Meth Addiction in Charleston, SC

Methamphetamine, usually known as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug. This illegal substance affects the brain by boosting levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of euphoria and alertness. Meth addiction is marked by the inability to quit using the drug in spite of negative consequences. A person struggling with meth addiction may have tried to stop using in the past, but long-term success is unlikely without the help of treatment.

Meth Addiction in the United States

Compared to other widely-abused drugs, meth addiction is on the decline. The decrease in addiction cases can be largely attributed to government crackdowns on meth production and use. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that meth addiction only accounts for 5.6 percent of all treatment admissions; however, the problem of meth abuse has not been completely eliminated. One survey reveals that 440,000 people used meth in the past month, and the average new meth user is only 19 years old.

How Meth Affects the Body

Using meth causes euphoric feelings, as well as high levels of alertness and wakefulness. It acts as an appetite suppressant, which leads some abusers to suffer malnutrition and weight loss; the drug also spikes blood pressure and heart rate. With continued use, meth can lead to a host of serious problems, including organ damage, skin lesions, and the onset of mental illness. Meth abusers also tend to suffer severely damaged teeth, a condition referred to as “meth mouth”.

It doesn’t take long for a meth habit to evolve into addiction and dependence. Dependence forms when chronic substance abuse causes changes in the brain. Over time, the brain begins to require the drug’s presence in order to function normally. When meth use is stopped, intense withdrawal symptoms occur. These symptoms may include strong cravings, severe depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

Treatment and Aftercare

Addiction is a chronic disease, with relapse rates similar to those of heart disease and diabetes– willpower alone won’t be enough to get it under control. A quality Charleston treatment program is needed to address both the physical and psychological aspects of meth addiction. A treatment program is likely to start with medical detox, where clients are carefully supervised during the withdrawal process and provided with medications to ease their discomfort. Once detox is complete, clients participate in a variety of therapies to explore the psychological issues that fuel addiction. These therapies allow clients to identify self-destructive thoughts and behavior patterns so that they can replace them with healthier ones. They also teach clients the coping skills needed to handle stress, cravings and other personal triggers. These relapse prevention techniques continue to be helpful long after treatment is complete.

The final step in meth addiction treatment is the creation of an aftercare plan that can be put into place after leaving treatment. Every person’s aftercare plan will be slightly different– a typical plan may include ongoing counseling, family therapy, support group participation or mental health care. Some individuals may benefit from vocational training or educational assistance as part of their aftercare plan.

Hope and Healing

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes that hope is the cornerstone of recovery. With the belief that things can always get better, it’s easier to get through the early weeks and months of recovery. A quality Charleston treatment program, combined with a positive and hopeful attitude, can help clients overcome their meth addiction and achieve a better quality of life. Let Charleston Drug Treatment Centers connect you with the right program for you. Please give our recovery advocates a call at (843) 480-9956 for more information.