Primary Care Continued Care Extended Care
Meth Abuse PDF Print E-mail

ARC, West Los Angeles  California

Meth abuse is a complex condition with grave personal and social consequences. ARC is committed to helping individuals and their loved ones recover from the ravages of methamphetamine related abuse issues. If you or someone you know is in need of treatment for meth abuse call 877 415 HOPE today. Our credentialed staff will answer any questions you might have.

Meth abuse is rising astronomically in the Unites States. According to NSDUH in 2003, 12.3 million Americans had tried methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime. This represents 5.2% of the population. Meth releases high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement. Over time, meth appears to cause reduced levels of dopamine which can result in symptoms like those of Parkinson’s disease, or other severe movement disorders.

Meth causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes. Other effects of meth include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anorexia. Its use can result in cardiovascular failure and death.

Forms of methamphetamine vary and some of the names commonly associated with methamphetamine are; crank, snow, chalk, speed, go-fast, amp, blue belly and white cross. Methamphetamine is often refined into purer forms such as; ice, crystal, glass or quartz.

Meth, in all its variations, has powerful physical effects that often lead to meth addiction. The road from abuse to addiction is short and its emotional impact on families and loved ones is as devastating as the substances toxic effects on the body.

Meth abusers usually start using the drug because of its stimulant qualities. It can be introduced as a means to enhance athletic performance or a way of coping with long work hours. People who have eating disorders will often abuse the drug because it acts as an appetite suppressant. Unfortunately suppliers of meth don’t disclose the dangerous side-effects and the difficulty people can have in getting off of it because of the intense cravings that begin to develop. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms of meth abuse can include depression, fatigue, anxiety and psychotic symptoms.

Treatment for Meth Abuse with ARC is Personalized and Effective

Because of the multitude of differing scenarios that initiate a problem with meth abuse each client of ARC receives the benefit of personalized treatment planning that takes into account their individual recovery needs.

The primary care program at ARC focuses on addressing the early recovery needs of meth abusers. We provide onsite medical detoxification and clinical support designed to meet the specific treatment needs of our clients who are abusing methamphetamine. Our experiential program and holistic routines help to combat the initial emotional and physiological challenges meth abusers face during the first stage of recovery. The environment we provide is dignified and therapeutic allowing our clients to engage in the process of personal healing. Our curriculum is extensive and exciting promoting enthusiasm for living it what can be a bleak and dreary perspective because of the depression associated with post-acute withdrawal. Meth has powerful craving cycles associated with the first year of recovery making long-term sustained abstinence harder to achieve than with most other drugs. To successfully combat this fact we focus on providing transitional treatment programs a network of aftercare resources that will support the trials and tribulations that arise as meth abusers embrace a lifestyle of recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with meth abuse call 877 415 HOPE. Our credentialed staff will provide the resources that you need and answer any questions you might have.