Anyone who is addicted to meth should seek therapy as soon as feasible. Chronic meth usage can cause long-term effects on the brain and body. When somebody with a serious meth addiction quits, they may endure intense withdrawal symptoms like depression.
This guide by experts from Skyward Treatment Center, the best drug and alcohol rehab in Houston, entails more information regarding stages of meth addiction and treatment options in Houston, TX. Keep in mind that recovering and sustaining lifelong sobriety can be tough, but it is doable, especially with expert assistance and a solid support network. Contact us for more information regarding our Houston meth addiction treatment program.
Before we delve into the stages of meth addiction, let’s first get to understand what causes meth addiction.
Causes of Meth Addiction
Certain factors, such as easy access to methamphetamine, may increase the chance of developing a meth addiction. Essentially, some of the factors contributing to meth addiction include genetics, mental disorders, peer pressure, current drug consumption, environment, etc.
Stages of Methamphetamine Addiction
It is crucial to remember that while meth use can have major health repercussions, not all substance usage is addictive. Similar to the addiction cycle, these stages might blur into one another. These stages are broad guidelines for understanding and recognizing how substance use disorders develop, so it is important to remember that your loved one may not fit perfectly into any one category. Most people undergo these different stages before developing a moderate or severe meth addiction. These stages of meth addiction include:
Stage 1# Experimental Use
Many first-time users try meth because they have heard about the tremendously gratifying effects it can cause. They fail to recognize that brain damage can occur even with a single use and that people genetically predisposed to addiction can develop a powerful connection in the brain with just one usage. Experimental usage is not habitual, and it may occur once or more times before ceasing. It is not an addiction.
Stage 2# Social or Recreational Use
Social pressure from peers can contribute to poor decision-making since peer pressure is difficult to resist. This can be really harmful. Unfortunately, you are unaware of how quickly you might progress from using only once or twice to using more frequently during the month and, finally, the week. You need more to achieve the same effect. What may begin as an infrequent event becomes more common over time, and adverse effects begin to emerge.
Stage 3# Abuse (Mild Methamphetamine Use Disorder)
As you continue to use the substance to retain the effects it delivers or to feel normal, your desire for it becomes so strong that it disrupts your regular life. Your body has ceased maintaining your serotonin and dopamine at levels that would occur naturally in the absence of the drug, and you become preoccupied with finding, using, or recovering from the drug’s effects. Brain impairment is becoming more significant, and a lack of impulse control can result in perilous situations. Additionally, negative repercussions are beginning to manifest more frequently.
Stage 4# Addiction (Moderate to Severe Methamphetamine Use Disorder)
Addiction is the final phase. This mental health issue causes the person to continue consuming despite the negative consequences. Their existence becomes an endless pursuit of methamphetamine. Others take the substance to minimize withdrawal symptoms or feel normal. Anxiety, depression, and psychosis are some of the mental health concerns that may start manifesting.
Meth Addiction Treatment Programs: What to Expect
Meth addiction therapy, like most other forms of addiction treatment programs, is divided into two categories: inpatient and outpatient.
Inpatient or residential treatment programs are held at facilities that offer patients housing as well as 24-hour care and support. This alternative is more appealing to patients with serious meth addictions or co-occurring mental health difficulties, as well as those with unique medical concerns, including prior relapses or pregnancies.
Outpatient programs allow patients to stay at home during the program’s duration. Patients are expected to make regular visits to the treatment center. This approach is best for persons who have mild addictions, have a good home support system, are unable to leave their school or employment or have a strong desire to quit.
Whatever regimen you choose, it will all begin with a detoxification process. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may also be required for persons suffering from severe addiction to minimize discomfort from withdrawal symptoms and manage cravings.
Seek Compassionate Meth Addiction Treatment from Skyward Treatment Center, The Best Rehab in Houston, TX.
Are you or anyone you know battling with methamphetamine addiction? You probably followed the above-highlighted stages of meth addiction. You don’t have to wait for a breaking point or progress to the later stages. Seek help today! Nobody said that meth addiction recovery would be easy. However, Skyward Treatment Center offers the help and guidance necessary to overcome meth addiction. Contact us today and watch your life transform!
