Meth Addiction

For the finest in alcohol and drug rehab treatment, the professional's choice is Cirque Lodge, Sundance Utah. We offer specialized meth addiction treatment for those struggling with methamphetamine abuse. Personalized therapy is provided to treat the most specific of meth abuse problems. Call Cirque Lodge today 1-877-997-3422 for the finest in a private and effective addiction treatment program retreat.

Meth addiction is a fairly new epidemic that is just now showing the devastating effects it has on society. Until a few years ago, methamphetamine addiction was considered a regional problem. Methamphetamine addiction was primarily found in the west coast or southwest region of the United States. In the mid 1990s meth began to spread to the Midwestern communities and today is found anywhere in the country. Compared to other drugs like cocaine and heroin, methamphetamine is relatively inexpensive. Prices vary from region to region, with the cost on the East Coast being substantially more than on the West Coast. Anyone whose life has been affected by an addiction to meth knows the terrible and ravishing effect it has on people. We invite you to call the Cirque Lodge drug rehab program now about our Meth drug rehab program.

Causes of Meth Addiction

There are a number of reasons that a person may develop an addiction to meth. For a student or athlete it may start because of the initial heightened physical and mental performance. A blue collar service worker may use it to stay up and work extra shifts. Young women often become addicted in order to lose weight. Methamphetamines are becoming a staple drug at raves or in the bars and clubs.

Methamphetamine is classified as a stimulant, making it highly addictive, even more so than heroin. The use of methamphetamine creates a buildup of dopamine, which results in a feeling of euphoria. Because meth stays in the brain longer than other stimulants like cocaine, the effects of its addiction last longer. This is one reason it is believed that meth is more addictive than cocaine or heroin.

Signs of Meth Addiction

Some signs of a person with an addiction to meth, are rapid or incessant speech, anxiousness, irregular or racing heart beat, biting nails or picking flesh, insomnia for days at a time with a sudden and deep crash, dilated pupils, aggressive or violent behavior, disinterest in previously enjoyed activities, severe depression, weight loss, and deep dark circles under the eyes. People on stimulants such as methamphetamines are generally full of unfocused energy, able to stay awake for long periods of time with little ability to eat.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Addicts who try to stop using meth are often under the impression that there are little to no withdrawal symptoms. This is an inaccurate statement and addicts exhibit serious and potentially deadly withdrawal symptoms.

Some of the withdrawal symptoms of meth addiction include extreme depression, increased appetite, excessive drowsiness, shaking, sweating, and hyperventilation. The length of symptoms varies with the amount of damage done to the addict's body. One particularly disturbing effect of withdrawal from methamphetamine is the feeling of bleakness or feeling dirty. Often addicts report that they cannot stand their bodies or the way they feel. Depression is so severe during withdrawal that the risk of suicide among addicts is higher and much more frequent than those withdrawing from heroin, cocaine, or alcohol.

Long-Term Effects of Addiction to Meth

The long-term effects of methamphetamine abuse are still being researched. Meth users are at much higher risk for stroke and heart attack. On the street it is often mistakenly believed that one cannot overdose on methamphetamine. This is of course untrue because overdose is possible with any substance, although the overdoses due to methamphetamine use generally present themselves as strokes or heart attacks. Paranoia, hallucinations, and repetitive motor activities are some of the physical effects of addiction. Often the two worst or most noticeable physical effects are the horrible dental decay as well as the scabs that can develop due to formication. For more information on formication please visit our Meth Abuse page.

It is evident that along with the physical effects of meth abuse there are substantial changes in the brain and brain chemistry after its use. Meth affects the central nervous system along with the brain. This of course can cause paranoid or delusional thinking, cerebral edema, brain hemorrhage, and psychological damage. These effects to the brain can be long lasting and even permanent. Often the brains of former methamphetamine users showed similar patterns to that seen in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease. Scientists now hypothesize that the damage to the brain or dopamine system due to long-term methamphetamine use may lead to symptoms very similar to Parkinson's disease.

Unfortunately addicts often resort to criminal and dangerous behavior as a means of getting their drug. A study showed that most people in jail or prison on fraud charges were under the influence of methamphetamines or committed the fraud in order to obtain methamphetamines. Although it has been mentioned that methamphetamine is cheaper than other street drugs, prolonged use leads to dependence and tolerance development which causes the addict to use more in order to obtain the same "euphoric" high.

Meth Production and Clean Up Problems

Another problem today is that meth is relatively easy to make with generally inexpensive ingredients including over the counter medications. Regulations are now being put into place which will hopefully make it harder to produce. The ingredients of meth can be mixed and produced anywhere and are often made in the home of an addict or dealer. These homes or other production places are known as meth labs and are highly dangerous. The chemical mixtures not only create horrible explosions but take a long process to clean up in order for the area to be safe in again. A specially trained task force must come in and remove all furnishings, draperies, carpeting, wallpaper etc. These cannot be cleaned and must be disposed of by a licensed contractor. Ventilation must take place for days as well as a neutralization period. After the mess is cleaned all surfaces must be encapsulated or sealed preventing harm to anyone in the area in the future.

Cirque Lodge Meth Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one is suffering from a meth abuse it is advised to seek outside assistance in quitting. There are many dangers to those who develop an addiction to meth and much is yet to be learned about its horrors. At Cirque Lodge, a private retreat in the mountains of Sundance Utah, we believe a cognitive behavioral approach in groups and individual sessions, mixed with experiential therapies, twelve-step groups, and long-term aftercare can help those with methamphetamine addiction.

Prior to entering meth abuse treatment at Cirque Lodge, we complete a comprehensive pre-intake assessment. This evaluation helps us develop an individualized meth addiction program. Each resident has a unique set of circumstance, background and use history. Because of this, the treatment program must be tailored to each resident's needs. It is only through this method that we can more effectively treat the resident's addictions.

Every third week we have families and loved ones come to Cirque Lodge for "family week". It is during this week that family members can participate in some of these group and individual sessions. One favorite part of the week is spent doing experiential therapies, including group challenges on our indoor ropes course and our famous equine therapy sessions. Families come away with a new understanding of the disease of addiction and how to help support their loved ones on their road to meth addiction recovery.

It has been shown through clinical research that the longer the length of stay, the more successful the meth addict can be. Cirque Lodge, located in the majestic mountains of Sundance Utah, provides an exclusive and effective 30 day Primary Care program for those with meth addiction, as well as an Extended Care program which can be clinically assessed to determine an effective length of stay for the client.

For more information offered on our private meth addiction, xanax addiction or drug abuse program, please see our Addiction Rehab page. For immediate assistance, please call Cirque Lodge at 1-877-997-3422.