Methamphetamine, meth for short, is an incredibly addictive drug. It is classified as a stimulant alongside other drugs like cocaine. You may feel completely lost when it comes to how to help someone with a meth addiction. It begins by approaching their addiction with care and empathy. That doesn’t mean accommodating their addiction or coddling them. But it does no good to blame them for their addiction. Ultimately, the good news is that getting your loved one meth addiction help is possible.
Learn more about meth addiction treatment programs by dialing 833.647.0392.
How to Help Someone With a Meth Addiction
The first step in getting your loved one connected to meth addiction help actually starts with yourself. Education is key. It is important to understand their addiction and what they are going through to the best of your ability. True, you cannot fully walk a mile in their shoes, as the saying goes. But you can take the time to be informed about meth addiction, what sets it apart from other addictions, and what kind of effect it has on the mind and body.
Meth is typically used by smoking, injecting, or snorting. Meth is so addictive because it causes the brain to release massive amounts of dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical responsible for pleasure and positive emotions. This release of dopamine quickly causes the brain to crave meth as it begins to feel deprived without it. The quest for that original feeling of pleasure can quickly escalate into an addiction.
Meth’s impact is not just psychological. It can also devastate a person’s physical self. Some of meth’s side effects include:
- Tooth decay
- Severe weight loss
- Open sores
- Mental health issues
- Hallucinations
- Aggression
- Cognitive issues
Perhaps more than any other addiction, meth use is visibly noticeable and harder to hide or deny. That does not indicate an easy road to recovery, but it can give you a foot in the door as a concerned loved one. Likely, the addicted person recognizes there is a problem and sees the negative impacts that meth addiction has brought on them. They probably feel powerless to stop using the drug.
Connecting Your Loved One to Meth Addiction Help
Proper preparation for a healthy confrontation or intervention is important. This includes working with a professional, engaging in self-care, stopping any enabling, and connecting them to treatment. Each piece of this process is described below.
Seek Professional Support
It is very possible that finding quality treatment options will fall on your shoulders. Someone struggling with a meth addiction may be incapable of that kind of responsibility. Addiction professionals can equip you and your family with the tools and skills necessary to intervene on behalf of your loved one.
Take Self-Care Seriously
You will be able to provide the best possible support to your loved one only as long as you take care of yourself as well. Do not neglect yourself while you attempt to aid your loved one. One valuable outlet in this regard is finding and attending a support group for loved ones of meth addicts.
Stop Enabling Your Loved One
It is possible that you could be enabling your loved one’s behaviors related to their addiction. Remember that it is not your responsibility to solve their addiction. At the same time, you also have a responsibility not to enable their addiction. So what could that look like? Some common enabling behaviors are paying rent for a loved one who spends their money on drugs, lying on behalf of your loved one, and consistently bailing them out of trouble or helping them avoid consequences for their addiction.
Connect Them With Meth Addiction Help
Your ultimate goal should be helping your loved one enter formal treatment. That will offer them the best chance at recovery. Research and explore meth treatment centers in Ohio to gain knowledge of treatment options for when your loved one exhibits a willingness to accept help. If you have already sought professional help, they can connect you with a reliable addiction treatment provider.
Learn more about meth treatment centers in Ohio by calling 833.647.0392.
