Methamphetamine increases the dopamine levels in the brain. This is the body’s feel-good chemical. However, abusing the drug leads to several side effects of meth. Here’s what you might expect.
Physical Side Effects of Meth Abuse
Consistent use of the drug can lead to impaired neurons in the brain. This is of particular importance because it affects dopamine production. Moreover, you never know what you get when you buy the drug. Pushers taint it with anything from caffeine to talc. Therefore, you may encounter unintended health problems. Next, there’s the dreaded meth mouth. Because the drug reduces saliva production, it gives you dry mouth. This, in turn, allows certain bacteria to flourish. Because you also lose good judgment, oral hygiene takes a backseat. Combined with dry mouth, it leads to a rapid onset of tooth decay, gingivitis, and similar oral health problems. Besides that, there’s memory loss. It gets worse over time. The more you use the drug, the more it affects your brain’s cognitive functions.
Behavioral Issues Arising Out of Abusing Meth
Violent behavior is one of the behavioral side effects of meth. Users may have a sudden mood swing that results in uncontrollable anger. You may lash out at others around you, which makes you a danger. That’s why meth addiction treatment center therapists often work with people whose loved ones gave an ultimatum to seek help. Some respond to this request with paranoia and psychosis. They may hallucinate and imagine that everyone’s out to get them. Others agree to seek help. For them, therapy at a rehab facility is the ideal solution.
Seeking Help at a Private Rehab Center
You don’t have to go to the local hospital to overcome addiction and the side effects of meth. Rather, check into a private facility where you live in a home-like setting for the duration of treatment. There, therapists evaluate your condition and customize a care protocol for your needs. Possible treatments include:
- Behavioral counseling that helps you deal with dysfunctional patterns and intense emotional upheaval
- Family counseling, which encourages loved ones to participate in your recovery efforts
- Psychotherapy that teaches you to manage anxiety and depression
- Mindfulness training as a tool for stress relief and intentional full-body relaxation
- Group therapy that encourages you to receive and give peer feedback while building self-esteem
Aftercare Rounds Out Long-Term Recovery Efforts
Visiting a dentist is essential when you deal with meth mouth. At the rehab facility, you develop a long-term recovery plan with a therapist. Making this dentist appointment is part of the plan. After you graduate from the program, the therapist follows up with you on that. Besides that, you might begin attending support group meetings for peer accountability. If you have underlying mental health problems, you receive care for them. This, too, is part of your recovery plan. Of course, before you can get there, you need to check into rehab first. Overcome the side effects of meth abuse today with the help of caring therapists at Promises. Call 844.875.5609 to enroll in the program.