Meth Addiction in Grand Rapids 616-828-4790

Meth (methamphetamine) is a stimulant classified as a Schedule II drug. A Schedule II drug has a high risk for dependence and a potential for harmful effects and abuse. This drug has a potent, addictive effect, making meth addiction in Grand Rapids a serious problem. A person with a meth addiction needs treatment and recovery in a treatment facility.

Meth addiction in Grand Rapids is a growing problem as it is easy to make from common cold medications. This makes it cheaper as well, compared to other street drugs. Meth is made using other readily available and hazardous chemicals such as acetone, fertilizer, ether, red phosphorus, and lithium. Consuming these chemicals is risky and harmful to one's health. If you or someone you love is suffering from a meth addiction in Grand Rapids, call to find out about rehab facilities, 616-828-4790.

How It's Used

Smoking or injecting this drug delivers it quickly to the brain, producing immediate, intense euphoria. Repeated doses are needed to maintain the state of euphoric feelings as the individual passes quickly through what is called a "binge and crash" pattern.

Effects

Physical: Brief, intense sensations; crash after the euphoria.

Mental: Euphoria, paranoia, aggression, hostility.

Health: Insomnia, weight loss, rapid breathing, high blood pressure, heart disease, malnutrition, brain and other organ damage.

Meth abuse symptoms: Paranoia, violence, major weight loss, infections, loss of memory, physical collapse, liver damage, kidney damage, tooth loss, death.

Treatment Abuse / Addiction

The most effective treatments for methamphetamine addiction are cognitive-behavioral and contingency management interventions. Cognitive-behavioral therapies help the abuser recognize and stop harmful behavior. Contingency-management interventions reward an individual when they follow the rules or, if they don't, suffer consequences.

Withdrawal

The severity of withdrawal symptoms will vary depending on the level of use by an individual. Withdrawal symptoms can include: fatigue, depression, hunger, anxiety, paranoia, restlessness and suicidal thoughts. Most symptoms are not fatal. Long-term meth abuse or abuse with other drugs, may complicate withdrawal and possibly be fatal.

Statistics

A 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report states about 1.2 million people admit to using meth in the past year, and 440,000 in the past month. In 2012, there were 133,000 new users of methamphetamine. The average age of new methamphetamine users was 19.7 years of age in 2012.

In 2005, Congress passed the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act requiring pharmacies and other retailers keep records of purchases of products containing pseudoephedrine, a major ingredient in meth. The law limits the amount an individual can purchase each day.

Meth and Other Addictions

Meth addicts commonly have alcohol and secondary addictions. Alcohol is a common co-existing addiction as abusers use alcohol to balance or depress the effects of the drug stimulation. Secondary addictions occur when drug use causes manic energy levels.

When using alcohol and meth together, the illegal drug may mask the depressant effect of alcohol. This increases the risk of alcohol overdose. The effects of alcohol are not being felt so a person drinks more. Alcoholic poisoning may result as well as dangerously high blood pressure.

Getting Help

Treatment plans with detox, medications, counseling, and behavior modification therapies all play an integral part in a comprehensive treatment plan. Call Alcohol Drug Treatment Grand Rapids at 616-828-4790 for help finding the right rehab center.