Meth Addiction Treatment in California
The use of meth is on the rise, so knowing the risks and treatment options is more critical than ever. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that in 2022, over two million individuals ages 12 and older used methamphetamine annually, and about 500 individuals tried meth for the first time each day.
While meth addiction statistics in the United States have remained relatively stable in recent years, the use of these synthetically manufactured drugs continues to pose a problem. In some areas of the United States, meth use is even more dangerous than opioid abuse and contributes to violent crime more than other drugs. Apart from the risks associated with producing and consuming meth, the process of withdrawal can be excruciatingly painful and extremely challenging.
If you’re ready to break free from meth addiction, you’ll find support at Laguna Shores’ meth addiction treatment center in Dana Point, California, located in Orange County. Our dedicated and empathetic staff are trained to address and combat the effects and hazards of crystal meth use specifically. However, we also handle cases involving other forms of methamphetamine use.
Individuals consume meth in different ways, including swallowing it as a pill, smoking, injecting it intravenously, or snorting it. Depending on its chemical structure, it can appear as small crystals or a bitter, pink, or beige powder.
Why is Meth Dangerous?
At Laguna Shores Recovery, we offer addiction treatment programs and addiction-focused therapy while also addressing underlying risk factors such as mental illness. Our addiction treatment programs feature customized, evidence-based, and holistic treatments that help individuals recover from drug abuse and take back control of their lives.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction
It is important to recognize that drug addiction not only affects the individual but also has a profound impact on their family. In addition to the physical effects of meth use, those struggling with addiction may exhibit behavior that is unimaginable to their loved ones. Their focus becomes solely on the next high, often leading them to take drastic measures. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for individuals battling meth addiction to prioritize drugs over financial responsibilities or parental duties.
After first taking meth regardless of the reason why, an individual can become addicted very quickly. Signs that you or a loved one may be struggling with meth addiction may include:
- Increased anxiety and/or depression
- Insomnia
- Extreme weight loss
- Hyperactivity
- Irritability or mood swings
- Extreme fatigue
- Paranoia and/or psychosis
- Increased aggression
- Poor personal hygiene, particularly in the teeth
- Changes in behavior and mood irregularities
- Intense drug cravings when not using
- Itching sensations
- Inability to resist the use of meth, despite harm being done to the body and relationships
- Feelings of exhilaration
- Poor decision-making, including risky or unsafe behaviors
- Excessive confidence
- Increased alertness
- Restlessness
- Rapid or rambling speech
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
- Raised body temperature
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feelings of depression as the high wears off
- Hallucinations or delusions
Recognizing the signs of drug and alcohol addiction is imperative to overcoming this disease. Without treatment, the cycle of addiction is deadly. It can wreak havoc on all aspects of a person’s life, including physical, psychological, social, and financial.
Risk Factors for Meth Addiction
- Genetics
- Environment
- History of substance use
- Underlying mental health issues
Due to the rapid onset and decline of the drug’s effects, individuals often engage in a cycle of bingeing and crashing. Some may even go on extended binges, consuming meth every few hours for days on end without eating or sleeping.
Meth is frequently perceived as a more affordable option compared to other drugs. The consumption of addictive substances poses a threat to brain and organ health. Meth in particular can cause severe and lasting damage to brain function, resulting in issues with memory, learning, and information retention. Research indicates that long-term meth use can also lead to emotional disturbances and difficulties in performing physical tasks. Individuals may resort to more frequent dosing, higher quantities, or altering their administration methods to maintain the same level of euphoria.
Long-Term Effects of Meth Abuse
- Physical dependency that leads to addiction
- High blood pressure or heart damage, which can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or death
- Damage to other vital organs, such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys
- Changes in the brain’s dopamine system impair verbal learning and coordination
- Changes in the brain structure, such as impaired emotional and cognitive functioning
- Confusion
- Trouble with decision-making
- Learning difficulties
- Memory problems
- Symptoms of psychosis, including mood disturbances, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, or violent behavior
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulties with emotional regulation
- Severe itching (often due to a sensation of feeling bugs, known as “meth mites”), which can lead to open sores on the skin
- Severe dental issues, known as meth mouth
- Premature osteoporosis
- Extreme weight loss
- Insomnia
- Increased risk of infections like HIV and hepatitis, due to practices such as sharing needles
Even with appropriate treatment for methamphetamine addiction, many of the long-term effects of meth addiction take time to heal (if they do at all).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2023. Mixing meth with other substances, particularly synthetic opioids like fentanyl, increases the risk of overdose.
Why Seek Treatment for Meth Addiction?
If you have not reached this point, it is crucial to seek help before it is too late. When you are prepared to take back control of your life from drug addiction, it is essential to address more than just physical dependence.
Treatment Options for Meth Addiction
Treatment and recovery from meth addiction begin with medical detox under medical supervision. Here, withdrawal symptoms can be managed and made as comfortable as possible before treatment. Many individuals enter residential treatment after medically supervised detox or outpatient treatment, depending on the severity of a person’s circumstance and their unique needs.
Inpatient treatment is a suitable choice for individuals with severe substance use disorders, those who have a history of addiction for an extended period, or those who have not been successful in maintaining recovery with outpatient care. It can be very helpful to fully “step away” from daily life to concentrate on addressing personal addiction. However, a potential drawback is the possibility of encountering triggers and distractions during treatment without familiar sources of support.
Behavioral therapies that focus on addiction are some of the most effective tools in treating meth addiction. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals to recognize triggers for drug use and develop coping mechanisms to address them. CBT focuses on identifying problematic thought patterns that can develop into beliefs, which then turn into actions. It can help empower individuals against their addiction, an experience that can often cause people to become disempowered.
Individual therapy is conducted with trained clinicians and is designed to help individuals reach their goals. When it comes to addiction and mental disorders, different modalities can be employed to help the person explore their motivations behind seeking recovery and the root causes of their addiction.
Group therapy involves individuals with a common problem or condition being guided in a group setting by a therapist (or other trained professional). It’s an opportunity for them to learn from the professional, learn coping techniques, practice skills, and be supported by the community.
Aftercare Program
At Laguna Shores Recovery in Dana Point, CA, we take pride in providing ongoing care even after a person has completed treatment at our Orange County facility. Through our aftercare program, you can receive necessary assistance and encouragement as you transition from treatment back to “normal life.”
If you or a loved one is grappling with substance abuse issues or co-occurring disorders, it is crucial to seek professional help. Reach out to Laguna Shores to discover how our holistic recovery approach and serene environment can guide you toward a sustainable recovery.
Find Help for Meth Addiction at Laguna Shores Recovery in California
We understand that addiction recovery is a process, and long-term support is crucial for success. Our services cover all aspects of recovery, including physical, mental, and social well-being. Personalized treatment plans include therapeutic activities and the development of skills needed to live a happy, substance-free life.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with a meth or crystal meth addiction, contact our addiction treatment center today to start your path to recovery.
Matthew Beck B.A, M.A, LMFT 
