Methamphetamine, known more commonly as meth, is a popular stimulant that targets the central nervous system. Over 2.5 million people use the substance and over half of those have methamphetamine use disorder. The stimulant has several forms and goes by other nicknames:

• Speed 
• Crystal meth or Crystal
• Crank
• Chalk 
• Tweak, Ice, and Glass

The nervous system responds to meth by releasing dopamine, the pleasure hormone, and norepinephrine and serotonin—other mood hormones. Norepinephrine is in charge of alertness, fight-or-flight reflexes, and sexual arousal. Serotonin also plays a role in sexual desire along with general mood, sleepiness or wakefulness, digestion, nausea, wound recovery, bone health, and blood clot formation. Keeping all three of these hormones in balance is crucial for the body and brain’s well-being. 

When someone takes meth, these hormones surge in huge quantities. This makes the person feel euphoric for hours and sometimes days after using the substance. Over time, there are serious and sometimes permanent, negative alternations of the following areas:

• Motor speed and body control
• Emotional control
• The brain’s reward system (this is where addiction takes root)
• Memory
• Cognitive skills such as attention, critical thinking, and decision-making
• Verbal learning, speech, and language abilities

Long-term meth abuse can cause a slew of devastating consequences like strokes, delusions, paranoia, aggression, and psychosis.  

Understanding The Meth Crisis in PA

In 2022, it was clear that meth overdoses had spiked in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, often due to the consumption of opioid-meth mixtures. Health workers think the rising prices of opioids, including heroin and fentanyl, are making the substance unaffordable. This trend pushes opioid users to meth, which provides a cheaper and long-lasting high. 

Just a few years earlier, in 2019, lethal meth-induced overdoses had jumped over 500%. And while the problem seems to be concentrated in Philadelphia, St. Joseph Institute For Addiction in Port Matilda sees people struggle with meth in both rural and metropolitan areas. 

A large part of the issue when it comes to residential treatment in Pennsylvania is the limited treatment options available for individuals combatting a meth addiction. Additionally, there is a documented stigma around people with a meth addiction. The stigma that surrounds meth creates a social barrier, preventing many from asking for help or seeking treatment. 

St. Joseph offers treatment for meth addiction, along with other supportive programs and resources for substance use disorders (SUD). If you suspect that you or someone you love is struggling with meth abuse or addiction, keep reading to find out the common early indicators of meth abuse below. As always, be sure to contact us immediately to receive a thorough medical and psychological assessment and advice for moving forward. 

The First Signs of Meth Addiction in Your Loved One

The strongest indicators that meth addiction is present are uncharacteristic insomnia, hyperactivity, weight and appetite loss, and shaking or tremors. 

Simultaneously, there are indirect signs that can alert you to a meth addiction. More often than not, meth abuse manifests as a co-occurring disorder. This means that someone addicted to meth is probably also addicted to other substances at the same time or is battling a mental health issue. 

If you see that your loved one is using other drugs in problematic or troubling ways—or you learn that they display signs of a mental health issue, meth abuse is more likely to occur. Here are some other facts that may help you narrow down what the issue is:

• Men are more likely than women to abuse meth, but women still use and become addicted to meth every day.
• Meth abuse is currently most prevalent in the western United States.
• People often inject meth (along with heroin if they’re dealing with comorbidity), so needle marks can also be a tipoff. 
• Meth considerably increases the spread of infectious diseases. If your loved one has contracted an infectious disease recently, this may be another piece of evidence for a meth addiction. 

Receive Residential Treatment in Port Matilda, PA For Meth Addiction

Our facility is prepared to support you and your family through meth detox and provide mental health services during residential treatment for everyone involved in the recovery process. We’re also here to help you overcome the hurdle of overcoming stigma and seeking help. 

Additionally, we understand that entering treatment has a financial component, and we can provide you with all the necessary information when evaluating insurance coverage and gauging addiction treatment costs. Don’t let any obstacles stop you from knowing your options. Remember: there’s hope for you or your loved one’s situation!