Before the opioid epidemic, medical communities and the media focused on the huge numbers of people becoming addicted to methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or meth. Meth is an extremely dangerous drug because it causes intense paranoia and other mental and emotional disturbances within hours after taking the drug. Most people high on meth remain awake for many days. However, they enjoy the high because of the rush of energy that makes them productive, and they feel invincible. Methamphetamine releases massive amounts of dopamine and causes a boost in energy and makes someone feel good. 
What Does Methamphetamine Do to Someone?
Methamphetamine is a lab-created stimulant type of drug. Methamphetamine increases the heart rate and stimulates the central nervous system to release norepinephrine, which is why people who use it are hyper and alert. Methamphetamine is very addictive and notorious for causing drastic weight loss and making a person violent. Most people who are addicted to meth will develop a psychiatric disorder. Someone on meth will have visual and auditory hallucinations and become paranoid.
Where Do Methamphetamines Come From?
Since methamphetamine is a man-made drug and illegal, the larger amounts are mainly produced by drug cartels in underground labs. Small batches of meth are also made by small-time criminals throughout the United States, mainly in California, Nevada, and Arizona. Addicts and dealers create meth by breaking down certain over-the-counter sinus medicines. Methamphetamine must be synthesized from ephedrine, the main ingredient in many cold/ sinus medications. Therefore, pharmacies no longer allow over-the-counter drugs that contain pseudoephedrine to be sold without a valid I.D. The Mexican cartel is responsible for most of the methamphetamine that is sold in the United States.
What Do the Officials Say About Methamphetamine?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has identified methamphetamine manufacturing mainly in Mexico. In addition, they note how creating meth is relatively easy to complete.
Currently, most methamphetamine in the United States is produced by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in Mexico. This methamphetamine is highly pure, potent, and low in price. The drug can be easily made in small clandestine laboratories, with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients such as pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in cold medications. (NIDA)
How to Help Someone on Meth?
Since meth causes paranoia and hallucinations, it is vital to approach someone gently. They will likely not trust you and feel afraid. It is also critical that they understand that they are not being forced to do anything. Methamphetamine causes agitation and violence. Having compassion and extending the olive branch to help them when they are ready to quit is often the best plan. Evoke Wellness provides counselor-led interventions that can be effective to help someone accept that they need help.
What Treatment is Best for Methamphetamine Addiction?
The treatment programs that we offer for methamphetamine use and addiction rely on evidence-based forms of therapy. These types of therapy and treatment methods help the meth addict regulate and understand their emotions and behavior. The most well-renowned types of evidence-based treatment for methamphetamine addiction include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
Evidence-based types of behavioral therapy are proven to help meth addicts overcome their addiction and improve their emotional and mental health.
Evoke Wellness Provides Personalized Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction
Our patients who come to us for meth addiction are assessed by our cross-disciplinary medical staff, the psychiatric team, and behavioral therapists. We design personalized treatment plans that are tailored to meet their unique needs. Meth addicts also need a lot of in-depth counseling and therapy as the effects of this addiction do cause mental and emotional health disorders. We provide same-day admission to our programs.
Call Us to Get Through the Door of Freedom from Meth Today
Don’t let meth ruin your life for good. We have seen thousands of people strung out and exhausted from their addiction to meth that find relief in therapy. There is freedom in recovery that will serve you better than meth ever could. Call now to get admitted by tomorrow and chat or email for more help. Evoke Wellness is always here to help with any addictions you might have, whether it is from alcohol or meth. We offer evidence-based treatment programs and solution-focused medical detox. All while in a healthy and safe environment. It is time you get on the road to recovery and let us help you achieve it.
