexual interest and performance for extended periods.
Meth is associated with a variety of unpleasant physical side effects, including the following:
Long-term use of meth is associated with an increased incidence of anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Some users begin to experience seizures. High-risk sexual behavior is also common, accounting for the heightened prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among meth users.