Understanding the Impact of Meth Addiction on Young Adults

How Meth Addiction Affects Physical and Mental Health

Meth can take a serious physical toll on a person’s body. For example, “meth mouth” has become widely known as a symptom of meth abuse. This causes dental problems, including jaw pain, tooth loss, and facial changes. Those that use methamphetamine may also experience skin sores from excessive scratching. Severe weight loss and sleeping problems can also occur. All of this puts the user at severe risk of infections from both a suppressed immune system and open sores. 

Methamphetamine can also take a heavy toll on a user’s psyche. Those who use meth often experience symptoms such as paranoia, irritability, confusion, and memory problems. In a 2015 study, a connection may have been found between meth use and the development of Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition. 

How Meth Addiction Affects Behavioral Health

Methamphetamine is not just a substance use disorder that affects the body and mind; it can also affect one’s behavior. Abusing meth often results in the user becoming unpredictable. They may become easily annoyed, aggressive, or violent with seemingly no reason. This is especially true when the individual is undergoing withdrawal symptoms and is driven to seek more meth. While using methamphetamine, a person may show energetic, euphoric, or restless behavior, putting them in harm’s way when engaging in risky behaviors. Many people have gotten seriously injured or died when engaging in activities such as driving or swimming while intoxicated.

Methamphetamine use can also increase the risk of developing methamphetamine-associated psychosis. The symptoms of this condition can last from months to even years after a person has sought drug rehabilitation and recovered from meth. Such symptoms involve include hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. 

People addicted to meth may act in ways that go against their previous character in a desperate effort to obtain more meth. They may lie, steal, hide their condition, or even manipulate others to obtain the means to get more drugs. This behavior change is not only one of the most glaring signs of meth substance abuse but often results in legal troubles. These legal troubles are sometimes the wake-up call needed to seek drug rehabilitation.

What Does Meth Addiction Do to the Developing Brain?

Meth addiction is so dangerous because it interferes with the development of the brain. When teens and young adults abuse meth, it prevents the brain from functioning properly. It hijacks the reward and pleasure centers of the brain, leaving those who recovered from addiction with cravings that can persist for years. Even after drug rehabilitation and recovery, previous users may struggle with “brain fog” and reduced cognitive function. That’s why it’s essential to seek drug rehabilitation as soon as possible to mitigate permanent damage to the brain and body.

Signs You May Have an Addiction and Other Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

There are many signs and symptoms of substance abuse and addiction. These signs and symptoms can be applied not just to meth but to other addictive substances as well. The common signs and symptoms of addiction are:

• Spending much of your time getting, using, or recovering from substance use
• Trying to quit or cut down substance use without success
• Giving up once enjoyable activities due to substance use
• Using substances even when it causes problems in your life, such as causing or worsening physical or mental health problems
• Experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms 
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Using substances in risky situations
• Needing more substances than before to feel the same effects (tolerance)
• Using substances longer or more than planned 

The signs and symptoms of co-occurring mental health disorders associated with meth use are:

• Anxiety
• Paranoid thoughts
• Severe mood swings
• Troubles at school or with the law
• Depression
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Trouble concentrating
• Unexplained aggression, irritability, or restlessness

Experiencing any of these signs and symptoms denotes a serious condition that requires further treatment.

Finding Treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health

For premier and comprehensive meth addiction treatment in Texas, one doesn’t need to look further than Alpha Behavioral Health.

Comprehensive Assessment

Each individual is treated with respect and compassion, which allows them to interact with our numerous mental health care and addiction treatment specialists. By assessing each individual’s needs, we can create a personalized treatment plan. 

Personalized Treatment Plans

With a wide variety of evidence-based and holistic treatments, it’s easier than ever to receive a customized drug rehabilitation plan. No two plans are alike, allowing the individual to unlock their true potential and find the confidence within to recover from addiction. 

Why Our Treatment Works for Young Adults

For young adults seeking meth treatment in Austin, Alpha Behavioral Health provides an array of services designed to make their recovery journey as smooth as possible. With a combination of quality treatment and support, anyone can recover from substance abuse and addiction.

Professional Counseling and Individual Therapy

Individual counseling and therapy allow clients to receive the private and compassionate treatments needed to find healing. Conducted by licensed mental health care professionals, clients are able to speak with someone who truly understands what they are going through.

Incorporating Evidence-Based and Holistic Therapies

With a combination of traditional evidence-based and holistic therapies, clients gain the comprehensive treatment needed to recover in mind, body, and soul. Clients will encounter a range of therapies, such as psychotherapy, before proceeding to nutrition counseling and then wilderness therapy. It’s never boring when receiving treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health.

Peer Support

By interacting with fellow peers, clients at Alpha Behavioral Health find life-long companions who understand what they are going through. In a world where not many understand the nature of addiction, it’s helpful to have peers who provide support and accountability to keep you in recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

For those completing residential treatment or who have a less severe addiction, our intensive outpatient program (IOP) can be what is needed to continue or start your recovery journey. IOPs allow clients to receive quality addiction treatment while being able to continue with school or work. This program allows for optimal care while presenting very little disruption to normal life. 

Alpha Launch Program

The Alpha Launch Program is a case management and specialty service for teens and young adults in recovery. By providing those in recovery with continued care and support, individuals learn the skills needed to navigate the world successfully. 

Understanding the Root Cause of Addiction and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

There are many reasons why a young adult may develop an addiction and/or co-occurring mental health disorders. Some of these factors may be beyond an individual’s control. These can include:

• Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma as children
• Genetics and family history of mental health disorders, including addiction
• Living in high-stress and dangerous environments
• Peer pressure and the desire to fit in/be accepted
• Differences in brain structure
• Attempting to self-medicate or as a response to pain or trauma – this pain can be emotional, physical, and/or psychological

It’s important to remember that drug addiction and substance abuse are never the result of a person being “bad.” Addiction is not a moral failing or a deserved outcome. It’s often simply a response to pain.

Family Therapy and Education

Societies’ general understanding of addiction and substance abuse is lacking at best. Education and family therapy are the best ways to bridge the gap between those who are struggling and their loved ones. By fostering understanding, a family can better assist their loved ones on their recovery journey. Sometimes, this knowledge can prevent addiction entirely.

Developing Coping Mechanisms

Substance abuse is inherently a harmful coping mechanism. Part of drug rehabilitation is finding ways to cope with pain and stress without turning to substances. At Alpha Behavioral Health, our clients learn how to develop healthy and productive coping mechanisms as part of recovery. With enough practice, these healthy coping mechanisms become second nature.

Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Options at Alpha Behavioral Health

Those completing drug rehabilitation need to have the means of protecting their recovery. Methamphetamine addiction especially can impact a person long after treatment is completed. To assist our clients, we offer relapse prevention and transitional living services. These programs give our clients the tools they need to resist cravings and make healthy choices to remain in recovery.

Embrace a New Beginning With Our Meth Addiction Treatment for Young Adults

Anyone can recover from methamphetamine addiction with the right support and treatment. However, treatment and therapy are only effective when the client understands that they must accept help. By extending trust in our mental health care professionals, clients unlock their inner strength and find self-love and acceptance. 

Discover Your Inner Strength and Resilience

By participating in therapies such as wilderness therapy, clients find out how strong and resilient they are. Addiction lies to people by making them feel weak and helpless. Taking back your life requires the strength that clients discover within themselves at Alpha Behavioral Health. 

Rebuild Your Life With Our Support and Guidance

With a supportive and caring staff made up of mental health care professionals, young adults find the support they need to recover from methamphetamine addiction. Clients find advice and guidance in everything from creating a proper resume to resisting peer pressure to navigating college. With such a wealth of information at the ready, clients can get ahead and start creating a new, sober life. 

Explore New Hobbies and Interests in Recovery

With an emphasis on exposing clients to new experiences and activities, it’s hard not to come away from treatment without a new hobby. Exploring the Texas wilderness, making crafts with your hands, and more await those in treatment. These hobbies serve a purpose by offering a healthy outlet for stress and emotional expression – which, when utilized, help keep clients in recovery. You are more than your addiction and recovery journey; hobbies help you express yourself and find meaning in your life.

Get Started With Alpha Behavioral Health Today

Don’t wait if you or a loved one is struggling with methamphetamine addiction and substance abuse. Contact Alpha Behavioral Health to find out how you can begin your recovery journey today!

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and destructive substance, but anyone can recover from meth addiction with the right treatment and support. To learn more about our meth addiction treatment programs at Alpha Behavioral Health in Austin, TX, call (833) 257-4218 today.