Meth Treatment in Colorado & New Mexico

Q: Where can I find a meth rehab in Colorado?

Front Range Clinic offers comprehensive methamphetamine treatment services in multiple locations across Colorado and New Mexico, ensuring accessibility for those in need. Our clinic network of over 60 treatment points of care across Colorado is strategically situated to cater to diverse communities, making expert care more readily available for all.

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug usually used as a white, bitter-tasting powder or a pill.

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Clinically Reviewed By Dr. Jeremy Dubin

Methamphetamine, a potent and highly addictive drug, continues to impact numerous lives across Colorado. As its grip tightens on our communities, the need for comprehensive, empathetic treatment has never been more crucial. At Porch Light Health, we're at the forefront of this battle, offering state-of-the-art care tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

Understanding Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine, often simply called "meth," is a potent stimulant that directly influences the central nervous system. Its profound impacts can be long-lasting due to its highly addictive nature.

In its crystalline form, methamphetamine manifests as translucent or bluish-white shards resembling glass fragments. This specific variant is commonly known as "crystal meth." The drug resembles amphetamine, a therapeutic compound prescribed for conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a disorder characterized by unpredictable episodes of sleep.

While certain formulations of methamphetamine are recognized medically for Attention Deficit Disorder and other psychiatric diagnoses, it can present the potential for problem use with individuals vulnerable to addiction. Its misuse has raised significant health concerns due to its addictive potential and the consequent risks associated with it.

Popular Street Names of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine has acquired various street names based on its appearance, effects, and regional popularity. Some of the widely recognized aliases include:

Blue
Crystal
Ice
Speed

The allure of methamphetamine can be strong, given the intense sensations it induces. However, the subsequent health implications and addiction risks are severe. Recognizing the dangers and seeking appropriate guidance and treatment if needed are essential.

Methods of Methamphetamine Use

At Porch Light Health, we believe in understanding the complexities of substance use disorder (SUD) to provide effective treatments. People can consume methamphetamine in several ways, and each method presents its own set of risks and challenges.

Smoking: This is one of the most common methods. When smoked, users feel the effects of methamphetamine almost immediately, leading to a sudden and intense "high."
Oral Consumption: Some choose to swallow methamphetamine in pill form. This method may delay the onset of effects compared to smoking, but it can still lead to the same addictive patterns.
Snorting: By crushing the meth crystals into a fine powder, some users snort the drug. This type of consumption can lead to immediate and intense sensations but can also damage the nasal passages over time.
Injection: Dissolving methamphetamine in water or alcohol allows some users to inject it directly into their bloodstream. This method poses significant risks, including transmitting infectious diseases, and direct harm to the veins.

Methamphetamine lures many individuals with its rapid onset of euphoria. However, this "high" is fleeting, leading many to consume the drug in a repeated, cyclic manner, often called the "binge and crash" cycle. Some even engage in prolonged binges, or "runs," forsaking necessities like food and rest to continually use the drug over extended periods.

How Does Meth Affect the Brain & Body?

Methamphetamine is a potent substance that profoundly affects the human brain and body. Understanding these impacts offers insights into the challenges faced by those who consume this drug and provides a foundation for addressing the issues associated with its use.

Dopamine and Brain Activity: Methamphetamine significantly boosts dopamine release in the brain. This natural neurotransmitter plays pivotal roles in various functions, from regulating bodily movements to shaping our motivations. Dopamine is also crucial in the brain's reward system, making pleasurable activities feel rewarding.
Reinforcement of Use: Methamphetamine triggers heightened dopamine levels, strongly reinforcing its usage. The intense and rapid surge of pleasure or "high" prompts users to continually seek that feeling, leading to repetitive use patterns and potential addiction.

Short-Term Effects of Methamphetamine

Even a single, small dose of methamphetamine can lead to physiological and psychological effects reminiscent of other potent stimulants:

Elevated Alertness: Users often experience heightened wakefulness, becoming more alert and often unable to sleep.
Physical Hyperactivity: A notable surge in physical activity makes users feel more energetic or even restless.
Suppressed Hunger: A diminished appetite is common, leading some users to skip meals or not eat for extended periods.
Breathing Patterns: Users may experience faster breathing rates, accompanied by feelings of anxiety or panic.
Cardiovascular Changes: Methamphetamine can induce rapid or irregular heartbeats and cause a noticeable rise in blood pressure and body temperature.

Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine

People who use methamphetamine over the long term may experience:

Drastic Weight Loss: Long-term users often exhibit significant weight reduction.
Addictive Nature: Methamphetamine has a high potential for addiction.
Dental Issues: Known colloquially as "meth mouth," users may suffer from severe dental decay and loss.
Skin Conditions: Intense itching can lead to sores due to consistent scratching.
Mental Health Decline: Users often experience anxiety, changes in brain functionality, memory lapses, sleeping disorders, heightened aggression, and intense paranoia.
Hallucinations: Methamphetamine can induce vivid hallucinations, tricking the mind into sensing things that aren't present.

Injection Drug Use, HIV, and Hepatitis

Individuals who use methamphetamine through injection expose themselves to heightened risks of contracting infectious diseases. These risks include ailments like HIV and hepatitis B and C, which spread via blood or other bodily fluids often found on shared drug equipment. Compromised judgment from meth use can lead to unsafe practices such as unprotected sex, further elevating the risk of disease transmission.

For those with HIV/AIDS, methamphetamine consumption can exacerbate the disease's progression. Research indicates more pronounced damage to nerve cells and amplified cognitive challenges in HIV patients who consume meth than in those who don't.

Are you facing the dual challenges of addiction and the risk of infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C? At Porch Light Health, we treat addiction and provide specialized care for those battling Hepatitis C and HIV. Reach out to us today to start your treatment journey.

Brain Alterations Due to Methamphetamine

Persistent methamphetamine use induces detrimental changes within the brain, particularly in the dopamine system, manifesting as impaired verbal learning and decreased coordination. Moreover, the long-term impact also encompasses stark alterations in brain regions associated with emotions and memory retention, potentially explaining users' emotional and cognitive disruptions.

While specific brain changes might reverse after prolonged abstinence from the drug, some might persist indefinitely. Recent studies suggest a correlation between previous methamphetamine use and an elevated likelihood of developing Parkinson’s, a neurological disorder affecting movement.

Porch Light Health remains committed to offering top-tier meth treatment in Colorado, aiming to reverse or mitigate the devastating effects of methamphetamine. If you or someone you love is grappling with meth addiction, our seasoned team is here to guide and support you in recovery.

Can a Person Overdose on Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine overdose is not only possible but can also be fatal. Overdose typically happens when an individual consumes an excessive amount of the drug, leading to adverse and sometimes life-threatening reactions. Based on data from the CDC, the U.S. saw 12,676 deaths due to psychostimulant drug poisoning in 2018. This figure marks a rise of close to 23% from the 10,333 deaths in 2017 and represents a staggering increase from the lowest recorded figure of 1,302 deaths in 2008.

Another rising concern is the contamination of street methamphetamine with inexpensive yet highly hazardous synthetic opioids. According to statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, stimulants became the predominant drug category detected in overdoses involving fentanyl in every U.S. state. Users are frequently unaware of this combination, putting them at a higher risk of overdose.

Is Methamphetamine Addictive?

Yes, methamphetamine is one of the most addictive substances available. Its potent effects on the central nervous system can lead users down a path of dependency, making discontinuation a daunting task.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal

Discontinuing methamphetamine use isn't just challenging due to the substance's addictive properties and the severe withdrawal symptoms that ensue.

Individuals attempting to detox from methamphetamine may experience:

Anxiety: A heightened state of worry and unease.
Fatigue: Overwhelming tiredness and lack of energy.
Severe Depression: Intense sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in daily activities.
Psychosis: A severe mental disorder in which the individual’s perception is so distorted that they lose touch with reality, affecting their thoughts and emotions.
Intense Drug Cravings: The overwhelming compulsion to use meth again can be one of the most challenging barriers to complete cessation.

At Porch Light Health, we offer expert guidance to help you understand withdrawal symptoms and navigate the path to recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with meth addiction or withdrawal symptoms, fill out our new patient registration form or reach out to us to take the first step toward recovery.

How is Methamphetamine Addiction Treated?

Currently, the government has not approved any medications specifically for treating methamphetamine addiction. Our team at Porch Light Health, however, is constantly informed about ongoing research. In particular instances, we consider medications that have the potential to aid the detoxification and treatment process for methamphetamine dependence.

It's worth noting that while these medications can sometimes help treat withdrawal symptoms, none have been officially FDA-approved for this specific use. Such decisions are typically determined individually and can involve medications that have shown promise in treating other addictions, such as cocaine dependency.

Even without a direct pharmacological solution, there is hope in treating addiction to methamphetamine. Research has displayed significant promise in using behavioral therapies to treat methamphetamine addiction.

Among the most impactful behavioral therapies for methamphetamine addiction thus far include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This approach assists patients in identifying, avoiding, and managing situations that might instigate drug use. Through CBT, we empower our patients with tools and strategies to combat triggers and relapse temptations.
Motivational Incentives: Also known as Contingency Management (CM), this type of behavioral therapy, when paired with psychosocial therapy, has proven to be more effective than psychosocial therapy alone. To bolster the recovery journey, we sometimes utilize motivational incentives. This method involves offering tangible rewards, such as vouchers or modest cash bonuses, to encourage and reinforce positive behavior.

The fight against methamphetamine addiction is a dynamic field, with ongoing research paving the way for potential new treatments. Investigations into innovative solutions, including potential vaccines or non-invasive brain stimulation using magnetic fields, are showing promise.

Patients and their families must know that recovery from methamphetamine addiction is possible. Individuals can navigate challenges and rebuild their lives with access to an effective substance abuse treatment program and a supportive community.

Seeking Treatment at Porch Light Health

At Porch Light Health, our mission goes beyond just treating the symptoms of addiction. We're here to provide hope for those struggling with methamphetamine addiction and the broader spectrum of SUD. Our emphasis on holistic care, rooted in evidence-based treatments, ensures that every individual embarks on a personalized path to recovery, equipped with the best possible support.

Our medical professionals at Porch Light Health are trained to assess and formulate personalized outpatient treatment plans designed to address the intricacies of methamphetamine addiction and each patient's unique needs. Recognizing that addiction journeys are as diverse as the people who experience them, we consider multiple factors, including personal histories, the length and intensity of drug use, and any concurrent health conditions.

Ready to take the first step towards recovery for yourself or a loved one? Porch Light Health offers compassionate, state-of-the-art addiction care tailored to you. Contact us today at 866-394-6123 and let our dedicated team guide you on the path to healing.

Meth Addiction FAQs

Where can I find a meth rehab in Colorado?

Porch Light Health offers comprehensive methamphetamine treatment services in multiple locations across Colorado and New Mexico, ensuring accessibility for those in need. Our clinic network of over 60 treatment points of care across Colorado is strategically situated to cater to diverse communities, making expert care more readily available for all.

What is "crystal meth"?

"Crystal meth" is the crystalline form of methamphetamine, resembling translucent or bluish-white shards. It's a potent and highly addictive form of the drug, often associated with severe health consequences when abused.

Is ‘Crystal’ methamphetamine similar to the medications prescribed for ADHD?

While certain methamphetamine formulations share a chemical structure with amphetamine, which is used to treat ADHD, their effects and usage are distinctly different. Methamphetamine has a much higher potential for abuse and harmful side effects, whereas ADHD medications are prescribed under controlled doses and guidelines.

Is secondhand methamphetamine smoke harmful?

While the effects might be less pronounced than direct consumption, long-term exposure can still have negative consequences on one's health. Moreover, if the smoke is regularly present in an environment, it can lead to contamination of surfaces, which may further expose residents or visitors.

Does Porch Light Health offer treatments for other addictions besides meth?

Front Range Clinic is equipped to deal with various drug addiction and mental health issues. Our trained staff and facilities cater to different addiction types, from alcohol to opioids, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery.

How prevalent is methamphetamine use in Colorado and New Mexico?

Colorado and New Mexico, like many states in the US, have seen a surge in methamphetamine misuse. This trend highlights the crucial role of specialized drug rehabs; Porch Light Health is dedicated to addressing this growing challenge.

How long does it take to recover from methamphetamine addiction?

Recovery time can vary based on individual factors. Some people may require a few months, while others might need years of ongoing therapy and support. The journey is unique to each person, but commitment and proper care can make all the difference.

References

1. Wilens, T. E., & Spencer, T. J. (2010). Understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from childhood to adulthood. Postgraduate Medicine, 122(5), 97–109. https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2010.09.2206

2. Slowik JM, Collen JF, Yow AG. Narcolepsy. [Updated 2023 Jun 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459236/

3. Drug Enforcement Administration, Strategic Intelligence Section. (2021, March). 2020 Drug Enforcement Administration National Drug Threat Assessment (NDTA). U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/DIR-008-21%202020%20National%20Drug%20Threat%20Assessment_WEB.pdf

4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2023. Drug Overdose Death Rates. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates

5. Lee, N. K., & Rawson, R. A. (2008). A systematic review of cognitive and behavioural therapies for methamphetamine dependence. Drug and alcohol review, 27(3), 309–317. https://doi.org/10.1080/09595230801919494

6. Soontornniyomkij, V., Kesby, J. P., Morgan, E. E., Bischoff-Grethe, A., Minassian, A., Brown, G. G., Grant, I., & Translational Methamphetamine AIDS Research Center (TMARC) Group (2016). Effects of HIV and Methamphetamine on Brain and Behavior: Evidence from Human Studies and Animal Models. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology: the official journal of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology, 11(3), 495–510. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11481-016-9699-0

7. van Seventer, J. M., & Hochberg, N. S. (2017). Principles of Infectious Diseases: Transmission, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Control. International Encyclopedia of Public Health, 22–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-803678-5.00516-6

8. Kuhn, E. J., Walker, G. S., Whiley, H., Wright, J., & Ross, K. E. (2019). Household Contamination with Methamphetamine: Knowledge and Uncertainties. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(23), 4676. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16234676

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