Meth Addiction Rehab in Shreveport, LA

Methamphetamine, or meth, is one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs in the United States today. Roughly 1.2 million people in the United States use meth every year with many of them developing a meth addiction. Meth addiction is one of the most virulent and dangerous kinds of addiction, with many users overdosing on the substance in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms, also known as a "come down." Your body and mental health deteriorate rapidly while using this drug. Rehabilitation services should always be sought for a meth addiction due to the dangerous nature of withdrawal symptoms that can follow the cessation of use.

Drug Treatment Shreveport can help you find safe and effective treatment centers for those who suffer from meth addiction. Call (877) 804-1531 today for more information about rehabilitation from meth abuse or addiction.

Identifying and Understanding Methamphetamine and Addiction

Methamphetamine has many nicknames, usually referencing its appearance, such as ice, crystal, speed, and chalk, to name a few. Meth comes in two main forms: that of an odorless, crystalline white powder that dissolves easily in liquid and can be snorted, or the "crystal" variety, which comes in large chunks that are usually smoked.

Meth is a stimulant. It releases dopamine in the brain which induces a pleasurable, euphoric state that can last for several hours. Unfortunately, repeated meth use depletes the brain's source of dopamine so that users can no longer release the chemical without meth. Addicted meth users begin to seek the substance to feel "normal" again. The euphoric sensation is also accompanied by wakefulness, a decreased appetite, a faster heart rate and a heightened body temperature, which can prove deadly for people who have pre-existing conditions.

Physical Effects of Meth Use

The physical effects of meth are numerous and gruesome. Yellowed or missing teeth, bloodshot eyes, extreme weight loss, insomnia, skin sores, poor hygiene, and psychotic or violent outbursts are all common side effects of repeated meth use. Meth users sometimes experience vivid hallucinations even when not on the drug, such as the sensation of insects crawling under the skin which need to be scratched out.

Many meth abusers wind up homeless as they sacrifice money to obtain more of their drug and lose friends and family connections due to their increasingly unmanageable behavior. Depression and suicide are also common side effects of meth use. Pulling out this downward spiral without professional drug rehab help can be nearly impossible. Fortunately, rehabilitation is possible.

Meth Withdrawal

Meth withdrawal comes in two phases: the acute phase, which last from a week to ten days, and the protracted phase, which can last many weeks or months after that. During the acute phase, the patient suffers from intense cravings, irritability, mood swings, depression, and physical aches and pains. Once these are past, the protracted phase sets in, where the patient still sometimes suffers from depressive episodes and strong cravings, albeit at a more manageable level.

Most rehab programs treat the acute phase in-house through medical detoxification, requiring you to live at the facility where experts can help manage the more extreme parts of your withdrawal. During the protracted phase, you will be asked to check in regularly with therapists and physicians, and probably participate in group support sessions to make sure you don't fall back into bad habits.

The state of Louisiana is considered a high risk area for meth use, due to its combination of sparsely-populated rural areas where meth can be made and urban centers where it can be sold. Louisiana has also been targeted by Mexican drug lords who want to sell product in the United States. Fortunately, there are also many excellent rehab facilities in the state, such as the Center for Families and the New Day Rehabilitation in Shreveport. Overcoming meth addiction is a long struggle, but with professional help, it can be done.

Call Drug Treatment Shreveport at (877) 804-1531 to learn more.