Crystal methamphetamine is most well known for quickly destroying physical health. This stimulant drug can leave a person unhealthily underweight and ruin their teeth, leading to what is known as meth mouth. However, the long-term effects of meth go well beyond physical appearance. Addiction to meth and mental health conditions often impact one another. If you struggle with meth addiction, your best chance of healing may come from a dual diagnosis treatment program.
At Northpoint Washington, we have plenty of experience helping patients overcome addiction and co-occurring disorders. With a combination of medication and therapy, we can help you heal your mental health and prevent the long-term effects of meth abuse. Call us today at 888.450.2153 to learn how our dual diagnosis treatment can simultaneously address addiction to meth and mental health disorders.
Meth and Mental Health
Crystal meth can adversely affect your mental health. If you already struggle with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, you may be more likely to self-medicate with drugs like meth.
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that provides you with a mood boost and ample energy. This feeling makes it especially appealing when dealing with depression since you are likely to feel tired and sad. Crystal meth can provide a temporary escape from the low feelings and lethargy of depressive disorders.
The downside of using meth to self-medicate mental health disorders is that it worsens those symptoms. Even if you do not show signs of a mental health condition, abusing meth can eventually lead to:
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
These side effects of meth abuse can occur while you are under the influence of the drug or may appear as you come down from the high. Many people experience the above symptoms due to withdrawal, indicating a dependence or addiction to meth.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Meth on Mental Health?
If you develop an addiction to meth and continue using it long term, the mental health effects can amplify:
- Anxiety or depression can become severe.
- Paranoia and hallucinations can lead to erratic behavior.
- Suicidal thoughts may arise.
- Aggression can escalate to the point of violence.
- Impaired cognitive function can make it challenging to concentrate, interfering with your work or school performance.
Meth addiction can also cause insomnia, exacerbating all the above effects on your mental health. Without adequate sleep, it can be challenging to function throughout the day. Unfortunately, many people choose to offset their lack of sleep with more stimulants, including meth, cocaine, and caffeine.
Recovery from Meth and Co-occurring Disorders
When you begin experiencing the long-term effects of meth on your mental health, you may feel hopeless. For some people, the only time they feel good is when they are high on meth. However, it does not have to be that way. Getting help from a meth addiction treatment program can help you detox safely and begin the process of healing your brain.
Treatment for meth addiction and co-occurring disorders can help you regain emotional balance through:
- Detox to cleanse your system of meth
- Therapy to address thoughts and behaviors that trigger substance use and mental health symptoms
- Medication for withdrawal relief and management of mental health disorders
- Healthy lifestyle changes to heal your mind, body, and spirit
Dual diagnosis treatment that addresses meth addiction and mental health conditions concurrently ensures the most thorough treatment. Both conditions often play off one another, so treating both removes that issue and lowers the risk of relapse.
Northpoint Washington: Comprehensive Treatment for Meth and Mental Health Disorders
At Northpoint Washington, we realize the importance of simultaneously treating addiction and co-occurring disorders. We aim to provide you with the most thorough treatment to give you the best chance of long-lasting recovery. Call us today at 888.450.2153 with any questions you may have about dual diagnosis treatment and to schedule an assessment.