Addiction to methamphetamine or any other drug has devastating consequences not only for the person suffering from the disease but also for the people around them.
If you’re someone who is concerned about a person’s use of meth, approaching someone suffering from addiction requires care and support. Although it’s a sensitive process, seeking help is the first step that can help someone achieve long-term recovery.
Understanding Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerful stimulant drug that’s highly addictive. Even a single use of meth can lead a person into addiction. When this happens, it’s going to be difficult to quit the drug.
A person who uses meth will feel intense euphoria and increased energy after taking it. These pleasurable effects entice a person to keep using the drug. However, prolonged meth use leads to severe consequences, as well as physical and psychological dependence.
What Are The Signs Of Meth Addiction?
Once a person is addicted to meth, they will start to show different signs and symptoms. Common indicators of methamphetamine addiction include:
- Rapid Weight Loss: Since the drug suppresses a person’s appetite, the lack of food and nutrition can lead to rapid weight loss and a bony appearance.
- Meth Mouth: “Meth Mouth” is a term that describes severe tooth decay, tooth loss, and other dental problems that result from meth use.
- Skin Sores and Scabs: A person addicted to meth often feel like bugs are crawling under their skin. They excessively scratch or pick their skin, resulting in sores and scabs.
- Erratic Behavior: People with substance use problems may start acting weird or suddenly participate in risky behavior and impulsive decisions.
- Hyperactivity: Meth makes a person overly excited and euphoric, and this can manifest as repeatedly engaging in certain activities because it scares them to be still.
- Hallucinations and Delusions: People addicted to the drug may start to hear or see things that aren’t even around.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: People with drug addiction may experience severe withdrawal symptoms once they stop using the drug.
Why Is Meth Use So Challenging To Overcome?
It’s challenging to overcome methamphetamine use because it directly impacts a person’s central nervous system. When a person abuses meth, they get a surge of dopamine in the brain. This makes them feel all the positive effects of the drug.
However, the positive effects of meth are short-lived, so users tend to take more of the drug to feel the same effects. This can create a cycle of dependence wherein it’s almost impossible to feel pleasure without meth.
As a result, a person will continuously look for meth as a source of pleasure. Even if they try to quit, the intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to stay sober.
The Effects Of Meth
Using meth results in several negative consequences. Long-term use can lead to heart problems because the drug causes blood vessels to constrict and spasm. Users who smoke crystal meth may also suffer from respiratory complications.
Aside from the physical effects of meth, users may experience mental and social consequences. For example, meth addiction can take a toll on a person’s relationships and finances.
Recognizing The Need For Help
Recognizing when a person needs help is imperative so that they can receive the right support. Addiction is a chronic disease, and the earlier someone can get help, the better the outcome.
How Can You Tell If Someone Needs Help?
A person may need help for meth abuse if they show the signs of addiction mentioned in the earlier section. These signs shouldn’t be overlooked since they can worsen over time. Changes in a person’s behavior, physical appearance, and social circles may point to an addiction.
What Should You Do If You Suspect A Loved One Is Addicted?
If you think someone is suffering from a substance use disorder like meth addiction, it’s best to gather important information. Talk about your concerns with other close family or friends to discuss your observations.
You may also want to contact a treatment center to help. Discussing the loved one’s behavior can help confirm whether or not they’re battling with addiction.
If having a conversation is not possible, then another option is to stage an intervention. Ideally, an intervention should happen when a person is in a sober and calm state. Proper time and planning also help ensure the intervention’s success.
Why Is Early Intervention Important?
Early intervention is important because it prevents any consequences from worsening. It also increases their chance of recovery. Substance abuse has long-term consequences on a person’s health, and not immediately stopping drug use can be life-threatening.
Approaching The Subject With Care
A careful approach is paramount when approaching someone struggling with meth addiction. It’s not easy to handle this problem, but the proper line of action can increase the chances of success.
What Is The Best Way To Talk About Meth Addiction?
Proper communication is the best way to talk about meth addiction. Choose a calm and private setting when approaching someone about this subject. It can be embarrassing for many, and confronting them in front of others can do more harm than good.
When talking about meth addiction, do not accuse someone of having the problem. Rather, talk about what you’ve noticed in the past few months or days, such as their change in behavior. Tell them about your concerns and how you’re worried about how their actions may affect them.
How To Create A Safe Space for Conversation
Creating a safe space allows all parties to better their thoughts and feelings about the subject. Always remember to have a two-way dialogue with the person you’re talking to.
If you’re the one doing all the talking, the other party may feel like they’re being lectured or judged. This doesn’t give them the proper space where they can feel like they can openly express themselves.
What To Avoid Saying or Doing
When talking to a loved one about your concerns with their addiction, avoid doing the following:
- Blaming them for their addiction and making them feel guilty
- Lecturing them about what they should and shouldn’t do
- Being too pessimistic about the situation
- Arguing as a way to get your point across
- Giving ultimatums, such as telling them that you’ll leave if they don’t stop using drugs
Providing Emotional Support
People struggling with substance abuse need all the emotional support they can have. This is a tough time for them, and your support can go a long way.
How To Offer Emotional Support Without Enabling
While it’s important not to give ultimatums, you should know to set healthy boundaries. Don’t let a loved one struggling with substance abuse walk all over you. Communicate your expectations and tell them that you won’t tolerate behavior that encourages addiction.
In line with this, you must also not participate in behavior that will lead someone to use meth even further. Giving them money or excusing their negative actions are some ways you might be enabling their behavior.
What Resources Are Available To Family And Friends?
Family and friends can seek help from professionals who provide addiction treatment. Support groups like Nar-Anon also provide a sense of community among people going through the same challenge.
In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has different articles and resources on its website. They also have a hotline where you can ask general questions about mental and substance use disorders.
How Can You Help Someone Stay Motivated To Seek Help?
To help someone stay motivated to seek help, it’s best to be patient and understanding. Recovery isn’t linear, and setbacks are inevitable.
Giving them constant support will constantly remind your loved one that someone is willing to help them get through the tough times. Try not to criticize them for relapses and offer encouragement by reminding them of the reasons why they want to recover.
Encouraging Professional Help
When a person is struggling with substance abuse, professional help is one of the best ways to get them back on their feet.
What Types Of Treatment Options Are Available For Meth Addiction?
Treatment providers usually use a combination of the following for meth addiction:
- Detox: Detox is the process of eliminating meth from your body. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when you quit the drug, and a medically supervised detox ensures a safe process.
- Rehab: Rehab is when you stay at a facility to receive the proper addiction treatment. Depending on your needs and the severity of addiction, it can be inpatient or outpatient treatment.
- Therapy: Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are used in addiction treatment programs to help create healthy coping mechanisms.
- Medication: Some treatment facilities incorporate the use of medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and addiction.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Trying to stop meth use can result in withdrawal symptoms. As the body gets used to the drug, quitting can cause physical and psychological discomfort. The severity of withdrawal symptoms may vary, but they usually include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia
- Tremors and shaking
- Nausea and vomiting
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Agitation
- Delusions
- Intense cravings for meth
Help In Finding A Meth Addiction Treatment Program
When finding a treatment program for substance abuse, it’s important to consider the type of treatment. Many people may benefit from specialized programs where the treatment plan is personalized to their needs.
Since recovery looks different for everyone, a personalized treatment plan can ensure they receive the most effective care for their situation.
What Role Does Aftercare Play In Recovery?
Aftercare is a critical part of recovery since it helps ensure a person maintains sobriety. Many treatment centers connect you to an aftercare program once you leave. This may include secondary homes, ongoing therapy, and support groups.
Leaving rehab can expose people to triggers that lead to meth use again. But with proper aftercare, it will be easier to reintegrate back into daily life without resorting to meth. It provides ongoing support, accountability, and resources to help prevent relapse.
Understanding The Recovery Process
If there’s one thing you need to remember about the recovery process is that it’s not linear. While the best situation is that a person achieves lifelong sobriety, that won’t be the case for everyone.
The recovery process will vary, and understanding this can help you give your loved one the proper support.
What To Expect During the Recovery Process
During detox, your loved one may have a difficult time since their body is just getting used to the drug’s absence from the body. At around 10-14 days after their last meth use, their body will have intense cravings for the drug. They may become aggressive or feel very depressed because of this.
After detox, other therapies begin. Psychological therapies and physical healing are a big part of recovery from addiction. These therapies will help your loved one understand the triggers of meth use and learn how to cope with them.
Ways You Can Support Someone On Their Recovery Journey
Going through recovery is never easy, and giving you support can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some ways to do so:
- Express your support: Telling someone you care for them and are supporting them along the way can boost a person’s well-being.
- Be patient: Remind yourself that there may be setbacks so being patient about someone’s progress is important.
- Suggest healthy hobbies: If a person is struggling to maintain sobriety, suggest healthy hobbies you can do together. This will help them cope with stress and boredom that may result in relapse.
- Understand the process: Learning about what to expect during recovery can also help you discover new ways how to properly support your loved one.
Recognize The Signs of Relapse And How To Help
Relapse happens to a lot of people in recovery. However, recognizing the early signs of relapse can prevent a full return to addiction. Signs of relapse include:
- Withdrawing from social support systems such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings and therapy
- Neglecting self-care, such as not showering, sleeping, and eating properly
- Being defensive about their behavior and struggles with recovery
- Having strong cravings for meth, using this to justify occasional use
- Feeling an internal conflict between wanting to stay sober and giving in to using the drug again
When these signs start to manifest, here’s how you can help:
- Encourage them to find help again, whether it’s going back to NA meetings or seeking therapy
- Ask them how they’re feeling about recovery and listen to them without judgment
- Suggest healthy activities or even join them in trying new drug-free hobbies
- Be compassionate in providing support, but be firm in telling them that you won’t tolerate any behavior that fuels drug use again
If relapse does happen, it’s best to act quickly. Try to contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They will know how to properly intervene and give the right support to anyone going through relapse.
Self-Care For Supporters
Supporting someone going through drug addiction can be draining and can take a toll on your health. As such, you should still learn how to take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being.
Why Is Self-Care Important When Helping Someone Addicted To Meth?
Taking care of yourself is important for several reasons. When you practice self-care, you’re able to be more resilient despite the situation.
Since drug abuse is a complex issue, self-care can mitigate the mental strain and emotional exhaustion that comes with it. It helps you regain energy that allows you to provide continued support for your loved one.
In addition, self-care is important in a situation like this because it helps avoid resentment. Resentment can build up when you’re constantly providing support for someone without saving some for yourself.
Through self-care, you’ll be better equipped to manage stress so that you can continue to stay emotionally present.
Remain Hopeful When Helping Someone With Meth Addiction
It can get overwhelming to support a loved one through this difficult time. Remaining hopeful can help you believe in the possibility of recovery and remind yourself that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
To remain hopeful when helping someone with addiction, remind yourself why you’re doing it in the first place. Focus on the positive changes you’ve seen in your loved one and acknowledge their progress. Celebrate their successes and be grateful as well.
An optimistic but realistic outlook can help you stay grounded in reality. It’s also okay to take break times at times. Sometimes, this time away can help provide clarity and patience that can help you keep going.
Where You Can Get Help
Getting help once you feel your loved one is struggling with meth addiction is crucial. There are plenty of ways you can get help,
At Luxe Recovery, we offer support for people who want their loved ones to get better. Our team of professionals offers different therapies to guarantee a holistic and effective recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help.
FAQs
How long does meth withdrawal take?
Withdrawal can take anywhere between a few days to a few weeks. Factors such as the length of use and frequency of taking the drug can affect how long it takes to safely withdraw from the substance.
What are positive reinforcements for recovering addicts?
Celebrating milestones, giving verbal praise and encouragement, and spending more meaningful time with your loved ones are some of the many ways you can provide positive reinforcement for them while they’re in recovery.
What causes the addiction cycle?
Changes in the brain chemistry are responsible for addiction. As your brain adapts to the repeated use of a substance, it can lead to changes in the reward system and stress response.
