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Seek help at Capo Canyon Recovery. Our expert team can help you or your loved one heal from meth addiction.
Meth addiction is a major and developing problem that impacts people and communities all over the world, as well as right here in Southern California. We’re going to take a close look at meth to get a much better understanding of meth addiction, its indications and symptoms, and the options for meth addiction treatment in Orange County.
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Crystal meth, a type of methamphetamine, is a completely synthetic drug in the stimulant category. It is related to amphetamine drugs that were invented in the 19th century. The drugs were originally designed to have a powerful stimulant effect that lasted longer than other stimulants of the age and was easier and cheaper to manufacture. The result was methamphetamine.
At the time it was created there was so little known about the potential side effects. Early on, methamphetamines were used in the military by many countries to keep soldiers awake and alert until they became restricted in the 1970s. The crystalline form is the final form and is the most addictive and toxic version of the drug so far.
One of the main reasons that meth is so damaging is because it’s so highly addictive, and once an individual has become addicted it can be nearly impossible to endure the detox and withdrawal stage alone, without professional help.
Using meth causes the brain to rapidly produce large quantities of dopamine, resulting in a surge of pleasure that can continue for many hours. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that largely regulates sensations of pleasure, reward, and motivation. Meth usage results in a quick and strong release of dopamine in the brain, resulting in euphoria and pleasure that can be highly addictive.
Meth use alters brain chemistry, especially in the reward and pleasure areas of the brain. Meth use can deplete dopamine and other neurotransmitters over time, resulting in diminished pleasure and reward responses. This produces a cycle of addiction in which users require larger amounts or more frequent usage to attain the same effect, eventually leading to addiction. Those who have used meth heavily or for a long period may have a loss of enjoyment for years after recovery, and in some circumstances, it may be permanent.
Meth addiction can also have serious consequences for the central nervous system, causing alterations in mood, cognitive function, and behavior. Meth usage can result in hallucinations, paranoia, and violence, as well as impaired judgment, diminished critical thinking, and poor decision-making skills. The drug can also cause a variety of physical health concerns, including significant weight loss, dental damage, and skin sores.
Breaking the cycle of meth addiction is difficult, but with the correct therapy and support, it is doable. Capo Canyon offers meth addiction treatment in orange county that is tailored to each client’s specific needs. Our skilled staff is committed to guiding clients through the addiction recovery process and assisting them in achieving long-term recovery and healing.
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While we’ve all seen the stereotypical “before” and “after” meth use mugshots. The changes they often depict are drastic, and sometimes even disturbing, but the most frightening thing is that they aren’t just an anti-drug marketing ploy. There is a long list of potential signs and side effects of using and becoming addicted to meth.
There are physical signs, including the typical sores, or the “meth mouth” that meth smokers get, and more. Chronic meth use also creates considerable changes to brain structure and chemistry, so there are also psychological and emotional signs that may manifest. Additionally, there are behaviors that are common for those under the influence of meth to engage in or display, which can provide additional clues to potential meth addiction.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
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For those struggling with addiction who feel that the time is right to use one of the leading luxury rehab centers in Newport Beach, Capo Canyon is ready to become your recovery partner. Reach out today to speak with one of our local addiction experts, and to begin building your personalized treatment plan.
Due to the intense dependence and addiction that meth creates, detoxing from meth use without professional medical assistance can be difficult and even dangerous. Since each individual’s addiction and recovery journey is unique, there is no single detox experience, and it will depend on the individual. Here’s what to expect when entering treatment:
The first stage of detox and withdrawal is the crash. This begins as the final dose wears off, and will last for about 48-72 hours. During this stage, those in recovery are likely to feel exhausted and depressed, while experiencing intense cravings to use meth.
This is because the brain is experiencing a drop in dopamine, which causes feelings of depression and the inability to feel pleasure, rewarding feelings, and constant fatigue. The brain will begin to readjust to the newly available dopamine levels, which can result in agitation and restlessness.
Once the initial crash is over, the acute withdrawal stage begins, which is where the majority of the withdrawal symptoms will be experienced. Acute withdrawal will typically last less than two weeks, but generally longer than one, and it is characterized by a variety of symptoms both physical and psychological.
Common psychological symptoms during acute withdrawals include anxiety or panic, agitation, irritation, and insomnia. Individuals will also frequently experience physical symptoms that grow in intensity eventually peaking about 3-5 days in, after which the symptoms begin to subside. The physical symptoms will include headaches, muscle aches, and persistent fatigue.
The end of the acute withdrawal stage is usually marked by the return of semi-normal dopamine levels in the patient’s brain. This allows many of the withdrawal symptoms to fade away completely as the body begins to return to a more normal mode of daily functionality.
Protracted withdrawal is the final stage of meth recovery, and it can last for months or even years beyond the end of the acute withdrawal stage. The symptoms often experienced during this stage include lingering depression, general fatigue, and challenges concentrating or maintaining focus. This is because while dopamine levels have started to return to normal, they are still far below previous levels. Those who experience protracted withdrawal will find that cravings periodically return, making them more likely to relapse.
The best way to manage this, however, is to work with a leading meth addiction treatment center in Orange County, like Capo Canyon. From the medically-supervised detox that is made as comfortable as possible with private rooms, 24 hour nursing care, and onsite chef , to the ongoing dual diagnosis treatment aimed at preventing relapse and strengthening recovery, Capo Canyon is here to support you.
If you or someone you care about is showing signs of meth use, or have been struggling with meth addiction for some time, there’s no better time to reach out for help. Capo Canyon can help put you on the road to recovery while starting your journey in a comfortable environment. Reach out today to speak with our admissions team to get started.
24/7 Help – 100% Confidential Call (866) 460-5191
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