REMY
Meth addiction has grown alongside the other drug epidemics in the United States. However, because fewer people suffer from meth addiction compared to other drugs such as alcohol or opioids, this fact has kept it out of the spotlight and has not received the same level of attention. Nevertheless, meth addiction is a highly destructive disease that takes its toll on individuals, families, and communities across the nation.
The Care Clinic recognizes the growing problem of meth addiction and offers comprehensive treatment programs to help individuals overcome this disease. We believe that this addiction is just as serious as any other and requires specialized systematic, evidence-based treatment to achieve lasting recovery.
Methamphetamine belongs to a category of drugs known as stimulants — a drug used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It increases activity in the central nervous system by altering brain chemistry and increasing dopamine levels. This rush of dopamine creates an intense feeling of pleasure and euphoria, making it highly addictive. As meth use increases, the body craves more of the drug to reach the same level of pleasure. This leads to a dangerous cycle of abuse and addiction.
Initially developed for medical purposes like weight loss and reduced fatigue, it’s illicitly produced, distributed, and abused because of its potent effects. It is available in multiple forms – powder, crystal “ice”, and pill form – making it easily accessible to everyone. The 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that an estimated 2.5 million people had used methamphetamine in the past 12 months, making it the second most commonly used illicit drug in the United States.
Meth’s addictive potential lies in its heightened potency compared to other amphetamines. Meth’s impact on the body is multifaceted: It suppresses appetite, increases wakefulness and physical activity, dilates pupils, raises body temperature, and increases heart rate and blood pressure. Meth also releases a dangerously high amount of dopamine — up to 10 times more than natural levels – leading to long-term changes in the brain’s reward system.
Classified as a Substance II drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), methamphetamine carries a high potential for addiction and abuse. But not everyone who uses meth will develop an addiction. Common signs such as decreased fatigue, nervous scratching, and irritability—don’t necessarily suggest an addiction.
Medical professionals use the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose meth addiction. This manual lists specific guidelines that indicate when a person has a meth use disorder. These guidelines may include:
Methamphetamine, with its significant potency, even in minimal doses, shares effects common to stimulants like cocaine and speed. The side effects of meth use span various dimensions of an individual’s well-being:
At The Care Clinic, we offer a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to methamphetamine addiction treatment. Our programs are designed to address the complex nature of meth addiction, employing a blend of evidence-based therapies and support systems to guide patients toward recovery and sustainable sobriety. Our treatment for meth addiction not only focuses on overcoming addiction but also on equipping individuals with tools for long-term change and well-being.
