Understanding Meth Addiction

One of the first steps to understanding the recovery process of meth addiction is to understand meth addiction itself better. 

Is Meth Addictive?

Aside from cannabis, meth is the most used illicit substance globally. One reason for this is that meth is highly addictive due to its ability to impact the brain’s chemicals. Because meth is a psychostimulant, it speeds up reactions in the brain and can lead to an increase in feel-good chemicals like dopamine.1

What Is Meth Addiction?

Meth addiction is a severe substance use disorder that involves physical and mental dependencies on methamphetamine or meth. Meth can lead to more significant amounts of certain brain chemicals that can cause feelings of euphoria. Over time, the body can become accustomed to these changes, and going without the substance can lead to withdrawal.

Meth Addiction Statistics

In a 2020 study, an estimated 2.6 million reported using meth illicitly. This is compared to the number of individuals with a meth addiction, estimated in the same study to be around 1.5 million.2

Meth Addiction Causes and Risk Factors

Like many addictions and substance use disorders, there is no single cause for addiction. However, scientists have been able to identify a variety of potential causes and risk factors of meth addiction, including those that are:

Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction

Because of the changes that meth addiction can cause to the mind and body, there are many signs and symptoms that may be experienced. These vary in severity based on the duration and frequency of abuse. Not everyone will experience meth addiction symptoms the same way, and thus not every symptom may be present in every case.

Behavioral Signs of Meth Addiction

Behavioral signs of meth addiction may be noticeable to friends and loved ones. These can be subtle, like personality changes, but more severe. Some of these signs of meth addiction include:

Physical Signs of Meth Addiction

Physical signs may also be noticeable to friends and loved ones however, they can also have a significant impact on the individual themselves. Some of the physical signs of meth addiction include:

Cognitive Signs of Meth Addiction

Because meth addiction impacts the brain and central nervous system, it can also change how you think, feel, or believe. The cognitive signs of meth addiction may include:

Psychosocial Signs of Meth Addiction

Substance use addiction can make it difficult to connect with loved ones. It can also make it difficult to feel comfortable or safe in public environments or social events. As a result, meth addiction can lead to different psychosocial signs, including isolation and avoidance. 

Side Effects and Risks of Meth Addiction

As mentioned before, the side effects of meth addiction can vary in severity, which comes with many health risks. However, the exact severity and effects depend on the duration of abuse. Many may lessen after meth abuse ends, although some long-term effects can be permanent. 

Short-Term Effects of Meth Addiction

Meth affects the central nervous system and the brain, resulting in a variety of short-term effects.3

Some of these may include:

Long-Term Effects of Meth Addiction

Meth addiction can take a toll on both the mind and body over time. One of the most notable long-term effects is the decline in oral health. Repeated meth abuse can cause tooth decay, sores, and other dental problems. This condition is known as meth mouth. 

Meth Overdose and Withdrawal

A meth overdose is a serious medical concern that can lead to permanent damage or even death when not treated. However, meth withdrawal occurs during the detox phase of recovery. While both can be distressing for the mind and body and even share similar symptoms, they’re two different occurrences. 

Meth Overdose Symptoms

A meth overdose occurs when too much meth is introduced to the body. Some of the symptoms of a meth overdose can include:

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Meth withdrawal occurs when abuse of the substance ends, and the body begins to revert to its natural chemistry. Because meth abuse can cause euphoric feelings by elevating dopamine in the brain, withdrawal can result in a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

Meth withdrawal can be dangerous, as the psychological cravings can lead to binge use with an elevated risk for a meth overdose. 

Recovery from Meth Addiction

Although meth addiction can place a strain on personal and social life and pose a significant risk for one’s health, recovery is possible. 

Meth Addiction Recovery Rates

While meth addiction treatment is often successful, it’s not also a successful recovery immediately. One study found that up to 61 percent of those recovering from meth addiction experienced a relapse in their first year of recovery.4 

Recovery from meth addiction is not a linear path, and it can be a different journey for different people.   

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Meth Addiction?

Recovery can appear different for everyone. Generally, it can take several weeks to overcome withdrawal and recover from meth addiction. 

However, there is a different meth withdrawal timeline when considering mental health versus physical health. 

How Long Does It Take You To Recover Mentally From Meth Addiction?

It can take up to a year if not longer, to mentally recover from meth addiction. However, after the first year, relapse is rare, and many people, though they are still recovering from meth during this time, can return to their daily life. Psychological cravings can last for several weeks, and other symptoms, such as mood disturbances, can last for several months up to a year.

However, if meth addiction has led to drug-induced psychosis, these symptoms may never fully go away, and episodes can occur even after recovery.

How Long Does It Take You To Recover Physically From Meth Addiction?

Physical symptoms from meth addiction and withdrawal tend to end sooner than mental symptoms. As a result, it usually only takes a few days to weeks to recover physically. 

Treatment for Meth Addiction

Meth addiction can make it difficult to connect with friends and loved ones, and it can be detrimental to one’s mental and physical health. However, treatment is available. 

Meth Addiction Treatment Program San Diego CA

San Diego Detox offers a comprehensive meth addiction treatment program designed to incorporate a multifaceted approach to meet a variety of unique needs. Here, you’ll find some of the best meth addiction treatment options available. 

Medical Detox

Detox is necessary when recovering from substance use disorder or addiction. However, because detox coincides with withdrawal and thus intense psychological cravings, it’s important to undergo detox in a medical facility equipped to help prevent relapse. 

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapy helps foster a better understanding of the impact of thoughts on our actions. Several types of behavioral therapy that act as beneficial meth addiction treatments, including:

Get Help For Meth Addiction At San Diego Detox

Meth is a dangerous substance with a high risk for addiction and abuse. However, treatment San Diego Detox provides professional care and compassion as you begin your recovery journey. Under the guidance of one of their certified staff members, you’ll be able to partake in a variety of treatment options best suited to meet your unique needs as you work to restore balance in your life and recover from a gabapentin overdose or addiction. 

Learn More About San Diego Detox

Our team is standing by to discuss your situation and options. Your call is fully confidential, and no obligation is required.