How to Detox from Meth

How to Detox from Meth

For those struggling with a meth addiction, the pull to continue using the drug can be so severe that it can completely destroy your body, your mental health, and ultimately, your life. Although overcoming a meth addiction is not an easy task, it’s something that can be accomplished with the proper help in a supportive environment. At Laguna View Detox, a luxury detox program in Southern California, individuals struggling with meth and other drug and alcohol addictions can 

receive the help they need with a staff of trained professionals who truly understand the ins and outs of addiction, and can get started on the path toward recovery and healing. 

What is Meth? 

Methamphetamine, also known as meth or crystal meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Meth use produces feelings of euphoria and increased energy due to a rush of dopamine – a chemical that’s responsible for inducing feelings of pleasure, increasing memory retention, and reward processing. Meth use, however, produces a level of dopamine that is much higher than the natural levels produced by the brain. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, meth has been classified as a Schedule II stimulant, which makes it legally available only through a medical prescription. Used in limited cases to treat ADHD, the prescribed dose of methamphetamine is far lower than the dosage usually used during substance abuse. 

Signs of a Meth Addiction 

Because of meth’s highly addictive nature, it takes an incredible toll on the body and the brain which often leads to visible signs of a meth addiction. These signs can include: 

  • Hyperactivity 
  • Physical symptoms, such as dilated pupils, skin sores, rapid eye movements, rotting teeth, extreme and sudden weight loss, and the presence of burns on the skin 
  • Facial tics and twitching 
  • A change in personality including mood swings and agitation 
  • Erratic sleeping patterns or a noticeable lack of sleep 

Long-term meth use can also lead to very serious health issues including liver and kidney damage, heart damage, and many psychological effects including depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia. If you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of a meth addiction, know that help is out there and detox from meth may be the best next step. 

How to Detox from Meth

If you are looking to get meth out of your system, it’s imperative to detox safely, as the effects of withdrawal and detox from meth can be extremely dangerous if not done under medical supervision. An unsupervised detox from meth can produce symptoms that are extremely uncomfortable and often require medical attention or will set you up for a quick relapse. Instead, facilities that specialize in drug detoxification, like our state-of-the-art facility in Orange County, allow you to rid the body of meth while helping you to safely navigate the withdrawal phase and help you to minimize the effects of detoxification on the body. 

Laguna View Detox Can Help 

Struggling with a meth addiction can be difficult on both the mind and the body. It’s important to remember that even for those with a severe addiction, detox from meth is possible and you can recover to live a healthier, happier life. At Laguna View Detox, we know just how important the detox process is, which is why we provide a safe and luxurious environment to help you break the cycle of being in and out of treatment. If you are ready to take the next step to break your addiction to meth, contact us today and we’ll help you begin your journey toward healing.

Is Adderall a Methamphetamine?

Is Adderall a Methamphetamine?

Adderall is a type of medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is made up of the four salts of amphetamine. It contains equal parts dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, central nervous system stimulants that affect the chemicals in the brain. 

 

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive system that affects the nervous system. It is chemically related to amphetamine. We often hear about people who have meth addictions that greatly reduce quality of life. 

 

When we consider the ingredients and properties of Adderall and compare them to methamphetamine, we see a lot of similarities. So is Adderall a methamphetamine? Read on to find out. 

 

Is Adderall Methamphetamine?

The short answer is no, Adderall is not methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant. It is not used to treat any sort of medical condition. When taken, it causes a rush that makes people want more of it. Those that take it long term will experience extreme mental and physical health problems.

 

Adderall is a prescription drug that is made to increase focus. It is used to boost concentration in people with ADHD. It can also be used to treat narcolepsy as it helps people stay awake. 

 

Although Adderall and methamphetamine are very different, people confuse the two because they are both stimulants and they are both related to amphetamine. However, methamphetamine is much more dangerous because more of the drug gets to the brain producing harmful side effects. 

 

The Dangers of Abusing Adderall

Even though Adderall is much less addictive than methamphetamine, there is the possibility that an addiction may form. Students often use it as a study companion because it boosts focus. In time, they become dependent on the drug and require more of it to get the same effects. 

 

At first, Adderall may provide stimulating results. Those who use it will feel more social and more insightful. They will have increased illusions of wellness.

 

But in time, harmful side effects will start to kick in. These include the following:

 

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Uncontrollable shaking
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of sexual interest
  • Headaches 
  • Constipation 
  • Diarrhea

 

If use continues, it can lead to even more several symptoms like: 

 

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Exhaustion
  • Numbness in the exterior body parts
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Slowed speech
  • Changes in vision
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart and respiratory issues
  • Seizures
  • Blistering of the skin
  • Swelling of the throat or facial features

 

How to Get Help With an Adderall Addiction

An Adderall addiction can greatly reduce quality of life, but there are ways to get help. The most effective treatment may be an inpatient rehab. 

 

The process begins with an assisted detox. This involves the patient allowing their body to become cleansed from harmful toxins. They are supervised throughout to ensure they are as comfortable as possible, and that relapse does not occur. 

 

Next, a customized therapy plan is worked out. The form of treatment may differ, but the goal is to target the underlying cause of addiction and replace harmful habits with healthy coping mechanisms. 

 

Once inpatient rehab is completed, patients move on to an outpatient program. During this time, they gradually adjust to sober living while keeping up with regular therapy visits. 

 

There are many inpatient rehab facilities located throughout the country, but Laguna View Detox offers an experience that sets us apart. We take a mind-body approach and believe a balance is essential in overcoming addiction. We offer a luxury setting and the best clinical team members in the industry. 

 

So, is Adderall a methamphetamine? The answer is no, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous and addictive. If you or a loved one is dependent on Adderall, stop the cycle today. Call Laguna View Detox for the help you need in moving forward. 

 

How to Quit Smoking Pills

How to quit smoking pills

A sad fact of addiction is that when someone is addicted to using drugs, they will continue experimenting with how they ingest the drugs. This experimentation, often dangerous, continues in an attempt to get the best high or the fastest high. Individuals who use cocaine will often move from snorting it to smoking it or injecting it. Similarly, someone who began by ingesting prescription pain medications may begin to snort or smoke the pills. Others, typically those in college or younger, will stumble across smoking opioid pain medications and then find themselves addicted. 

 

As an outsider looking in, you may be trying to determine if your loved one struggles with addiction. You may not know the signs, and you may not know that one drug can be taken in so many different ways. At Laguna View Detox, we know all about the different ways drugs can be taken and the devastating effects created by their use. We are here to help you and your loved one navigate their road away from addiction. 

 

What Does It Mean to “Smoke Pills”?

While many people simply swallow prescription opioids, others crush them into a powder to either inject, snort, or smoke. By injecting, snorting, or smoking the powder, the individual gets a more potent high. However, smoking pills is also more dangerous and can cause respiratory issues. When we swallow a tablet, the drug has to pass through our gastrointestinal system and liver, which means it takes longer to feel the high. When someone smokes pills, the drugs enter through the lungs and result in a faster high. Smoking prescription drugs leads to a higher dependence and, as a result, more drug-seeking behaviors. Someone who is smoking prescription pain pills may be more likely to begin seeking illicit drugs such as heroin as their addiction progresses. 

 

Signs My Loved One Is Smoking Pills 

There are some common signs and symptoms of opioid use, regardless of how they are ingested.  Those who use opioids will have pinpoint pupils, lowered blood pressure, decreased heart rate, and lowered body temperature. Other symptoms include exhibiting a euphoric feeling and appearing to be moving more slowly. 

Those who are smoking pills will likely have paraphernalia for smoking the pills, such as spoons for crushing the pills, lighters, and papers to roll the powder. Sometimes you may see signs of withdrawal when your loved one is between bouts of using. Opioid withdrawal looks almost exactly the opposite of opioid intoxication. You might note that they cannot sleep, are sweating, have teary eyes, complain of pain, are nauseous, and have diarrhea. If you suspect that someone you love is abusing opioids, it’s critical to know the signs of an overdose. Opioids slow down the body, so if you notice that your loved one’s breathing has slowed down to less than ten breaths per minute and they are unable to remain awake, contact emergency services for help. 

 

How Laguna View Detox Can Help You With Addiction

At Laguna View Detox, you will get round-the-clock professional care for your opioid addiction. We understand how quickly opioid addiction can happen, and we’re here to support you as you break free. As one of the leading private drug rehab centers in Orange County, we provide luxurious, inpatient rehab treatment. With some of the industry’s best staff, we will design a holistic treatment plan catered to you. We are committed to assisting you in getting onto the road to clean and sober. We’ll guide you from detox to inpatient treatment to aftercare in one of the most beautiful areas in California. Contact us today, and let us help you get free of your addiction!  

Does Amerihealth Cover Drug Rehab?

Does Amerihealth cover drug rehab?

Once you decide to get help with your drug problem, you will have to gather a lot of information. You’ll start to explore how to get free of drugs and alcohol, including drug rehab treatment centers, peer support recovery group meetings, sober living, and more. As you explore these options, one of the most critical questions will revolve around your resources. While you may have reached a point where you can’t afford to keep using drugs and alcohol, you’ll still need to know what you can afford for treatment. Many plans will cover some portion of your attendance at a treatment center, which is part of Amerihealth’s rehab coverage. Understanding your insurance benefits can be confusing and can feel overwhelming when your list of decisions is long. At Laguna View Detox, we’re here to support you on your journey, which includes helping you understand the benefits available to you. 

Does Amerihealth Cover Drug Rehab?

While every policy’s specific benefits are different, Amerihealth rehab coverage is included with nearly all Amerihealth plans. While you can usually verify this directly with Amerihealth, we can also help you wade through this information. Even if Amerihealth does not cover your treatment’s entire cost, they will typically cover a portion of the cost. Once you know what is covered, we can help you create a treatment plan that serves you and help you strategize how to pay the remainder of the costs. You might have a Health Savings Account (HSA), a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), or other benefits available to you that will assist with the cost. 

Signs I Need to Go to Drug Rehab

If you take an honest look at your drug use and see that you have a problem, it’s likely time to go drug rehab. If you’ve tried stopping in the past and have been unable to do so, the extra support of rehab can be just what is needed. If you use different drugs and also drink alcohol, drug rehab can offer you a way to safely detox. Withdrawing from drugs, especially alcohol, without medical supervision can be extremely dangerous and even fatal. Our staff will monitor you closely and employ comfort measures to ensure that you detox safely. 

 

You are the only one who knows if you have a drug problem. Start by taking a look at your drug and alcohol use. Is your drug and alcohol use serving you?  What are you losing or missing out on in the name of getting high or drunk? It’s not always about hitting rock bottom. Take a good look at your drug and alcohol use and ask yourself the following: 

  • Have I been unable to quit using drugs on my own?
  • Have I tried to cut down on my drug use or drinking unsuccessfully?
  • Am I using more drugs than I intend to use?
  • Do I have to use more drugs to get the same effect?
  • Are my drug use and drinking causing me health problems?
  • Is my drug and alcohol use or being sick after interfering with my life?
  • Is it affecting my relationships or my career?
  • Has anyone in my life asked me to quit?

Answering yes to some or all of these questions is an indication that you have a problem and should consider drug rehab. In the end, the most crucial question is about how drugs and alcohol are affecting your ability to live your life. 

How Laguna View Detox Can Help You With Addiction

At Laguna View Detox, you will get round-the-clock care for your alcohol problem.  We are one of the leading private drug rehab centers in Orange County. We provide luxurious, inpatient rehab treatment in one of the most beautiful areas in California. Our staff includes some of the best in the industry, and we’ll create a holistic treatment plan tailored to you. We will care for you while you safely detox and then guide you through inpatient treatment and aftercare.  Contact us today and let us help you break free from alcohol!  

 

Why is Crystal Meth Addictive?

why is meth addictive

The TV series Breaking Bad might just have popularized methamphetamine (aka meth) beyond the boundaries of pop culture.

A study showed the prevalence and lifetime use of meth in 9th to 12th-grade students. 

Crystal meth, also known as Crystallized Methamphetamine is a human-made addictive drug that resembles ice chunks. It is colorless and odorless. 

Meth can be taken either by inhaling through the nose, smoking, or injecting it with a needle.

On the streets, crystal meth is known as speed, crank, glass, chalk, ice, and a host of other street names. Some of these street names are gotten from the look, and effects meth has on users. 

So why is crystal meth so addictive?

Speed, Euphoria and Other Effects

Meth is taken for its euphoric effects and a sudden burst of energy and adrenaline. It boosts the brain’s release of something called dopamine. 

What is Dopamine?

Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter made in the brain and used by our nervous system to allow communication between nerve cells. In other words, it plays a vital role in how we experience and interpret pleasure.

Dopamine also plays a role in our sense of motivation, mood, attention, alertness, reward, and other motor function.

Now, what meth does is to enhance the production and eventual release of dopamine into the nervous system. The effect, therein, is a rush that gives a sense of euphoria and hyperactivity people feel after taking the drug (hence the name Speed).

The problem is, too much or too little dopamine causes significant brain dysfunction, resulting in mental disorders such as ADHD, Schizophrenia, Psychosis, Depression, and Anxiety.

Meth can also alter the structure and function of the brain, causing emotional and cognitive difficulties. Other symptoms include:

  • Aggressive behavior
  • Insomnia
  • Hallucinations
  • Legal problems from using crystal meth
  • Anxiety
  • Incapacity to stop using
  • Poor hygiene
  • Cuts from picking skin
  • Pale skin
  • Cracked teeth
  • Tooth decay.

This is because the use of methamphetamine is linked with neurons in the Central Nervous System. Hence, the CNS can no longer regenerate lost neurons, and in some situations, cannot be recovered.

Bodily effects include dry mouth and skin, pale skin, itchy skin, acne, profuse sweating, rapid breathing, restlessness, tremors, meth mouth, and so on.

Users testify to getting hooked after the first dose. Soon the body develops a tolerance to the drug as users crave initial effects and energy over and over again, leading to addiction. Addiction creates dependence to the point where any form of abstinence gives rise to withdrawal symptoms.

Brief History

A Japanese chemist first synthesized methamphetamine from another stimulant in 1893. And during World War II, soldiers were sold a nonprescription drug known as Pervitin. 

Pervitin was methamphetamine made into a tablet. It was to boost the adrenaline, keep them awake, alert, and willing to take serious risks.

After the war, meth found its way into allied countries that used the drug―Britain, the US, and Japan.

Crystal Meth Addiction and Treatment

Crystal meth is addictive because it produces a rush of euphoria and energy for up to 12 hours.  After several uses, the drug loses its initial effect, causing users to seek that same energy in constant use continually. 

Constant use enables the body to develop tolerance, and tolerance incites addiction. Addiction breads devastating dependence. 

So what do you? How can you stop?

If you or your loved one is struggling with this addiction, you need to check in to a crystal meth addiction treatment center.

Laguna View Detox, located in Laguna Beach, CA understands how to help you break out of the addiction. We completely understand how addictive Crystal Meth actually is, and how it can consume your life. Our program is carefully structured to develop individual plans for each client, pay extra attention to them, and monitor their progress and wellbeing at affordable rates.

Contact us today, and we will guide you through your journey to recovery.  

Signs of Meth Addiction & Recovery Tips

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Get Help For Your Meth Addiction
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A full-blown methamphetamine addiction poses many grave threats to a person’s health and well-being. While a meth addict may be extremely productive during the early stages of addiction, this seeming upside turns bad in short order. Soon, the addict finds that his life revolves around the drug and the culture that it fosters. He will stay awake for days on end, unable to discern how time is passing. Some meth addicts have been known to spend whole days cleaning a kitchen floor with a toothbrush or wracked in a paranoid fear.

Here are a few behavioral signs of meth addiction:

  • Sleeplessness
  • Erratic thoughts
  • Paranoia
  • Delusions of grandeur
  • Financial Problems
  • Avoiding friends and family
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dramatic weight loss
  • Extreme tooth decay
  • Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
  • Psychotic behaviors
  • Hallucinations

Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is a dangerous drug that has been used since the early 20th Century. When its potency was increased, the rates of addiction soared. It has ravaged families, relationships, and communities from coast to coast. In fact, the United Nations’ World Drug Report declared that meth is the most abused hard drug on Earth, claiming 26 million addicts worldwide.

When a drug is so potent and so addictive, it is hard to imagine why a person would ever use it. However, there are a few pernicious inroads for meth to enter a person’s life:

  • Amphetamines have long been used to fuel all-night work sessions.
  • Meth is a good replacement for prescription drugs like Adderall and Ritalin.
  • It may be used to ″keep the party going″ in the wee hours.
  • Meth is often used to enhance sexual activity.

Meth is used in three primary ways, each of which has its own dangers and damages:

Injection: due to the intense euphoria of this method, injection poses the highest threat of addiction

Snorting: damages sinus cavities

Smoking: the acidity of the chemical causes teeth to decay at a rapid rate

Physical Costs of Meth

Meth Mouth

Perhaps even more dramatic is the physical toll meth can take on a person. This is a little ironic, in that similar amphetamines have been used in the past to stimulate weight loss and to thus enhance beauty. While many meth addicts are quite skinny, when their body starts to deteriorate, they will quickly lose any attractive features they may have once had. A few physical symptoms of meth abuse are:

  • Acne
  • Open wounds which won’t heal
  • Skin loses elasticity
  • Rapid aging
  • ″Meth Mouth″ – dramatic and extensive tooth decay and loss

Recovery from Meth

Recovery from a meth addiction is not an easy path. The intense euphoria that meth induces results from a massive release of dopamine. As the addiction prolongs, meth will eventually destroy the dopamine receptors in the brain. So, when the addict starts to get sober, he may be unable to feel a normal dopamine response which might usually result from seeing a good friend, eating a nice meal, or spending time with a lover. In essence, meth can rob a person of the very things that make life enjoyable. In the absence of a way to enjoy life, the addict may relapse.

Despite the grim picture meth addiction paints, recovery is possible. The sufferer must be ready to endure cravings that persist for weeks or months. The addicts physical brain may take up to a year to recover, depending on the damage it has incurred. Still, recovery is possible with the following:

  • Social Support
  • Individualized treatment plans
  • A variety of treatment methods to address each part of the drug’s devastation
  • Medical and Dental care to help restore the body to fitness

There is no “miracle cure” or medication that makes meth come-down easy or instantly erases the effects. It takes time and effort for an addict to recover.

Tips to improve an individual’s overall health and nutritional status in early recovery:

  • Stay hydrated. An increased intake of water and other fluids is recommended to help fight fatigue and maintain body temperature. Carbonated drinks should be avoided as they are dehydrating and can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
  • Eat healthy. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods supply necessary nutrients to help speed up recovery.
  • Take a multivitamin.  Vitamin pills can help replenish nutrients in the body that are important in recovery.
  • Get plenty of rest. Quality sleep is essential to calm down the overstimulated brain. If it is difficult to fall asleep, consider taking some over-the-counter sleep aids, read a book or watch a movie on television.
  • Stay active. Exercise is helpful in coping with irritability and low moods. However, it is important for the recovering addict to avoid overdoing it. Light exercises such as walking or low-impact cardio are recommended

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