Methamphetamines are a dangerous drug that causes serious harm to a person’s body, mind, and relationships. Fortunately, effective treatment programs for meth addiction are available. At Red Ribbon Recovery Indiana, we offer full, proven treatment options and support with therapies designed to fit your unique needs. If you’re ready to break free from drug abuse, contact our meth addiction treatment center today.
What is methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a strong and very addictive stimulant that raises energy, alertness, and feelings of joy. It also reduces tiredness, hunger, and the need for sleep. The drug works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, affecting areas tied to reward and motivation. This intense effect can lead to repeated use and, over time, physical dependence and addiction. Meth use also has serious health risks, especially for the heart and nervous system.
Methamphetamine is most often found as a powder, crystal, or pill. Powder meth (also called Meth, Speed, or Crank) is usually a mixed form, while crystal meth (Crystal, Ice, or Tina) is a purer and stronger form that is often smoked. The drug can also be taken by snorting, swallowing, or injection. Injecting and snorting create fast effects, while smoking and swallowing take longer. Methamphetamine’s effects last 9 to 11 hours, and most of the drug leaves the body in urine within 24 hours.
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 2.6 million people aged 12 or older used methamphetamine in the past year. The growing supply of high-purity meth has led to stronger effects, a greater addiction risk, and severe health problems. If you or someone you love needs help with a meth addiction, effective treatment options are available at our rehab center in Indiana.
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What is methamphetamine addiction?
Meth affects the brain like other stimulants, but its low cost and wide availability make it a common choice for those already using similar drugs. It causes a large release of chemicals in the brain, which increases norepinephrine and dopamine levels. This surge creates intense joy and extreme energy, with effects lasting six to 12 hours, followed by a harsh crash. The need to feel that high again often leads to dependence.
Beyond its immediate effects, meth changes how the brain works. It damages nerve cells in the central nervous system, many of which cannot be repaired. Long-term use also lowers dopamine levels. This lack of dopamine contributes to the extreme mood swings meth users experience, from joy to deep depression and hopelessness. Research suggests long-term meth use can reduce dopamine transporter levels by up to 50%, leading to lasting cognitive and emotional problems.
With continued use, a person’s tolerance builds, requiring larger doses to get the same effects. As dopamine levels drop, many users develop anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure in everyday life. What starts as dependence quickly becomes addiction, increasing the risk of overdose and severe long-term consequences.
Signs of meth abuse and meth addiction
A methamphetamine addiction can develop quickly because of the drug’s powerful effects on the brain. Meth enters the system fast, producing an intense but short rush. This encourages repeated use, which increases the risk of addiction. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly two out of three people aged 26 and older who used meth in the past year had a substance use disorder.
A methamphetamine use disorder is classified as a stimulant use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This disorder involves a pattern of meth use that leads to major distress or problems. Common signs and symptoms of meth addiction are similar to warnings for other drug problems. The Indiana Department of Health says to watch for these symptoms:
- Having intense urges to use methamphetamines
- Needing to use meth more frequently or use more of the drug for the same effect
- Spending money on meth even though you cannot afford it
- Doing things you would not normally do to get more meth, such as stealing
- Making it a top priority to always have meth available
- Not meeting work or family responsibilities due to drug use
- Cutting back on time with friends to use meth
- Driving under the influence, using other drugs, or engaging in other risky behaviors
- Legal problems from methamphetamine use
- Physical symptoms common to meth users, including burns on the lips and fingers, rotting teeth, or skin sores
- Trying to stop taking meth and failing
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using meth
Meth addiction is not a failure of character or morals. It is a disease that affects your body and mind. The good news is that there are effective meth addiction treatment therapies and support available. When you reach out to our Indiana addiction treatment program, we can provide support to help you reclaim your life and create a future you are proud of.
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Effects of meth addiction
Methamphetamine abuse has a large number of negative effects. It can affect your physical and behavioral health, result in broken relationships, and lead to legal consequences. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lists a number of physical health consequences for meth addiction, both in the short and long term.
Short-term physical and behavioral health effects include:
- Higher blood pressure and body temperature
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- A lower appetite and more nausea
- Disturbed sleep
- Erratic, aggressive, and violent behavior
Over time, as meth addiction continues, there are long-term effects on your health:
- A higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from high blood pressure
- Lung, kidney, and liver damage
- Permanent damage to the brain and heart
- Anxiety and confusion
- Insomnia
- A weaker immune system that struggles to fight off infections
- Psychotic symptoms like paranoia, hallucinations, delusions
- Mood disturbances and violent behavior
- Intense itching resulting in skin sores from scratching
- Severe dental problems like rotting, cracked, and missing teeth
Like other forms of drug abuse, using meth can also damage your relationships with family and friends, impact your behavioral health, and result in legal problems. Substance use can lead to you losing your job and not being able to pay bills, which can cause homelessness and more negative impacts on your life.
Fortunately, meth addiction treatment therapies and support are available. At Red Ribbon Recovery in Indiana, we can treat substance abuse and any co-occurring behavioral health disorders you may have. These disorders require combined treatment to address both meth abuse and your mental health at the same time. This gives you the best chance at long-term recovery.
If you are ready to break free from meth’s hold on your life, our treatment therapies for methamphetamine addiction and support for recovery can help.
Medical detox for meth addiction
Treatment for meth addiction often starts with a medically-supervised detox program, especially for individuals with long-term or high-dose meth use. Withdrawal from methamphetamine can be physically and emotionally hard, with symptoms like exhaustion, intense mood swings, agitation, anxiety, and increased blood pressure. Some individuals may also experience psychosis, depression, or suicidal thoughts, which require close medical supervision.
Meth withdrawal symptoms often appear within the first 24 to 48 hours after the last use, with the worst symptoms peaking in the first week. While physical symptoms usually fade within days, psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, and an inability to feel pleasure can last for weeks or even months.
Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms tend to follow a clear timeline:
- Acute Phase (First 2–7 Days). Symptoms peak within the first few days. They often include severe depression, an inability to feel pleasure, irritability, fatigue, body aches, long periods of sleep, and intense cravings. The psychological discomfort can be severe, making relapse highly likely without medical support.
- Early Protracted Withdrawal (Weeks 2–4). While physical symptoms slowly go away, psychological distress can continue. This may include anxiety, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. This phase often requires continued emotional support and therapy.
- Late Protracted Withdrawal (Beyond 4 Weeks). Long-term effects, including low motivation, cognitive issues, and emotional instability, may continue for months. This happens as the brain gradually restores its dopamine balance.
During detox, medical professionals provide 24/7 monitoring and support to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Unlike opioid or alcohol withdrawal, meth withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, but the psychological effects can be severe. Many individuals experience strong cravings, paranoia, or severe depression, which can increase the risk of relapse or self-harm. In cases where withdrawal symptoms are extreme, inpatient detox may be recommended for safety and stability.
Are medications used during meth detox?
There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for methamphetamine use disorder or other stimulant addictions. However, new research has shown potential benefits for certain medications, including:
- Mirtazapine. This may help with mood stabilization, sleep disturbances, and appetite restoration during withdrawal.
- Bupropion. This can assist in reducing cravings and depressive symptoms in individuals detoxing from methamphetamine.
- Naltrexone. Typically used for opioid and alcohol addiction, but some studies suggest it may help reduce meth cravings and lower relapse risk.
- Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). A non-invasive brain stimulation therapy showing promise in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Why is meth withdrawal difficult to manage without medical support?
Meth withdrawal is mainly driven by severe dopamine depletion. This is a result of long-term stimulant use overloading the brain’s reward system. The “dark side” of addiction occurs when the sudden lack of dopamine leads to intense psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and extreme fatigue. This chemical imbalance, combined with the immediate relief that meth can provide upon relapse, makes withdrawal one of the hardest parts of recovery.
Treatment for methamphetamine addiction
Effective meth addiction treatment involves a mix of medical and behavioral care designed for each person’s needs. Many individuals require medical care for issues related to meth use, such as open wounds, infections, and dental problems. At Red Ribbon Recovery in Indiana, we also provide treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.
A full assessment by a healthcare professional is the first step in seeking support. A doctor or mental health professional will evaluate your symptoms, substance use history, and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Being honest about all substance use is important, as methamphetamine can interact with other drugs and impact mental health.
Behavioral therapies for meth addiction
Behavioral therapy is the foundation of methamphetamine addiction treatment. It helps individuals change destructive thought patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, and prevent relapse. At Red Ribbon Recovery, we integrate proven methods designed for each patient’s needs, ensuring they receive the most effective treatment for long-term recovery. Proven behavioral therapies for meth addiction include:
- Contingency Management (CM). One of the most effective treatments for stimulant addiction, CM reinforces abstinence by providing tangible rewards like vouchers or gift cards for staying drug-free and participating in treatment. This approach has been studied extensively and is highly effective in promoting sustained recovery.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This helps individuals recognize and change harmful thought patterns that contribute to substance use. CBT focuses on developing practical coping strategies, managing stress, and improving decision-making to reduce the risk of relapse.
- Matrix Model. A full treatment approach combining individual and group therapy, relapse prevention, family education, and support group participation. This structured model promotes accountability, skill-building, and social support, which are critical for meth addiction recovery.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI). A patient-centered therapy designed to enhance motivation for change by exploring personal values, goals, and reasons for seeking recovery. This approach helps individuals commit to their treatment plan and stay engaged in the recovery process.
- Family and Couples Therapy. Meth addiction often strains relationships, leading to broken trust and unhealthy communication. Family therapy helps repair these dynamics, strengthening support systems that play a vital role in long-term recovery.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation Strategies. Methamphetamine addiction can cause memory loss, poor concentration, and emotional dysregulation. Therapy often includes cognitive rehabilitation techniques to help restore brain function, improve focus, and support emotional stability.
Many individuals with meth addiction also struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or meth-induced psychosis. An integrated approach is recommended since substance use and mental health are closely connected. Therapy for dual diagnosis patients helps uncover the underlying factors contributing to addiction while addressing coexisting mental health concerns. Additionally, emotional regulation techniques are used to help individuals manage mood swings, paranoia, and psychotic symptoms that may arise during recovery.
Inpatient programs for meth addiction
Inpatient programs provide 24/7 medical and therapeutic support for individuals with severe addiction, co-occurring mental health conditions, or high relapse risk. During inpatient treatment, you will:
- Live on-site at a treatment center in a safe, drug-free environment.
- Receive medical and psychiatric supervision to address withdrawal symptoms, mental health concerns, and potential relapse risks.
- Participate in intensive therapy, including individual, group, and family counseling to address both substance use and mental health conditions.
- Develop relapse prevention strategies to prepare for long-term recovery.
Meth addiction can lead to long-term neurological and cognitive effects, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and emotional instability. Inpatient care often includes cognitive rehabilitation tools to help restore focus, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation. Additionally, many individuals recovering from meth use experience severe mood swings and depressive symptoms, making psychiatric care and medication management an important part of treatment.
While there are currently no FDA-approved medications for treating methamphetamine addiction, research continues to explore promising options. Studies suggest that medication-assisted approaches may become part of future treatment strategies. In the meantime, behavioral therapies remain the most effective method for meth addiction recovery.
Outpatient programs for meth addiction
For individuals who do not require 24/7 care, outpatient rehab offers a structured but flexible approach to meth addiction treatment. Programs such as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide comprehensive addiction treatment while allowing patients to live at home and continue daily responsibilities. During outpatient treatment, you will:
- Attend scheduled therapy sessions focused on relapse prevention, mental health support, and behavioral strategies.
- Receive medical care for health conditions related to meth use, including HIV or hepatitis treatment if needed.
- Participate in group and family therapy to rebuild relationships and strengthen your support system.
- Learn life skills, such as stress management, coping techniques, and relapse prevention strategies.
Outpatient care also connects you with community resources and support groups to help maintain long-term sobriety. Many individuals transition from inpatient to outpatient programs as they progress in recovery, ensuring continued care and relapse prevention support.
Aftercare support
Once you finish treatment for meth addiction, you’ll be ready to live your recovery journey on your own. But remember that “on your own” does not mean alone. You will have support groups to help you stay sober and productive, as well as ongoing treatment options. Peer support groups for substance use, like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), can be significant in helping you avoid relapse and establish recovery from substance abuse.
There are also community resources that can help with housing, medications, job placement, and medical care for any remaining symptoms you may have. These supports make a big difference in your ongoing recovery process.
In support groups, you can meet other people who are also in recovery from substance abuse. You can encourage each other and hold one another accountable to avoiding relapse and staying strong in long-term recovery.
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Meth overdose
Methamphetamine overdose is a growing crisis in the U.S., with deaths from meth and other psychostimulants continuing to rise. In 2023, an estimated 36,251 people died from an overdose involving methamphetamine or similar stimulants, an increase from 35,550 deaths in 2022 (CDC). Unlike opioid overdoses, which can sometimes be reversed, there is no antidote for a meth overdose. This makes a rapid emergency response critical.
A meth overdose overwhelms the body, causing dangerously high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, overheating, seizures, and severe agitation or paranoia. Some individuals experience hallucinations, stroke, or organ failure, and in severe cases, an overdose can be fatal. If someone shows signs of a meth overdose, call 911 immediately—waiting for symptoms to lessen can be deadly.
Several factors increase the risk of a meth overdose, including high doses, long-term use, mixing meth with other substances like opioids or alcohol, and limited access to healthcare. Those living in rural areas and individuals with mental health conditions are also at higher risk.
While emergency intervention can save lives, preventing meth overdoses requires increased access to treatment. It also calls for education on harm reduction and full support for those struggling with addiction.
Get started at our meth addiction treatment center
Admitting you might have a problem with substance use and reaching out for help isn’t easy. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and are ready to take the next step, our Indiana treatment centers are here to support you. Call (317) 707-9848 or complete our confidential contact form. When you reach out to our team, you’ll speak with a recovery expert who will help determine whether drug or alcohol treatment is necessary. If treatment is recommended, they’ll guide you in choosing the appropriate level of care and assist with coordinating insurance benefits.
We are here to help you or a loved one find addiction treatment near you.
Admitting you have a substance abuse problem and asking for help is not always easy. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction or another substance use disorder, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (317) 707-9848 to learn about resources in your area or reach out to our team for personalized treatment.
Reviews
Sources
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- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, October). Methamphetamine Research Report: What treatments are effective for people who misuse methamphetamine?
- Center for Behavioral Health and Statistics and Quality. (July 2024). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD.
- Ferruci, et. al. (May 2019). The effects of amphetamine and methamphetamine on the release of nrepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine from the brainstem reticular formation. Frontiers in Neuroanatomy, 13.
- Ciccarone D, Shoptaw S. (January 2022). Understanding stimulant use and use disorders in a new era. Med Clin North Am. 2022;106(1):81-97. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2021.08.010.
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- Trivedi, M. H., Walker, R., Ling, W., Dela Cruz, A., Sharma, G., Carmody, T…& Shoptaw, S. (January 2021). Bupropion and naltrexone in methamphetamine use disorder. The New England journal of medicine, 384(2), 140–153.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (November 2024). Stimulant overdose.
About the content
Written by: Carli Simmonds. Carli Simmonds holds a Master of Arts in Community Health Psychology from Northeastern University. From a young age, she witnessed the challenges her community faced with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges, inspiring her dedication to the field.
Medical reviewed by: Jodi Tarantino, LICSW. Jodi Tarantino is an experienced, licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Program Director with over 20 years of experience in Behavioral Healthcare. Also reviewed by the RRR Editorial team.
Red Ribbon Recovery is committed to delivering transparent, up-to-date, and medically accurate information. All content is carefully written and reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure clarity and reliability. During the editorial and medical review process, our team fact-checks information using reputable sources. Our goal is to create content that is informative, easy to understand and helpful to our visitors.
