Treating Methamphetamine Addiction near Atlanta

At Twin Lakes Recovery Center near Atlanta, Georgia, we work with clients who are struggling with all forms of addiction, including alcohol, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and many other drugs, including methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive stimulant drug. It creates a sensation of being high, along with intense bursts of energy and anxiety. It is similar to amphetamine, a drug prescribed to treat sleep disorders like narcolepsy and ADHD. Meth is dangerous for both its short- and long-term risks.

If you or a loved one are using meth, seek help right away. Our team at Twin Lakes can help you find your way back to sobriety and health. Our staff is specially trained to meet our clients where they are, and we offer evidence-based therapies and treatment, along with family programming, creative arts and physical recreation.

What is Meth?

The illegal production of methamphetamine, commonly known as just “meth” or “crystal meth,” is often done in homemade laboratories using various chemicals. The production process is dangerous and involves volatile chemicals, posing significant risks to those involved in the production of meth and innocent people in the surrounding environment.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies meth as a Schedule II stimulant, meaning that it is legal only with a nonrefillable prescription. However, meth is rarely prescribed, and prescriptions are in doses much lower than what people use when they take it illegally.

Meth usually comes as a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Meth can be distilled into crystal meth, which is a much more potent form of the drug. Crystal meth is made in homemade labs, and street names include ice, glass or speed.

How Does Methamphetamine Addiction Develop?

Methamphetamine is a pervasive and destructive drug that wreaks havoc on both individuals and families. It influences the central nervous system, leading to a sense of euphoria, increased energy, and a false sense of invincibility. These feelings are short-lived and come at a steep cost, as using meth can quickly spiral into addiction.

Methamphetamine addiction can quickly hijack the brain’s reward system, fostering a relentless cycle of cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behavior. Chronic use leads to severe physical and mental health problems, including weight loss, dental problems (“meth mouth”), anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. The drug’s impact on parts of the brain results in long-lasting changes, making recovery a complex and challenging process.

What are the Effects of Meth?

Methamphetamine can cause severe and long-lasting consequences. Seeking professional help is crucial for individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction to address both the physical and psychological effects of the substance.

Physical Effects:

Increased energy and alertness: Methamphetamine is a stimulant that can lead to a surge in energy and heightened alertness.
Decreased appetite: Users may experience a significant reduction in appetite, leading to malnutrition.
Insomnia: The stimulant properties of meth can result in difficulty sleeping.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Methamphetamine can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues and stroke.

Dental Problems:

Chronic meth use is associated with severe dental issues, often referred to as “meth mouth.” This includes tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Psychological Effects:

Anxiety and paranoia: Meth use can lead to heightened anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
Aggression: Some individuals may become more irritable and prone to aggressive behavior.
Mood swings: Methamphetamine use can result in mood swings and emotional instability.

Cognitive Effects:

Impaired judgment: Methamphetamine can impair decision-making abilities and lead to risky behavior.
Memory loss: Chronic use may contribute to memory loss and cognitive deficits.

Long-Term Health Consequences:

Addiction: Methamphetamine is highly addictive, and repeated use can lead to dependence.
Neurological damage: Long-term use may cause structural and functional changes in the brain, affecting cognitive function.

In addition to the physical effects of meth addiction, the social consequences are also profound, contributing to strained relationships, loss of employment, and criminal activities. The pervasive nature of this addiction requires a comprehensive approach, combining medical intervention, behavioral therapy, and community support, all of which can be found at Twin Lakes Recovery Center.

How is Meth Addiction Treated at Twin Lakes Recovery Center?

If you or a loved one has an addiction to meth, effective treatment in a safe environment is critical. Without proper treatment that encompasses the whole person, meth addiction often leads to serious health consequences or death.

Treatment for meth addiction at Twin Lakes includes:

Supervised detox
30-day residential treatment
Nutritional support
Psychiatric services, including medication management when appropriate
12-step meetings
Continuing Care and alumni services
Family programming
Ongoing outpatient therapy

Many people need months of therapy to recover from meth addiction. View this condition as a life-threatening disease. Keep in mind that many people with meth addiction benefit from early intervention. If your son or daughter, spouse, or other family member is struggling with meth use, even if dependence has not formed, immediate treatment can be helpful. Often, a person using meth is not likely to ask for help themselves, especially if their condition has progressed. That’s why it’s crucial that you express your concern and offer to help them find the support they need.

Twin Lakes proudly serves the greater Atlanta area in three locations: intensive outpatient care is offered in Gainesville and Athens, GA; detox and residential treatment services are provided in Monroe, GA. All locations are only an hour outside of downtown Atlanta. We treat addictions of all kinds at Twin Lakes, including meth addiction, alcoholism, and most other substance use problems.