Meth addiction and abuse have had a profound effect on people in Washington State. Many people may not realize that meth affects people from all walks of life every day in Washington State and across the country. Unfortunately, because meth is inexpensive and relatively easy to get, it remains popular. The most successful way to stop using the highly addictive stimulant is a meth addiction treatment program.
Northpoint Seattle provides people across the city with comprehensive integrative treatment for meth addiction and co-occurring disorders. Call us now at 888.483.6031 to learn more about our Seattle meth addiction treatment programs. Don’t wait; get started with one of our substance abuse treatment programs today!
What Is Meth?
Popularized on television by Breaking Bad, meth, or methamphetamine, is a stimulant drug often made in home labs. There are legal forms of meth, like the low dose amphetamine drug Adderall, prescribed to enhance focus for people with ADHD.
Because meth is a street drug, it can be impossible to know what’s in it. This can make taking meth highly dangerous. Makers may add harmful fillers, binders, or other drugs that increase potency and make meth more addictive.
The popular stimulant is snorted, smoked, or injected. Crystal meth is even more potent than meth in concentrated, crystallized form. Unfortunately, meth is so addictive people can develop dependence or overdose after one use.
Short-Term Side Effects of Meth
In addition to getting high and feeling euphoric, a meth user will experience several other side effects almost immediately. Meth enters the bloodstream quickly, causing an intense high that can include:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Disorganized thoughts
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Head pain
- Insomnia
- Seizures
Because meth is a stimulant, it speeds up messages from the brain to the nervous system. This can cause vitals to spike and people who already suffer from anxiety or bipolar disorder to experience more intense symptoms.
Long-Term Side Effects of Meth Use
Over time, methamphetamine abuse and addiction can have severe, negative consequences on the body and brain. Some of the long-term side effects of meth use include:
- Heart damage
- Brain damage
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Lung damage
- High blood pressure
- Holes in the nasal passage
- Tooth rot
- Tooth loss
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- Increased risk of epilepsy
- Increased risk of stroke
- Permanent abscesses or scars
Long-term side effects can take years to recover from and are often permanent. The longer someone uses meth, these side effects will likely occur. Those who inject meth are also at a higher risk for blood-borne diseases like hepatitis and HIV. Injections can also cause veins to collapse, causing permanent damage. Finding the right treatment program and support systems can prevent these and other meth side effects.
Start Meth Addiction Treatment in Seattle, Washington Today
Meth can be detrimental whether someone uses it only a few times or develops an addiction. The safest and most effective way to treat meth use is through a treatment program. At Northpoint Seattle, we understand the effects of methamphetamine on our local and statewide communities. We believe in comprehensive integrative approaches to meth addiction recovery. With a range of therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and group counseling programs, we help clients get to the root of meth addiction. More often than not, meth addiction can be connected to co-occurring mental health disorders. That’s why we believe in dual diagnosis treatment.
Call Northpoint Seattle Now to Get Started with Meth Addiction Treatment
At Northpoint Seattle, we know how devastating meth addiction can be. It usually does not take very long before it starts taking over people’s lives. They often feel they have no choice but to keep using it. We want them to know that there are other options and that help is available for them to quit. Don’t wait. Call us now at 888.483.6031 to find the right meth addiction treatment program for you at Northpoint Seattle.