Meth Addiction & Abuse

Methamphetamine (also known as “meth”) is an addictive substance that gives a euphoric and intense high to those who use it. Sadly, prolonged methamphetamine use actually changes your brain chemistry, which can cause you to lose interest in other aspects of your life.

As addiction professionals, we have witnessed the pain that meth brings to individuals, families and entire communities. Many of the staff at our facility are in recovery ourselves, so we understand feeling hopeless and alone. However, the truth is that you are far from alone. Recovery has been possible for many people before you, and it is possible for you.

Why Is Meth So Addictive? 

Meth impacts your brain’s reward centers, causing your brain to release a tremendous amount of dopamine and serotonin. This is exponentially more of those substances than you receive from normal pleasurable activities like sex or eating. As you use meth more and more, your brain gets used to receiving exponentially high doses of dopamine and serotonin, and it becomes difficult to feel pleasure from anything except methamphetamine.

There are many dangers of methamphetamine abuse. With chronic use, meth use may cause damage to organs like the liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, skin and brain. An overdose of methamphetamine can even be fatal. Long-term methamphetamine abuse can affect the brain so much that it actually reduces cognitive capacity and leads to memory loss.

Meth Addiction Statistics

Methamphetamine addiction and overdose have increased in Washington state over the past decade. As of 2020, in Washington state alone:

• Meth caused 807 deaths among Washingtonians, which represents 10.5 deaths per 100,000 Washingtonians.
• Nearly 81% of meth overdose victims were white Washingtonians.
• Almost 70% of meth overdose victims were male Washingtonians.
• More than half of meth overdose deaths in Washington also involved opioids.
• Meth was involved in 63% of drug crime lab cases in Washington state.

Meth Addiction Symptoms

Meth addiction causes many physical and emotional symptoms. The physical effects can often be visible to family and friends. If you suffer from meth addiction, you may have symptoms like:

• Appetite loss
• Fast heart rate
• High blood pressure
• High temperature
• Enlarged pupils
• Problems sleeping
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Death
• Erratic behavior
• Violence
• Hallucinations
• Irritability
• Overexcitement
• Panic
• Psychosis

How Long Does Meth Stay In Your System? 

Although a meth high can persist for up to 16 hours, the drug can be found in your body for varying lengths of time depending on what is being tested:

• Blood: Meth can be found in the blood for up to 17 hours after a dose.
• Urine: Meth can show up in the urine for up to 5 days after the last use.
• Hair: A half-inch hair sample can show the past 90 days of meth use.
• Saliva: Meth can show up in saliva for up to 2 days after the last use.

Meth Withdrawal and Detox

Once a meth high begins to wear off, a person will often experience comedown effects. A comedown is different from a withdrawal and is similar to a hangover from alcohol. The symptoms of a meth comedown can include excessive sleep for a few days, followed by exhaustion and cravings for more meth.

In contrast, methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms occur when a person is physically dependent on meth to feel normal and suddenly stops using the substance. They can last for three to four days and include:

• Agitation
• Depression
• Increased appetite
• Muscle aches
• Paranoia
• Disordered thoughts

Detox is the first step in meth addiction treatment. During meth detox, the body slowly rids itself of all the methamphetamine in its system, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Some people may find withdrawal symptoms so uncomfortable that they relapse back into using meth. A medical detox offers 24-hour support to make the experience as safe and comfortable as possible and prevent relapse.

Meth Addiction Treatment

Meth is known as one of the most difficult substances to quit because of the powerful physical dependence it causes. For this reason, finding help is especially important.

The Recovery Village Ridgefield may be the best place for you to undergo meth addiction treatment. We offer a full continuum of evidence-based care and personalized treatment plans, including medical detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab and aftercare for a long-term recovery.

Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington are both about 30 minutes away, and Seattle, Washington is only three hours away. Although our facility is convenient to these cities, our serene campus doesn’t have the distractions associated with urban life. Our campus is tucked away in the Cascade Mountains, offering a secluded and quiet place for you to begin your path to recovery. Patients at The Recovery Village Ridgefield also enjoy hotel-like accommodations and amenities.

We understand how hard it can be to take that first step to ask for help, but once you do, your life will change for the better. We are here to talk to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today to discuss meth addiction treatment, and begin your path to recovery.