Meth Allergic Reactions Are Not Uncommon
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimated that 1.6 million Americans had used meth at least once over in 2017. That number continues to grow every year. As a powerful stimulant, methamphetamine has many adverse side effects. With continued use, a person is more likely to experience these side effects while becoming addicted in the process. Most first-time users easily convince themselves that they won’t be one of the people who become addicted. Still, just a single dose can have serious consequences, including an allergic reaction to meth, which is quite common. An allergic reaction to meth can easily be confused with an overdose for those using it for the first time. Many are aware of the adverse side effects of meth, but very few know that it can cause an allergic reaction, which can be fatal. Because many people are unaware of the high risk associated with first-time use, there is not much preventative preparation. Knowing the signs of an allergic reaction versus an overdose can mean the difference between life and death.
How to Tell if You’re Having an Allergic Reaction to Meth
An allergic reaction to meth is unlike other responses and can require emergency services. Even medically prescribed meth such as Desoxyn can cause an allergy and should not be taken lightly.
Some allergic reaction symptoms can appear in swelling in the lips, face, throat, and tongue. There can also be hives, blurry vision, and more seriously, seizures or convulsions. The more severe sign that emergency medical care is needed is difficulty breathing. Other symptoms that you should call 911 immediately include:
- Muscle spasms: can feel like uncontrolled twitching or spasms in the muscles and need to be treated by a medical professional.
- Heart problems: lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, and pain in the chest. These can be the beginning signs of a heart attack.
- Psychosis: can include perceiving and hearing things that are not real and hallucinations, paranoia, hostility, and confusion, which can lead to dangerous, risk-taking behavior and pose a risk to themselves and others.
- Circulation problems: signs of this include numbness and feelings of being cold or in pain. Look for changing skin color to red, blue, or pale color.
Again, if you see any of these signs in yourself or someone else after using meth, call 911 and get immediate medical intervention for the addiction.
Signs of Meth Abuse and Addiction
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug and can trigger addiction relatively quickly. It can wreak havoc on an individual’s life and health. Inpatient Drug Rehab Los Angeles Treatment is more likely if the person receives help early on in their dependence. Signs that indicate either frequent meth use or addiction include:
- Bed breath
- Severe and rapid weight loss
- Profuse sweating
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Burn marks on the lips and fingers
- Sores on the skin that heal very slowly
- Needle marks on various parts of the body, especially the arms
- Chipped teeth from teeth grinding
- Withdrawal symptoms with suddenly stopping use, including craving carbs, depression, and extreme fatigue
There are also mental health signs of meth abuse, including:
- Strong meth cravings
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Mood swings
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Becoming agitated easily
- Fidgeting
- A feeling of things crawling under the skin, which leads to excessive scratching and sores
Meth Addiction Treatment Options
Addiction to methamphetamine can take a stronghold on a person, especially due to the physical changes to the brain during addiction. Even with a desire to stop using, it can be tough to go at it alone. Thankfully, there are treatment options to overcome the physical and mental aspects of addiction to meth.
Methamphetamine treatment programs in LA aim to improve the life and behavior of the addict by teaching new coping skills and preventing future substance abuse. A good treatment program will focus on the root cause of addiction, which is unique to each person. The root cause can be mental health disorders and trauma for many. Through various forms of therapy, clients can work through these underlying issues and express emotions in a safe environment.
After a thorough evaluation, an individualized treatment program is created based on the results and can various therapies such as:
Behavioral Therapy
A big part of addiction is behaviors that continue feeding it. These negative behaviors can be challenging to unlearn, and it takes time to replace them with more positive behaviors. This form of therapy tries to identify and change self-destructive and unhealthy behaviors. It is very effective for underlying causes of addictions, such as mental health disorders.
Group Therapy
This form of therapy is prevalent in every type of addiction treatment Los Angeles. With the help of a counselor, individuals with similar methamphetamine addiction will be placed together to share their points of view on a specific subject, which can be chosen by the counselor or the group as a whole. It can help open individuals to different points of view, create connections, and get advice from those who have traveled further down the path to recovery. This is also a great way to build a support system. It can also be an easier way to open up because everyone personally knows the challenges of addiction recovery.
Family Therapy
Addiction can cause loss of relationships, including family and friends. With family therapy, individuals can reconnect with loved ones and mend lost relationships because of addiction. With the help of a counselor, individuals can share their struggles with addiction, what they have learned in recovery, and even apologize for the behaviors that addiction brought on. Loved ones can also share the pain caused by the active addiction. Helping bring friends and family back into the individual’s life is essential to healing and is a great way to expand their support system.
Medical Detox for Meth Addiction
Detox from Methamphetamine addiction is more often than not the first step to recovery. An addict’s body has become so used to the drug that it struggles to function without it, which are withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and may need medical supervision. The first 72 hours are the most challenging part of the detox process, and it is recommended to spend at least seven days in detox to ensure the worst parts are over. Withdrawal symptoms can include depression, nausea, dehydration, anxiety, headaches, and hallucinations. This process can be much easier with a detox only facilities near me. Doctors give patients replacement drugs in decreasing doses or pharmaceutical drugs for the withdrawal symptoms to lessen the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. This can be a safer and more effective way to quit than cold-turkey detox.
Inpatient Rehab for Meth Addiction
Inpatient treatment programs help addicts achieve sobriety outside their current environment, making it impossible to recover fully. It is also a good option for those who wish to have more privacy during their recovery process. Other benefits of an inpatient program are living in a top-rated facility with around-the-clock care and treatment. It is an excellent way to ensure there are zero chances of the temptation of relapsing, plus the opportunity to focus 100% on recovery without worrying about the other stressors of everyday life. Inpatient rehab also allows for 24-hour support that may not be available at home.
Each person’s addiction and recovery journey is unique, and the program’s length varies from one person to the next. Some may feel they only need a short 30-day program, while addiction has a firmer grip on others, and they may require 60 or 90-day programs. The journey can always change, and communicating with the treatment team about what is needed is the key to ensuring proper care.
Outpatient Rehab for Meth Addiction
Even though inpatient rehab is most beneficial, it may not be feasible for everyone. Outpatient rehab can offer a lower-cost treatment or an option for those who cannot completely leave their home life, such as single parents. There are benefits to outpatient programs, including remaining in school or at work, continued social support, or those who feel their addiction is not so severe. This is also a good stepping stone between inpatient treatment and going back to everyday life. It can help test if the individual is ready to go back on their own while receiving continued care and support from their treatment team.
Choosing Muse for Meth Rehab
Meth addiction can be very tough on the person and their family. Realizing they need help and asking for that help can be just as hard. So can choose a suitable treatment facility. Muse Treatment center can help provide the necessary support to overcome addiction, and they can offer tools and resources to overcome methamphetamine addiction once and for all. Muse Treatment Center is available 24-hours to provide you with information about taking the first steps to recovery. If you are ready to take back control of your life, give us a call at (800) 426-1818.
