Mesa, Arizona’s Preferred Meth Addiction Hospital

When someone uses meth, they may experience an intense rush of euphoria, a feeling of detachment from reality, increased energy levels, and a reduced need for sleep. Meth is a powerful stimulant drug that significantly increases brain activity, which contributes to its addictive nature. Over time, its use can lead to serious problems, including dependency, cognitive impairment, and damage to multiple organ systems. 

A person who has a meth addiction might display the following behavioral and psychological signs: 

• Increased energy and alertness 
• Decreased appetite and weight loss 
• Agitation and irritability 
• Insomnia or altered sleep patterns 
• Engaging in risky behaviors 
• Withdrawal from family, friends, and social activities 
• Neglect of personal hygiene and appearance 
• Paranoid behavior 
• Extreme mood swings 
• Increased talkativeness and hyperactivity 
• Confusion and difficulty concentrating 
• Panic attacks 
• Hallucinations 
• Delusions 

Meth use has a profoundly negative impact on the body and can affect brain chemistry, the cardiovascular system, dental health, skin appearance, the immune system, and the gastrointestinal system. If someone is using meth, they might have the following physical symptoms: 

• Dilated pupils 
• Elevated body temperature 
• Profound sweating 
• Rapid and irregular heart rate 
• Increased blood pressure 
• Tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss 
• Sores on the skin 
• Abdominal cramping and bowel irregularities 

The impact of meth on the body is extensive and can lead to long-term health problems, some of which may be irreversible. If you or a loved one is displaying some of these signs or has symptoms of meth use, it is important to seek help at a professional treatment center. 

Sometimes, people turn to substances like meth as a way to dull the emotional pain caused by the effects of trauma. If someone experiences a traumatic event, especially during childhood, it can have a significant impact on their ability to cope and function. For some people, meth can temporarily provide much-needed relief from emotional distress. However, this temporary escape can rapidly evolve into an addiction and further complicate their life. 

Genetic and environmental factors can also contribute to someone developing a meth addiction. If a person has a family history of addiction, they are more likely to develop an addiction at some point in their life. If someone is exposed to drug use, has easy access to drugs, or lives in a stressful environment, they are also more likely to abuse drugs like meth. 

Methamphetamine abuse continues to be a major concern in the United States, and meth is one of the most commonly misused drugs in the world. In some places, its impact is even more severe than that of opioids. Furthermore, many violent crimes can be attributed to meth use.  

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than 16.8 million people age 12 and older have used meth at least once in their life. In 2021, approximately 2.5 million people reported using methamphetamines in the previous 12 months. 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that between 2015 and 2019, meth use among adults in the U.S. increased by 66% and overdose deaths from the drug more than tripled. Meth use among young adults ages 18-23 quadrupled during this same period. Despite the increased rate of meth use, fewer than one-third of adults who have a meth addiction receive treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

If left untreated, meth addiction can lead to significant physical, psychological, social, and emotional consequences. Existing mental health concerns might worsen and potentially drive someone toward participating in more dangerous and risky behaviors, such as self-harm or using other substances. 

Other effects of untreated meth addiction may include: 

• Long-term brain damage 
• Severe tooth decay and gum disease, known as “meth mouth” 
• Skin sores 
• Increased risk for heart attack and stroke 
• Significant weight loss and malnutrition 
• Weakened immune system 
• Engaging in increasingly riskier behaviors 
• Strained relationships with family and friends 
• Decreased performance at work and school 
• Legal problems 
• Financial difficulties 
• Risk for overdose 
• Development of infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV 

The impact of meth addiction can be devastating and, in many cases, irreversible. However, all these effects can be avoided. By receiving early intervention at our meth addiction treatment center near Phoenix, you can improve your health and make strides toward a happier, more productive future. 

Meth withdrawal can be a challenging and uncomfortable process and involves both physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the person and how much meth they have been consuming. Without professional intervention, meth withdrawal can be frightening and even dangerous.  

Symptoms of meth withdrawal can include: 

• Strong cravings for meth 
• Extreme fatigue 
• Increased appetite 
• Agitation and irritability 
• Intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness 
• Anxiety and nervousness 
• Excessive sweating 
• Tremors 
• Headaches 
• Painful muscle aches 
• Loss of motivation 
• Insomnia 
• Stomach pains 
• Problems with concentration and memory 
• Suicidal thoughts 

These symptoms can be extremely severe and make it dangerous for someone to stop using meth. At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, we offer a medically monitored detoxification program for people who are struggling with meth addiction. This program is designed to help patients safely and comfortably eliminate meth from their bodies and mitigate many of these withdrawal symptoms. Our qualified medical professionals are available round-the-clock to help patients through this step of their recovery journey. 

Treatment for meth addiction often involves a combination of detox and therapy. Because substance use disorders like meth addiction can impact multiple areas of someone’s life, effective treatment must address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of this disease. 

At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, we incorporate various evidence-based treatments into each patient’s care plan. Patients participate in a comprehensive assessment at our hospital in Mesa, which helps our team of professionals create an individualized treatment plan for them.  

Elements of a patient’s treatment plan may include: 

• Detoxification services: Patients who arrive at our hospital with meth or other substances in their bodies go through a medical detoxification process prior to transitioning to our inpatient program. During detox, patients can participate in other elements of therapeutic programming if they are able. 
• Daily group therapies: Licensed therapists lead a minimum of four groups per day, and these groups provide a platform for patients to share their experiences with other people who are also working toward recovery. Topics covered in groups may include conflict resolution, mindfulness, healthy communication, coping skills, emotion regulation, and relapse prevention strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and 12-Step methods are also incorporated into group sessions. 
• Basic medical care: Each patient meets with our medical staff for a physical assessment upon admission to our meth addiction treatment center. Our doctors and nurses are available to provide basic medical care throughout the remainder of the patient’s stay, if needed. 
• Medication management services: If a patient’s meth addiction treatment plan includes medication, registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) deliver these services. 

At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, we are committed to helping patients have a successful treatment experience. We understand that the journey to recovery can have its challenges, including the possibility of relapse. A key part of our programming is helping patients develop relapse prevention skills and preparing for life after treatment. 

At Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, we take into account the entire person and provide evidence-based treatment that caters to their strengths and unique needs. Depending on where you are in your meth addiction recovery journey, you may enter treatment at one of the following levels of care: 

• Detoxification: Detox for meth addiction involves round-the-clock medical supervision and group therapies. Detox typically lasts seven to 10 days before patients transition to our inpatient program. 
• Inpatient treatment: If you do not require detoxification, you may enter treatment at the inpatient level of care. In our inpatient programs, which are separated by age, we provide acute stabilization and treatment for people who have substance use disorders and mental health concerns. Patients may remain in this level of care for five to 13 days. 

If you are ready to get started, we encourage you to give us a call today. Our admissions coordinators are available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take your call. Our caring team is here to help you every step of the way as you work toward recovery from meth addiction. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital.