Meth Rehab and Addiction Treatment in Florida

What Is Meth and How Is It Addictive?

Below, we explore what meth (methamphetamine) is and the reasons why it is so addictive.

What Is Meth?

Methamphetamine, often called crystal meth or simply meth, is a potent and devastatingly addictive psychostimulant drug. It significantly boosts brain activity, increasing alertness and energy.

However, its severe risks and potential for addiction make it a dangerous substance.

Why Is Meth Addictive?

Meth is highly addictive because of its powerful effects on the brain’s reward system. It causes a surge in dopamine, commonly known as the happy hormone. This intense release leads to a feeling of euphoria, encouraging repeated use.

Over time, meth alters the brain’s chemistry, reducing the ability to experience pleasure from everyday activities and increasing the desire to use the drug.

A physician might prescribe an FDA-approved prescription medication called methamphetamine hydrochloride (Desoxyn) to address specific conditions, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obesity. However, the predominant version of the substance is an illicitly manufactured street drug. Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken in pill form.

Analyses by the Pew Research Center in 2022 discovered an increase of nearly 40% in meth addiction between 2015 and 2019. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 23,000 overdose deaths related to psychostimulant use (predominantly meth) in 2020 alone.

What Is Meth Addiction?

Meth addiction affects nearly one-half of one percent of all Americans. The drug’s intense effect causes it to be among the most addictive narcotics on the planet. People who struggle with mood disorders are at particular risk for meth addiction.

Some of the drug’s immediate effects are increased energy, euphoric happiness, and elevated concentration and focus. Between 2-8 hours after the initial high, users experience feelings of severe depression, anxiety, and fatigue that can last as long as several weeks. After the high wears off, the after-effects can be quite unpleasant. The after-effects, juxtaposed with the intense euphoric high, contribute to the strong desire to reuse.

Key Factors in Meth Addiction

Here are three things to understand about the cycle of meth addiction:

• Excess dopamine
Meth artificially increases the release of dopamine (the “feel-good” hormone) in the brain. This leads to intense feelings of pleasure and is primarily why meth is so addictive.
• Binging
Because of the intense “high” individual’s experience, the cycle of meth addiction often includes binge use (repeated doses over a short time). This is followed by a “crash” or sudden onset of fatigue, depression, and intense cravings for more meth. To avoid this crash, individuals seek out and use more meth, contributing to addiction.
• Mental and physical impact
Over time, individuals who use meth regularly often experience severe psychological and physical health consequences, including:
  • Extreme weight loss
  • Poor dental health
  • Skin sores
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Aggression
  • Other mental health issues

Symptoms of Meth Addiction

While the outward signs and symptoms of meth addiction can vary depending upon the frequency and length of use, symptoms of addiction disorder (regardless of the type of substance) are as follows:

• Experiencing extreme urges to use the substance
• Using a substance for longer than intended or in greater quantities than intended
• Being unable to stop using a substance despite making attempts
• Neglecting personal or professional obligations to procure or use the substance
• Engaging in high-risk behaviors while using the substance
• Using the substance regardless of apparent health or personal damage
• Needing greater quantities of the substance to achieve the desired sensation
• Spending excessive amounts of time thinking about, acquiring, using, or recovering from the substance
• Experiencing physical or mental withdrawal symptoms after stopping substance use
• Experiencing severe financial or legal consequences because of substance use
• Becoming less able to perform duties at home, school, or work because of substance use

In addition to these behavioral symptoms of meth addiction, it can cause a range of dangerous physiological symptoms as well.

Meth addiction symptoms

• Abnormally rapid heart rate
• Fast breathing
• Arrhythmias
• Appetite loss
• Fever
• High blood pressure

As meth addiction becomes more severe, outward effects might become more evident.

Effects of meth addiction

We urge individuals to seek a medically monitored rehab for meth in Florida for these behavioral and physical indicators:

• Weight loss
• Open sores
• Dental deterioration
• Confused behavior
• Erratic behavior
• Memory loss
• Bursts of violence
• Delusions
• Paranoia
• Anxiety

Long-Term Effects of Meth Abuse

Long-term methamphetamine misuse can significantly diminish behavioral, physical, and cognitive abilities. Meth is also in an especially dangerous category of substance use disorder because its effects can be quite violent. Here are some long-term effects that require professional treatment for meth addiction in Florida.

Physical Health Effects

• Tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss
• Extreme weight loss and malnutrition
• Skin sores and infections (due to chronic skin picking and poor hygiene)
• Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and damaged blood vessels

Psychological and Mental Health Effects

• Psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusional thinking
• Increased risk of anxiety and depression
• Poor cognition (e.g., memory, attention, and decision-making)

Behavioral Health Effects

• Risky behaviors and poor judgment
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Financial difficulty and legal problems

Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine detox and addiction programs typically involve a combination of behavioral therapies, individual and group counseling, and (if appropriate) medications to address specific symptoms of withdrawal and intense cravings.

Our meth rehab and addiction treatment center in Florida offers a holistic approach to healing and includes intensive programs tailored to your unique physical, behavioral, and psychological needs.

However, treatment for meth addiction involves a combination of the following:

• Medically monitored detox
This is the first step in crystal meth addiction treatment in Florida. During this time, individuals are closely monitored by medical professionals to ensure their health and safety as they gradually taper off meth. If appropriate, medication-assisted treatments may be administered to help individuals manage intense withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings.
• Inpatient/residential rehab
Once the initial detox from meth is complete, individuals will transfer to our inpatient treatment center. There, they will enter a safe healing environment and experience treatment programs designed to address the root cause of their meth addiction. Our clinicians carefully guide individuals through evidence-based treatment modalities(e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual and group counseling, and family support programs) to help them understand their addiction and build effective coping skills.
• Continuing care
Once an individual is finished with methamphetamine rehab in Florida, they have continual access to our supportive aftercare programs—for as long as needed—to help them adjust to independent, sober living.

The Meth Detox Process Explained

Here is an overview of our meth addiction treatment program, which begins at our medical detox center in Florida:

• Medical assessment—to evaluate an individual’s overall physical and psychological health, substance use history, and any co-occurring mental health conditions
• Medical supervision during stabilization—to help individuals safely eliminate meth from their bodies
• Withdrawal management—certain medications may be used to help alleviate intense drug cravings and other psychological symptoms, making the detox process more manageable
• Supportive care—to monitor vital signs and mental health, ensuring ongoing comfort, safety, and wellness during the entire meth detox process
• Nutrition and hydration—to replenish fluids and essential nutrients, strengthening the body during detox
• Transition to inpatient rehab—to ensure continued progress, long-term recovery, and healing from meth addiction

Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment at Beach House Rehab Center

At our meth treatment center in Florida, we provide each patient with an individualized care plan that addresses every facet of their desire to use.

From our low patient-to-therapist ratio to our alumni support program, we help patients through every step of the recovery journey.

If you or someone you know is struggling with meth addiction or you are looking for treatment for meth addiction in Florida, please get in touch with Beach House Center for Recovery. Our admissions counselors are ready to help you get the personalized care and support you need.