Meth Addiction Treatment In Los Angeles, California

Methamphetamine Addiction

Launch Centers proudly offers meth addiction treatment services in Los Angeles, California. Our flexible treatment programs, evidence-based therapy methods, and focus on life skills and holistic healing modalities are perfect for young adults struggling with meth addiction and any co-occurring disorders. Meth and substance abuse shouldn’t take over your life, and Launch Centers is here to help you reach your mental health and recovery goals.

What Is Meth?

Methamphetamine, also known as meth or crystal meth, is a powerful drug that targets the central nervous system, causing euphoria and relaxation. However, these sedative effects can quickly consume an individual’s entire life, redirecting their focus to buying, using, and seeking out meth. Meth can be taken by smoking, snorting, or injecting, quickly creating a strong and intense feeling called a “rush.” But these effects wear off quickly, making users want more, leading to a dangerous cycle of using, crashing, and using again.

Soon, individuals can start neglecting important things like work, family life, friendships, college, and basic everyday tasks like eating, sleeping, and exercising. Their mood and overall mental health can start to negatively change, resulting in mood swings, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, along with physical symptoms, including face sores, rotted teeth, and scabs.

Meth Addiction In California

The United States classified methamphetamine as a controlled and highly addictive substance in 1970. But, illegal manufacturing and distribution have caused addictive substances to spread across the US, and despite the significant attention drawn to the opioid and fentanyl epidemic, methamphetamine use has emerged as a growing issue in California for teens and young adults.

In 2021, approximately 65% of drug-related deaths in California were attributed to methamphetamine, cocaine, or other stimulants, marking a substantial increase from 22% in 2011, as reported by the California Department of Health Care Services. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recorded a staggering 180% surge in overdose deaths involving methamphetamine and other stimulants nationally, reaching 15,489 fatalities in 2019, compared to figures in 2015.

The California homelessness crisis has further exacerbated the problem, with stimulant use wreaking havoc on the unhoused community. A study by the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative revealed that among unhoused individuals who use drugs, amphetamines, and methamphetamines were the most commonly chosen stimulant. Some individuals living on the streets even reported resorting to stimulants to remain alert during the night, fearing potential attacks if they were to fall asleep.

Meth Addiction Treatment Services With Launch Centers

Launch Centers tailors our addiction treatment plans to each individual’s specific needs, factoring in any existing or worsened mental health disorders.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Our highest level of care and structure, our PHP program, is perfect for individuals with methamphetamine addiction who require full-time addiction treatment but still want the ability to focus on personal responsibilities. Clients usually attend treatment for 30 to 60 hours per week, taking part in group therapy sessions, one-on-one counseling sessions with a therapist, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic healing modalities like art, yoga, and music therapy.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Our IOP program is perfect for individuals with methamphetamine use disorders who want to transition to a lower level of care and transition back into daily life and responsibilities. Clients usually spend 10 to 20 hours a week attending day, afternoon, or evening programs, each lasting 3 to 4 hours. We’ve split our IOP programs into day and evening programs to accommodate clients with families, jobs, or school that take up some of their day.

Outpatient Program

Our meth addiction outpatient program is perfect for individuals who are transitioning into daily life but still want to attend weekly one-on-one or group therapy sessions. This also benefits individuals in mental health housing or sober living facilities who want to continuously update their treatment plans and monitor their recovery process.

Life Skills & Career Development

Meth addiction can consume an individual’s entire life, robbing them of vital adult, career, and independent living skills. Clients will learn how to apply for jobs, create resumes, submit college or vocational school applications, and prepare for adulthood. Other taught skills include meal planning, help with housing, self-care, budgeting and investment, and stress management.

Signs of Meth Addiction

Meth abuse can drastically impact a person’s entire life, including their appearance, thoughts, actions, and feelings. Depending on the severity of addiction and any co-occurring disorders, individuals may present the following signs and symptoms.

Behavioral signs of meth addiction may include:

Displaying unusual energy levels and not feeling the need for sleep
Performing poorly at school or work with frequent absences
Engaging in repetitive and obsessive behaviors
Being secretive about activities and attempting to borrow or steal money
Struggling to quit or cut down, even after experiencing negative consequences from previous use
Prioritizing buying and using meth over personal and professional responsibilities

Physical symptoms can involve:

Neglecting personal hygiene
Burn marks on lips or fingers from smoking crystal meth
Nosebleeds from snorting
Track marks, sores, bruises, or scabs near veins from injecting
Increased heart rate
Dilated pupils
Rapid, hyperactive, or incoherent speech
Insomnia or trouble sleeping
Scabs and sores on the body.
Damage to teeth and gums
Loss of appetite or weight loss

Cognitive symptoms of meth addiction include:

Poor judgment
Impaired memory
Impaired decision-making skills
Confusion or disorientation
Hallucinations or delusions

Psychosocial symptoms include:

Dramatic mood swings
Agitation or irritability
Paranoia

Dangers & Long-Term Effects of Meth Use

Short and long-term meth use can lead to significant physical and phycological effects, impacting an individual’s life in various negative ways. Some of these dangers include:

Impaired coordination, confusion, memory loss, and difficulties in verbal learning
Persistent insomnia, anxiety, and paranoia
Altered moods and emotions, such as aggressive or violent behavior
Hallucinations from meth-induced psychosis
Drastic and sudden weight loss
Severe and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if an individual tries to quit without medical assistance
Severe heart conditions, including chronic hypertension, cardiomyopathy, aortic dissection, and heart attacks
Skin abscesses and damaged blood vessels from injecting methamphetamine
Risk of contracting bloodborne and intravenously-passed diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C
Dental problems, including gum disease and tooth decay
Strained or ruined relationships with friends, family, or spouses
Academic failure (failing classes, poor attendance, etc.)
Financial struggles, job loss, chronic unemployment, or loss of career skills
Weakened bone density and immune system
Physical harm due to reckless behaviors related to meth abuse
Potential legal issues resulting from drug use, possession, or intent to sell
Suicidal thoughts, feelings, or actions

Contact Launch Centers For Meth Addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with meth addiction, contact Launch Centers in Los Angeles, California. Our meth addiction treatment programs are designed around healing the entire person, focusing on the mind, body, and soul. Our holistic therapy methods, evidence-based modalities, and compassionate treatment staff are the perfect environment for individuals who want effective substance abuse services. Call today, and one of our admissions agents can help you get started.