Addiction and mental health therapy tailored to your needs
Our licensed therapists utilize evidence-based therapies to help you address the root causes of your addiction and move forward toward a healthier, sober life.
The beginning of your recovery is just a phone call away. Reach out to us today to verify your insurance and get started with a confidential assessment.
Payments
Change happens here
Embrace healing and recovery with our specialized dual diagnosis programs.
Meth Abuse, Addiction, and Treatment in North Carolina
Meth is a potent stimulant drug that causes increased energy, chattiness, heightened self-esteem, and more. Most people abuse meth to experience the positive side effects that they are aware of. However, it can also lead to adverse symptoms like paranoia, psychotic symptoms, and a host of adverse health effects.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 2.5 million people abused meth in the United States during 2021.[1]
When you abuse crystal meth repeatedly, your brain and body will begin to grow accustomed to its presence. In other words, you will develop an addiction over time.
Unfortunately, stimulant use disorders might be challenging to overcome. However, meth addiction treatment programs in North Carolina offer the tools and support you need to recover.
What are the Effects of Meth Abuse?
People who abuse meth might smoke it, snort it, swallow it, or inject it to experience a high. Any method of administration can lead to unappealing side effects and a long-lasting high.
The well-known symptoms of meth abuse include increased energy, decreased appetite, and a rush of euphoria. However, meth causes a wide range of adverse effects like rapid heart rate, palpitations, and more.
The standard short-term effects of meth abuse include:[2]
Decreased need for sleep
Increased attention and focus
Heightened energy and wakefulness
A rush of euphoria
Increased breathing rate
Rapid or irregular heart rate
Increased temperature
When you misuse meth long-term, there are some other side effects you might experience. The long-term effects of meth abuse include:[3]
Addiction
Psychosis (i.e., paranoia, hallucinations, and repetitive motor activity)
Changes in brain structure
Cognitive issues and motor skill deficits
distractibility
Memory loss
Aggressive or violent behavior
Mood disturbances
Severe dental issues
Extreme weight loss
Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction
When someone becomes addicted to meth, it will have drastic effects on their appearance, thoughts, and actions. Frequently, meth addiction leads to significant changes in a person’s personality. Knowing the signs of meth addiction can help you decide whether it’s time for professional help.
Physical Symptoms
Meth addiction can lead to changes in physical appearance as well as noticeable physical symptoms of being high.
The physical symptoms of meth addiction include:
Decline in personal hygiene
Having scabs and sores on the skin
Damage to teeth and gums
A lack of appetite that results in weight loss
Physical signs of not sleeping enough
Burns on the skin from lighting meth with a torch
Psychological Symptoms
Meth abuse can cause a person to exhibit apparent psychological symptoms, which may include:
Mood swings
Severe anxiety and paranoia
Insomnia
Aggressive or violent behavior
Symptoms of psychosis
Over time, meth addiction can cause long-term damage to a person’s mental health. Because of this, drug rehab programs offer clients extensive mental health treatment like individual therapy and group counseling.
Behavioral Symptoms
Meth can have significant impacts on how a person behaves. For example, when you are addicted to meth, it becomes your number one priority. As a result, you will do almost anything to obtain your next fix.
The behavioral symptoms of meth addiction include:
Having an unusual amount of energy and little need for sleep
Failing to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home
Engaging in frequent obsessive behaviors, like picking at the skin
Being secretive about activities or whereabouts
Trying to borrow or steal money to purchase meth
Having a hard time stopping meth use despite facing undesirable symptoms
Obtaining and using meth becomes more important than other obligations
Behaving in a paranoid manner, such as checking windows to look for cops who aren’t there
How is Meth Addiction Treated?
Meth addiction is a complex disease to struggle with, but recovery is possible. The first step in treating a meth addiction is attending medical detox. Medical detox provides medications to lessen withdrawal symptoms and prevent cravings. As a result, you will adjust to sobriety safely and comfortably.
After detox, you have the choice to attend inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, or a combination of both.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab requires you to live at the facility while you receive intensive care. Services include techniques like evidence-based therapies, relapse prevention planning, and more. Meth users are also assessed to determine if they have a family history of mental health conditions.
The most common therapy used to treat substance use disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Inpatient rehab might also use contingency management to help you recover.
Outpatient Rehab
On the other hand, outpatient treatment centers offer individual therapy and group counseling sessions a few times per week. Instead of living at the facility, you will live in the comfort of your own home.
Ongoing Support
After you complete inpatient and outpatient rehab, you might want to opt to live in a sober living housing program to help ease the transition into independent living. These homes offer you the ability to live with other recovering addicts, provide the structure and accountability necessary in early recovery, and offer support during tough times.
Find Meth Addiction Treatment in North Carolina
If you or a loved one struggles with meth addiction, Carolina Center for Recovery is here to help. We offer effective treatment options that are compassionate and evidence-based. Our treatment programs ensure you have the tools and support you need to achieve long-term recovery.
866-797-7962