Is meth physically addictive? When it comes to the most habit-forming substances, methamphetamine is near the top of the list. The highly addictive narcotic results in many devastating effects on physical and emotional health, even after just short-term use. The majority of people who develop a meth dependence will require high-quality addiction treatment programs to overcome this chronic and debilitating disease.
Is Meth Physically Addictive?
Hands down, the answer to the question, “Is meth physically addictive?” is “yes.” Methamphetamine interacts with and alters brain chemistry. Regardless of how users administer the drug, it inevitably finds its way into their bloodstream. The stimulant acts upon the body’s central nervous system and increases dopamine levels. The body and brain become hooked as the drug activates these “feel good” sensors, which ultimately leads to users becoming dependent upon the drug to function accordingly.
Meth dependency develops easily and rapidly. Quitting consumption, however, is a much more difficult task. Abruptly stopping will cause adverse effects as the body attempts to self-correct itself. When this happens, severe withdrawal symptoms begin to manifest.
Common meth withdrawal symptoms include:
- An intense, often uncontrollable urge to seek out and use the substance
- Insomnia
- Shaking and tremors
- Fevers, chills, and excessive sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hypertension
- Heart palpitations
- Respiratory damage and/or failure
Some of these withdrawal symptoms can be severe enough and to inspire relapse. For those wondering, “Is meth physically addictive?”, many people who struggle with meth addiction will relapse many times before embracing sobriety. Unfortunately, some people will suffer irreversible consequences— possibly even death—before seeking effective substance use treatment. For those suffering from meth addiction, it’s time to consider seeking professional treatment from a reputable and compassionate drug addiction center.
Professional Help for Meth Dependence
At Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon, our team of experienced physicians and therapists are ready and eager to help you or someone you love overcome addiction and prepare for a life of long-lasting sobriety. We treat various substance addictions, including meth, with flexible programs to accommodate a wide range of individuals and their needs.
Some aspects of our treatment program include:
- Extended care program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Outpatient care
- Aftercare
- Dual diagnosis
- Trauma Therapy
We also offer alternative therapies including white water rafting, skiing, and snowboarding.
Help is Available Now
Is meth physically addictive? If you already know the answer, don’t wait until your addiction spirals further out of control. Crestview Recovery helps individuals regain control and independence, preparing them for a new, productive life.
Psychological Side Effects of Meth
Meth use and addiction are also associated with a broad range of psychological side effects leading to dual diagnosis along with other mental health issues, including psychosis, delusions, and hallucinations. The mental health experts at Crestview can help identify the signs and symptoms of meth use and addiction and help you or your loved one get on the road to recovery before irreversible damage occurs.
Most importantly, we offer professional support and compassionate supervision so our clients can rest, recover and rebuild for a lifetime of sobriety. After you have completed an inpatient program, we recommend finding a reputable Portland sober living center to continue your treatment and recovery.
Addiction Recovery Is Within Your Reach
Addiction is not the same for everyone. While your loved one may struggle with meth addiction, you may struggle with alcohol or heroin addiction. If you struggle with addiction, you need to get treatment. To that end, we offer a variety of treatment programs, including:
Start your recovery journey today. Call Crestview Recovery at 866.262.0531.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
