Meth addiction remains a serious issue throughout the United States. This includes meth addiction in Colorado. Meth addiction has the potential not only to destroy the struggling individual’s life but also everyone else’s life around them. However, the good news is that there are many effective treatment options that can help make meth addiction a thing of the past.
The Prevalence of Meth Addiction in the U.S.
Meth addiction is much more prevalent than many people may think. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Among people aged 12 or older in 2021, 0.9% (or about 2.5 million people) reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months.”
Because of this prevalence, it is critical that people better understand the dangers of meth addiction, not the least of which is overdose and potential death. Also, according to NIDA, “In 2021, approximately 32,537 people died from an overdose involving psychostimulants with abuse potential other than cocaine (primarily methamphetamine).” There are also many other dangers that come with meth addiction.
The Dangers, Signs, and Symptoms of Meth Addiction
As with other addictions, meth addiction shares some universal side effects, while also having some unique ones. The following are just a few of the dangers, signs, and symptoms of meth addiction:
- Can cause confusion, learning issues, and memory loss
- Could eventually cause short-term and long-term psychosis
- It has the potential to cause seizures
- Can cause extreme negative mood swings
- Negatively affects sleep patterns and causes insomnia
- Can cause chest pain and severe heart problems
- Causes anxiety and depression
- Can cause extreme weight loss
- May cause violent outbursts
- Increases the likelihood of self-harm and suicidal ideations
If any, some, or many of these symptoms appear, it is highly recommended that professional help be sought as soon as possible. Doing so can mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Meth Addiction in Colorado: Effective Treatment Options
Fortunately, all of those symptoms can be treated once help is sought. There are many effective treatment options. The primary way that meth addiction in Colorado is treated is via evidence-based mental health psychotherapies. Two of the most popular ones are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies can get to the underlying issues that often correlate to addictive behaviors.
One of the keys to meth addiction recovery is to make sure that a treatment plan is customized for individual needs. It is also important to focus on whole mind-body treatment that includes both clinical and therapeutic support.
Meth addiction treatment must also include a connection to recovery peers who individuals can both relate to and rely upon when times feel tough. A complete diagnosis is also crucial to determine if any co-occurring disorders are present because any issues of mental health must also be addressed simultaneously.
Meth Addiction in Colorado: The Importance of Community in Recovery
Treating one’s meth addiction in Colorado is an ideal choice for those individuals looking to connect to a healthy recovery community, and community is crucial in recovery.
There is an entire chapter dedicated to community in recovery in the “Big Book” (primary text) of 12-Step recovery. It is entitled, “Working With Others.” The chapter reads, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from [substance use] as intensive work with other [people in, and in need of, recovery]. It works when other activities fail.”
Colorado has an excellent recovery community because Colorado offers an excellent backdrop for a community to come together. Whether it is experiencing nature, such as exploring the Rocky Mountains, or investigating one of the amazing cities throughout the state like Denver or Boulder, there are many activities to partake in in Colorado.
The Redpoint Center: Treating Meth Addiction in Colorado and More
Here at The Redpoint Center, we believe in empowering our clients to take on recovery at the cellular level. We also teach them the life skills that will not only help them during recovery but long after they leave our treatment center doors.
In 12-Step recovery, there is something known as the “Responsibility Statement” that is often read at the end of meetings. It goes, “I am responsible, when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of [recovery] always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.” Here at The Redpoint Center, we take this responsibility seriously, and we will do everything we can to ensure that our clients attain and maintain long-term recovery.
Yes, meth addiction can take everything away that we once held dear. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t get it back. Meth addiction does not have to win at the end of the day. There is a way out, and here at The Redpoint Center, we can show you how.
Methamphetamines are still a serious problem throughout the U.S. This includes in the state of Colorado. Here at The Redpoint Center, we have a program that focuses on meth/stimulant addiction. We offer hope and resolution via effective evidence-based treatment options, as well as through experiential and holistic therapy options. If you feel like you or someone you love may be struggling with a meth addiction or any other issues of substance use disorder (SUD) or mental illness, we can help get you on the path to recovery. For more information on the dangers of methamphetamines and how meth addiction can best be treated, please reach out to The Redpoint Center today at (303) 710-8496.
