ARC, West Los Angeles  California

Methamphetamine addiction is a complex and dangerous condition. Methamphetamine addiction can lead to stroke, heart failure and fatality. ARC is a leading drug treatment center in providing medical and clinical resources for securing methamphetamine addiction recovery. If you or someone you know is in need of treatment for methamphetamine addiction call 877 415 HOPE today. Our credentialed staff will answer any questions that you might have.

Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant drug primarily used illicitly for recreational purposes. Due to its powerful euphoric qualities it often is abused and continued use can lead to methamphetamine addiction. Aside from being an illicit drug it is also prescribed as a treatment for ADHD and Narcolepsy under the brand name Desoxyn. Despite their medical uses, prescribed amphetamines can still manifest the need for drug rehab.

History of Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine was first synthesized from ephedrine in 1893 by a Japanese chemist named Nagayoshi Nagai. In 1919, crystallized methamphetamine was synthesized by Akira Ogata via reduction of ephedrine using red phosphorus and iodine. At the time, Methamphetamine in all its various forms was utilized by Japanese soldiers during wartime as a way to increase their capacity to go without sleep and still maintain a high level of alertness. German soldiers soon followed suit and by the end of World War II, large stockpiles of methamphetamine derivatives became illicitly available through the dismantling of Japanese and German resources. Shortly thereafter, methamphetamine addiction began to show its interpersonal and social ramifications on both of the aforementioned post-wartime societies. In 1951, the Japanese government banned methamphetamine and almost immediately began to experience the effects of criminal activity associated with its illicit production, distribution and sale.

Around the same time, in the early 1950’s Americans were introduced to methamphetamine in various forms as a prescribed treatment for narcolepsy, Parkinson’s, depression, obesity and in the treatment of alcoholism. Almost overnight, methamphetamine addiction in the United States became a personal and social reality. Fatalities and strokes began to be attributed to its use, and the health care system began to experience strain from the personal, interrelational and criminal problems stemming from methamphetamine use and methamphetamine addiction.

To combat the growing problems resulting from methamphetamine addiction the U.S. government passed the Federal Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement Act in 1986, which indicated a social attempt to address the growing use of methamphetamine based designer drugs. In spite of this, its use expanded throughout the rural United States, especially in the Midwest and South through the development of illicit manufacturing labs, or meth labs.

Through the continued growth of illicit manufacturing operations, cases of methamphetamine addiction have skyrocketed based on its low acquisition costs and highly addictive euphoric effects. Methamphetamine is now available in many differing forms of purity that can be ingested, snorted, smoked or injected.

Methamphetamine Addiction Impacts the Brain

The basic chemical compound of methamphetamine acts directly on the brains reward system, making it extremely psychologically addicting. The process of consumption induces physical stimulation and a powerful sense of euphoria defined by feelings of increased alertness, exhilaration, and positive well-being. Methamphetamine addiction is often described to feel so good that it replaces all other human requirements, such as the need for food and sleep. The stimulant qualities of methamphetamine keep the user up often for days at a time which can result in a psychosis similar to that of schizophrenia. When physical stimulation goes for too long as a result of consuming methamphetamine it produces feelings of panic, paranoia, hallucinations and rage. Criminal acts are commonplace during this period, as judgment is severely restricted by lack of sleep and emotions are heightened by over stimulation.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal

Methamphetamine withdrawal is very psychologically challenging. This is because meth produces an initial pleasurable effect, followed by a rebound unpleasant effect. An amphetamine, through its stimulant effects, produces a positive feeling, but when it wears off it leaves a person with the opposite feelings. This is because of the suppression by the drug of the normal production of adrenaline. Meth consumption creates a chemical imbalance and the result is irritability that physically demands more of the drug to go back to normal “operation” and to feel good again. This pleasure - tension cycle often leads to loss of control over methamphetamines and introduces the afflicted and their loved ones to a full-blown addictive process.

Methamphetamine Addiction can also Lead to Withdrawal Symptoms of:

• Depression
• Weight loss
• Drug craving
• Erectile dysfunction
• Amphetamine psychosis

Other Side Effects of Methamphetamine Addiction or Chronic Methamphetamine Abuse can Include:

• Tooth-decay
• Kidney damage
• Paranoia, delusions, hallucinations
• Long-term cognitive impairment (Neurotoxicity)
• Formication (sensation of flesh crawling with bugs, with possible associated compulsive picking and infected sores)

Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction with ARC is Personalized

ARC focuses on creating personalized treatment plans designed to address the underlying issues that have contributed to methamphetamine addiction. Our comprehensive individualized treatment approaches include onsite medical detoxification services, addiction education and experiential therapy. A strong family program supports each clients loved ones as the effects of methamphetamine addiction are often most evident in the fractured hearts of those who love us.

ARC is unique in that it offers each client living arrangements of dignified appointment and private counseling rooms. Our singular treatment philosophy allows each client the opportunity to eliminate negative forms of self-expression, such as methamphetamine addiction, while nurturing and revitalizing their personal strengths. If you or someone you know needs help combating methamphetamine addiction call 877 415 HOPE and our credentialed staff will answer any further questions you might have.