Across Alabama, thousands struggle with this devastating drug every year. According to the Alabama Department of Mental Health, over 4,000 people sought treatment for methamphetamine abuse in 2023. It was the second most common substance for treatment admissions. This powerful stimulant damages the brain and body. It disrupts dopamine systems, leading to cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms, and physical decline.
Getting clean from meth isn’t something you can do alone. Professional treatment centers offer medical supervision and proven therapies that make recovery possible. Meth withdrawal can be dangerous due to its impact on brain chemistry. It often causes severe depression, intense cravings, and potential psychosis relapse. At Longleaf Recovery & Wellness, we know meth addiction doesn’t follow a script, and neither does recovery. That’s why we build treatment plans around each person who walks through our doors.
Meth floods the brain with dopamine. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says this creates intense euphoria that can last up to 12 hours. That dopamine surge is what hooks people fast. Common methods of use include smoking, snorting, and injecting.
Long-term meth use destroys brain cells, specifically glial cells and myelin. These are in areas that control decision-making, memory, and impulse control. This damage impairs executive function, impulse control, attention, memory, and motor coordination.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction?
Meth addiction causes noticeable physical and behavioral changes. Knowing what to look for can help families get their loved ones into treatment sooner. Knowing what to look for can help families get their loved ones into treatment sooner.
Physical signs
- Extreme weight loss: Meth suppresses appetite, leading to rapid, unhealthy weight reduction
- Dental problems: “Meth mouth” causes severe tooth decay and gum disease
- Skin sores: Compulsive scratching creates open wounds and scars from sensations of bugs crawling under the skin
- Dilated pupils: Eyes remain enlarged even in bright light
- Hyperactivity: Excessive energy and inability to sit still
- Sleep deprivation: Staying awake for days at a time
Behavioral and psychological symptoms
- Paranoia: Irrational fears and suspicions about others
- Aggressive behavior: Increased violence and hostility
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not real
- Obsessive behaviors: Repetitive actions like cleaning or organizing
- Social isolation: Withdrawing from family and friends
- Risky decision-making: Engaging in dangerous activities
Treatment centers know how to spot these symptoms. They are also equipped to handle complications like meth-induced psychosis.
What is Medical Detox for Meth Addiction?
Medical detox means getting meth out of your system under medical supervision. During this time, doctors manage withdrawal symptoms. When someone stops using methamphetamine, dopamine and serotonin levels drop sharply, causing a severe “crash.” Without medical help, withdrawal can bring severe depression, psychosis, dehydration, and even suicidal thoughts.
During detox, medical staff monitor you around the clock. Acute withdrawal usually lasts 3-7 days, but psychological symptoms can linger for weeks.
| Detox Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical Supervision | 24/7 monitoring, vital sign checks, medication management |
| Symptom Management | Medications to reduce cravings, anxiety, and agitation |
| Stabilization | Support for sleep, nutrition, and hydration |
| Transition Planning | Preparation for ongoing treatment after detox |
Medical supervision keeps you safe, especially if you’re at risk for meth-induced psychosis. Over 35% of individuals who use meth develop psychosis at some point. Medical staff know how to handle psychiatric symptoms and stop dangerous behavior before it starts.
What Are the Levels of Care for Meth Addiction Treatment?
- Medical Detox: 24/7 medical supervision for severe addiction cases with monitoring of withdrawal symptoms and medication management
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Intensive daytime treatment with evening return home, several hours of therapy daily
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Structured therapy several days per week while maintaining work or school
- Outpatient Treatment: Weekly therapy sessions for ongoing support
- Aftercare/Continuing Care: Long-term support groups and relapse prevention
Your treatment level depends on how severe your addiction is and what support you have at home. The strongest recovery programs customize care based on what you need.
What is PHP for Meth Addiction?
Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP) provides intensive treatment during the day. You then go home at night. PHP typically involves 6 to 8 hours of structured treatment daily, 5 to 7 days per week.
This level of care works well for individuals who have completed medical detox, have stable housing, and can benefit from family support during recovery. PHP helps you transition from intensive care to outpatient treatment.
PHP Components:
– Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with licensed counselors address personal triggers and recovery goals
– Group Therapy: Peer support sessions help develop coping skills and learn from others facing similar challenges
– Medical Management: Ongoing health monitoring and medication support for co-occurring conditions
– Family Sessions: Involving loved ones helps repair relationships and builds stronger support networks
What Therapies Are Used in Meth Addiction Treatment?
Individual therapy provides one-on-one counseling with licensed therapists to address personal triggers and challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works well for meth addiction. It helps you spot and change the thought patterns that drive you to use.
Group therapy fosters accountability and shared learning through peer support. Sessions cover topics like relapse prevention, coping skills, and emotional regulation. Contingency Management uses rewards to keep you motivated, such as gift cards or vouchers for staying clean.
Trauma-informed approaches include EMDR, DBT, motivational interviewing, and the Matrix Model. These therapies address past trauma and help repair brain damage while teaching you new ways to cope.
Insurances We Accept
What is Dual Diagnosis and Mental Health Support?
Common co-occurring conditions:
– Depression: Develops during meth use and withdrawal as dopamine levels plummet
– Anxiety: Heightened by meth’s stimulant effects and overactivation of stress response systems
– PTSD: Trauma history is common among those with addiction
– Psychotic disorders: Over 35% of individuals with meth addiction develop meth-induced psychosis
Integrated treatment tackles addiction and mental health together—through medication and personalized recovery plans. Treatment centers equipped for dual diagnosis assess your needs and build a plan that fits you.
What Can I Expect at Longleaf Recovery?
Key Features:
– Personalized Treatment Plans: Individual assessments determine appropriate care based on addiction severity and mental health needs
– Experienced, Compassionate Staff: Licensed professionals guide each step of recovery
– Alabama Locations: Convenient access for residents in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Baldwin County
– Insurance Acceptance: Most private insurance plans accepted with admissions support for verification
– Long-Term Recovery Focus: Aftercare planning and relapse prevention included
The program helps repair brain damage from meth while managing psychiatric symptoms. We encourage families to get involved—through therapy sessions and weekly support groups.
Frequently asked questions about meth addiction treatment
Treatment length depends on your needs. Most programs last 30-90 days, followed by outpatient support that can continue for months—or even years.
Longleaf Recovery & Wellness accepts most private insurance plans. We’ll verify your coverage for free and let you know what you will owe out-of-pocket.
Yes. We encourage families to join therapy sessions, educational programs, and support groups, so they can understand addiction and help with recovery.
Our medical staff know how to handle meth-induced psychosis. They provide immediate care, including medication, supervision, and specialized treatment, until symptoms stabilize.
Most treatment centers offer support groups, alumni programs, and connections to local recovery meetings, so you stay connected after treatment ends.
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you love is battling meth addiction in Alabama, Longleaf Recovery & Wellness can help. Our team assesses your needs, determines the right level of care, and builds a treatment plan that addresses addiction and mental health. Services include individual therapy, group counseling, medication management, and family support.
To start treatment, contact our admissions team for a confidential consultation. Recovery from meth addiction is possible with the right support and proven treatment.
