Tag Archives: methamphetamine

Colorado Doctors Trying Medication to Respond to Meth Addiction Crisis

With the opioid crisis taking up so much space in popular media, it’s been easy to forget about other illicit drugs affecting people’s lives. In Colorado, methamphetamine (meth) use is widespread, due to its easy availability and inexpensive cost.

Heroin Users Switching to Meth

Some heroin users are switching to methamphetamine as their drug of choice, believing that they can’t overdose on meth or other stimulants. This is absolutely untrue, according to Lisa Raville, the executive director of the Denver’s Harm Reduction Center, which operates the city’s needle exchange program. She wants clients who come through her program to understand the risks associated with meth use.

Denver law enforcement has reported a total of 1,468 arrests on possession charges in 2018. This figure represents a 217 percent jump in similar charges since 2014. Jason Dunn, the state’s US. attorney, commented that while there has been some progress on the opioid front, “we’re still losing ground on the methamphetamine front.”

CO Doctors Using MAT for Meth Addiction

To combat this problem, Colorado doctors are turning to MAT (medication-assisted treatment). This approach uses a combination of specific drugs, such as Naltrexone, to help control a client’s cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, and talk therapy (individual and group) to treat the addiction.

MAT is a standard treatment for opioid addiction. Doctors are starting to use this method to treat those addicted to methamphetamines as well. Naltrexone and another medication, Vivitrol, haven’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat meth addiction yet, although a number of patients who have tried it report positive results.

Health Risks of Methamphetamine Use

Meth is a very powerful stimulant and even in small doses it can lead to decreased appetite as well as increased alertness and physical activity. It also affects the user’s cardiovascular system and may lead to a number of health issues, such as:

• Rapid heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Irregular heart rate

In an overdose, the person may experience elevated body temperature (hyperthermia) or convulsions. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
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With long-term use, users need to take more of the drug, take it more often or change their method of use to get the sense of euphoria they are seeking. They may also have difficulty feeling pleasure unless they use meth, which may lead to even more drug use. Withdrawal symptoms occur when someone who is a chronic user of the drug stops taking it. These symptoms include fatigue, anxiety and depression, along with intense cravings for the drug.

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How Meth Use During Pregnancy Affects Neonatal Outcomes

How Meth Use During Pregnancy Affects Neonatal Outcomes

Methamphetamine addiction is on the rise again in many areas. Meth use by pregnant women resulted in a number of negative neonatal outcomes, according to results from a systemic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine. The review indicated meth use during results in a measurable decrease in the following:

• Infant birth weight
• Head circumference
• Body length
• Gestational age at birth

The review also found that expectant mothers who were exposed to methamphetamine didn’t experience “excessive pregnancy complications” due to their illicit drug use.

Pregnant Women “Vulnerable Population” for Meth Use

Dr. Dimitrios-Rafail Kalaitzopoulos, from the Reproductive Endocrinology Unit, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, wrote that pregnant women are one of the “vulnerable populations” that use methamphetamine. Dr. Kalaitzopoulos stated that data about the effects of meth use during pregnancy is limited, since existing studies have involved only small samples and have not accounted for the participants using other drugs as well as methamphetamine.

The investigators examined several types of materials while conducting their review, including an orderly review of clinical literature and a deep dive analysis of case-control studies. They included studies which compared women who were exposed to methamphetamine during their pregnancy with a control group who didn’t use meth.

Multiple Studies Examined by Researchers

Eight studies involving a total of 626 participants who used methamphetamine during pregnancy and 2,626 women who didn’t use the drug during pregnancy (the control group) were examined and analyzed. The results showed no difference (statistically) between women who used meth during pregnancy and the control group on preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) rates.

Dr. Kalaitzopoulos pointed out there was a limitation to this type of meta-analysis due to the methods used to identify pregnant women who used meth. The ones who were recruited into the methamphetamine users group were placed there through a combination of self-reporting and toxicological reports, such as maternal urine tests, meconium tests performed on the infant’s first bowel movement or neonatal urine toxicology. In some instances, self-reporting only was used or taking a urine sample from the infant only was used.

None of these methods is considered ideal. To determine the extent of maternal drug use, all these methods should be used together, according to Dr. Kalaitzopoulos.

medically supervised detox

The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox

The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox

When an addiction sufferer realizes they have a drug or alcohol problem, the decision to stop using is a tremendous first step. However, for a number of reasons sufferers may choose to attempt the detoxification process by themselves.

Drug or alcohol addicts may be ashamed of their use, afraid to share their addiction, or simply may not know where to turn. Unfortunately going through detoxification alone may be more detrimental to the long-term health of the sufferer than not coming clean in the first place.

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importance medically supervised detox

Physical Withdrawal from Drugs or Alcohol

The sickness and physical pain caused by withdrawal symptoms often get the better of those attempting to self-detox. The body has become accustomed to functioning with the addictive substance. Organs and the brain have figured out ways to accommodate and flush toxic chemicals from the body.

But, once the addictive substance has been removed, the body doesn’t adjust as quickly. This results in unpleasant physical side effects including:

  • Nausea
  • Tremors
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Stomach Pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Feeling lightheaded

In the most severe cases, seizures, heart palpitations, and other life-threatening conditions can occur. The possibility of withdrawal resulting in permanent health issues or even death should be reason enough to see medically supervised detox.

With medical supervision and intervention, physicians may be able to introduce medications which can assist in reducing physical symptoms. Fear of replacing one drug with another should be eased. Medically supervised detox can require daily or even weekly supervision. Thus reducing the unlikely development of a secondary addiction.

Mental Obstacles in Detox from Drugs

Patients seeking to detox should not only seek out medical solutions but, mental and therapeutic support. While the physical discomfort of withdrawal can be severe, in some instances the mental anguish associated with withdrawal can become too much to bear for some individuals.

During the detox process, suffers can experience mental symptoms including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Nightmares
  • Sleeplessness
  • Feeling of hopelessness
  • Intense desire to use again

Detoxifying can be a psychologically taking ordeal. Having access to the proper level of both medical and mental therapeutic support significantly increase the chances for success.

The Benefits of Medically Supervised Detox

The detox process is similar to other medical treatments. First, the addiction is identified and evaluated. Once understood, the proper treatment plan can be put in place. Finally, and perhaps most important, follow up treatment and assessments help ensure a successful recovery.

Medically supervised detox provides the same benefits as other treatments, such as physical therapy or surgery including:

  • Professional medical and therapeutic staff
  • Clean, safe, and supportive environments
  • Expert symptom relief

Physicians and nurses specially trained in addiction-related treatments can alleviate withdrawal symptoms. They also know when to intervene in an emergency or when to change course if outcomes are not meeting expectations.

Rehabilitation and recovery centers provide a safe environment for sufferers. Surrounded by knowledgeable staff at all levels, comfort and privacy are provided for even the most vulnerable moments of the detox process.

What to Expect During Detox

One of the first questions asked is how long an average detox program can last. There are several factors which determine how long addiction sufferers may spend in a program:

  • Frequency of use
  • Underlying medical conditions
  • Use of single or multiple substances
  • How long drugs or alcohol have been abused

Typical stays last from a few days to a couple weeks. Keep in mind this is only the inpatient treatment portion of the program. Participants will be expected to make regular physician visits and are encouraged to commit to therapy sessions or support groups.

During the time at the rehabilitation center, expect to be surrounded by around the clock care from doctors, nurses, and therapists. Upon entering the center, physicians will establish a medical baseline of health and uncover any medical conditions you may have.

With around the clock monitoring, vitals are checked on a regular basis. As much rest as needed is provided. Each day medications are adjusted appropriately to assist in the detox process. Ultimately the goal is to get addicted suffers back to being themselves as soon as possible.

After Detox

In most instances, it is recommended clients seek continued monitoring. In addition to returning home with the support of friends and family, after detox treatment programs greatly reduce the chance of relapse.

As supportive as friends and family may be, trained professionals can help with unique physical and mental after-effects addiction sufferers may experience. The support in treatment programs provides a source of comfort while adjusting to sober living.

The importance of medical supervision during the detox process cannot be stressed enough. Medically supervised detox is the safest and best step anyone can take to rescue their life from addiction.  If you or someone you know requires detox, there are many organizations including Desert Cove Recovery who can provide the best possible detox options.

holistic addiction treatment

Holistic Methods of Addiction Treatment

Holistic Methods of Addiction Treatment

Addiction affects every part of a person’s life. Relationships, career prospects, health, and spirituality can be damaged by a substance abuse problems. Drug abuse can also appear as a symptom of an issue with these or other areas of a person’s life. Without addressing these underlying problems, true healing and recovery cannot occur.

Holistic addiction treatment looks at an individual as a whole rather than focusing on a particular problem at the exclusion of other factors. By meeting the needs of the patient’s mind, body and soul at the same time, holistic addiction treatment plans are a more thorough and attentive solution.

Benefits of Holistic Addiction Treatment

The core belief behind holistic treatment is that an individual is more than the sum of his or her experiences and problems. Rather than isolating a specific issue like addiction and treating it in a vacuum, holistic treatments address concerns of the mind, body and spirit simultaneously.

This approach makes the most sense when you consider the power that addiction can have on a person’s life. Addiction can be all-consuming. It determines how a person feels, how time is spent, the quality and nature of relationships and so much more. Eliminating an addiction without addressing these other aspects of a person’s life may not be effective in the long term.

When a person is addicted, the substance at the heart of the addiction may become an all-purpose crutch to substitute for wellness and growth. Pain that is physical, spiritual or emotional in nature may be self-medicated through drugs or alcohol. When these substances are removed, the underlying issues must still be addressed.

Recognizing that sickness to the mind, body or spirit may be at the root of addiction is what separates holistic treatment from other types of drug rehab.

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holistic addiction treatment

Complementary and Integrative Therapies

Successful drug rehabilitation depends on a combination of an addiction cessation program and cognitive behavioral therapy. A program like the 12-step program provides a framework for combating and overcoming addiction within a supportive network of others in recovery. Therapy works to help a patient build better coping mechanisms and address the underlying issues that may cause addiction or exacerbate substance abuse problems.

On their own, each of these techniques is powerful. When combined, they provide a greater foundation on which a patient can build a new substance-free life. The greatest strength of the holistic treatment approach is the ability of one method’s strengths to balance out another’s weaknesses, and that is something we strive for at Desert Cove.

In addition to traditional drug rehab methods, holistic addiction treatment may also incorporate complementary and alternative or integrative medicine techniques:

  • Yoga
  • Acupuncture
  • Meditation
  • Nutritional intervention
  • Herbal medicine
  • Biofeedback
  • Reiki
  • Massage
  • Physical activities and exercise

Many holistic programs also take advantage of scenic locations. Being surrounded by nature can help to improve spiritual health and overall wellness, and the attractive atmosphere of these locations can ease the discomfort of people struggling with the decision to leave their lives for inpatient treatment at a facility.

Alternative medicine treatments are not scientifically proven to treat any specific ailment, but they have been shown to help some people with overall wellness, energy improvements, spiritual health or other benefits.

Stress relief is an important component of integrative therapy. Quitting an addictive substance is a tumultuous process that can cause significant upset and disturbance in an individual’s daily life. Providing a way to cope with that stress and manage it productively can have a tremendous benefit.

A Personalized Approach to Drug Rehab

Not all holistic drug recovery programs offer the same treatments, and not every treatment will be effective for every patient. This is why it’s important for recovery to be personalized and based on the needs of the individual. Taking the time to understand an individual’s history, background, challenges and goals helps with tailoring the treatment plan and ensuring the best possible results.

For more information about our holistic treatment options and what services we provide, contact Desert Cove Recovery today.

Methamphetamine Use increasing

Methamphetamine Use Rising Again

methamphetamine abuseMethamphetamine addiction was a major concern for law enforcement and health officials several years ago, before the opioid crisis reached epidemic proportions. States in the Western United States were hit especially hard by the abundance of methamphetamine being manufactured, and as a result thousands of people suffered from debilitating addictions to the powerful drug. But, after major attempts to curb methamphetamine production and use, the United States saw a decline in the number of meth users.

Restrictions on purchasing some of the main ingredients for manufacturing the drug and powerful ad campaigns like, Faces of Meth, were attributed to the de-escalation of methamphetamine use. However, recent reports find that while the country experienced a reprieve from the meth problem, more people are using the drug again, and massive quantities of the drug are being smuggled across the border.

“We’re seeing it pour across the border in bigger quantities. It used to be that loads of 20, 30, 40 pounds were big for us. Now we have 200-pound loads,” cautioned Mark Conover, the deputy U.S. Attorney in Southern California.

Methamphetamine originally soared in popularity because addicts could manufacture the drug themselves, using relatively common household ingredients. But, now that many of these ingredients require an ID to purchase and are only available in limited quantities, drug cartels in South America have taken over. As a result, methamphetamine is not being made in small at-home labs, but instead is being produced in giant warehouses where they make it in bulk and then smuggle it into the United States.

This massive influx of methamphetamine has led to some of the biggest numbers that officials have ever seen. States like Ohio, Texas, Montana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Iowa, South Dakota and Wisconsin have all seen massive spikes in methamphetamine in the last year. Some reports show that methamphetamine use has jumped by 250% since 2011.

Meth has somewhat silently crept back on the radar. Despite having a different set of problems associated with its use where overdose deaths are less likely compared to opioids, methamphetamine addiction is still a very serious threat to the public health in America.

If you have a loved one who is abusing or addicted to methamphetamine, contact us today to find out how our treatment program can help.

Study Looks at Experimental Drug to Treat Meth Addiction

molpsymethMethamphetamine is a powerful drug that is one of the most addictive and difficult to recover from. One of the toughest parts of trying to stop using meth is the cravings that develop after use stops. Studies have suggested that only about 12 percent of meth users fully overcome their addictions and make a complete recovery.

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute may have recently discovered a way to eliminate the memory of the high of methamphetamine, making it possible to not crave the drug. They used a medication called Blebbistatin on meth-addicted rates, showing great promise. The rats who were administered the drug later showed no interest in their behavior, while the control group gathered around where the drug had previously been administered, waiting for their next fix.

Called Blebb for short, the drug targets the memories of the meth use experience and breaks down the components so that they are not so easily relived with such intensity. When meth users crave the drug, they often recall the high that they initially felt, which is attached to that memory. With Blebb, they are essentially able to erase the part of the memory associated with the high.

“It’s one of the many happy surprises of this project,” said study author Erica Young, “We fully expect that they wouldn’t relapse a year or more later, but we don’t know for sure yet.” The full results of the study were published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

After a surge in meth use and addiction in the U.S. about 20 years ago, it later declined significantly, which was attributed to laws pertaining to better regulation of meth precursors. Since then, meth has started to make another comeback, as the majority of the supply now comes from “superlabs” in Mexcio.

DEA Reminds Us Not to Forget About Meth

methamphetamineHeroin and prescription drugs are certainly the hot topics when it comes to drug abuse in recent years, but recent comments from representatives of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) carry a warning that methamphetamine use is on the rise again in many areas. In fact, not only is it coming over the Southwest border still, but it is reaching the outer limits of the country in rapid fashion.

Methamphetamine is a man-made drug that gives the user an intense high and feeling of euphoria. The drug is comprised of chemicals that can be found in various household items like lye, battery acid, fertilizer, rubbing alcohol, brake cleaner and other hazardous chemicals. When ingested, users initially feel a rush of euphoria, followed by an intense burst of energy that usually ends in hallucinations and paranoia. The drug is so addictive that users will go to great lengths to obtain the drug and remain high.

Methamphetamine is not new to the country of course, but the production process has changed throughout the years. In the past, it was most common for small groups to manufacture the drug and distribute it throughout their area. Sometimes addicts would make their own supply, using easy to find ingredients. In more recent years, however, the production has shifted to superlabs south of the border. Drug cartels in Mexico are now supplying methamphetamine in huge quantities right along with the heroin that has become so pervasive.

In fact, many heroin users report that meth is their next drug of choice. “Methamphetamine is a dark horse riding side by side with heroin,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Doug James.

So, while drug prevention efforts need to remain on heroin and prescription drugs, it is important that methamphetamine stay on the forefront as well. The insidious way that methamphetamine has of consuming a person is amplified if prevention efforts don’t remain focused there as well.

Methamphetamine Rising Again in Many Areas

methnamesDespite the lack of media attention methamphetamine has gotten over the last several years, it is still a widely abused drug. In fact, methamphetamine users are showing up in larger numbers again – even rivaling opiates in some areas.

The drug, known for its powerful effect on the body, is a highly addictive stimulant. Users often fall into an intense addiction very quickly upon trying the drug. This is likely a reason why the abuse rate is so high with methamphetamine. Oftentimes users will seek out the drug and feel compelled to keep taking more.

Methamphetamine experienced a surge in popularity when users realized they could manufacture the drug from their homes. Using ingredients that were common among households and easy to obtain at drug stores and home improvement stores, addicts soon were able to produce their own supply. Then, about ten years ago, states started to regulate the methamphetamine ingredients more, and the number of at-home meth lab busts dropped significantly.

Unfortunately, there was still a large demand for methamphetamine. Drug cartels in Mexico realized that they could manufacture the drug and smuggle it into the United States. A recent study in the Twin Cities in Minnesota noted the increase of meth users there.

“Since 2009 it’s been creeping up again and now the supply is from Mexico,” explained Carol Falkowski, the lead author of the study. In addition to fueling the methamphetamine habit, cartels have also made the drug stronger. The methamphetamine brought in from Mexico is 80% pure and creating even more addicts.

In addition to the rise in treatment admissions again, emergency rooms have also seen an increase in people checking in for complications resulting from methamphetamine use. If you know of someone in need of help for a methamphetamine problem, contact us to learn more about effective treatment options.

Pharmacies’ Switch Could Help Drop the Number of Community Meth Labs

methlabsdojThere is a trend developing among pharmacy chains that is impacting meth production in a positive way. Their efforts, as simple as they may be, are reportedly connected to a decline in the number of methamphetamine labs in their areas, all without enacting costly legislation changes. The pharmacies are simply making a change in the type of pseudoephedrine (PSE) products they sell, switching to meth-resistant PSE products.

Since the switchover started two years ago, illegitimate PSE sales and the number of meth labs in areas of the country have dropped, particularly in West Virginia and Tennessee. Nearly 30,000 pharmacies across the nation have started stocking this new type of PSE over the past two years. This new type of medication includes technology that makes it harder to convert the cold medicine into methamphetamine.

For pharmacies, stocking meth-resistant cold medications is a simple way to provide customers with the over-the-counter medicine they have always relied on to treat their cold symptoms. Plus, this switch keeps methamphetamine producers looking elsewhere.

West Virginia pharmacies, including CVS, Rite Aid and the Fruth Pharmacy chain, have taken further measures. They removed traditional single-ingredient PSE products from their locations and replaced them with meth-resistant formulations. Since the pharmacies stopped carrying Sudafed and its store-brand generic equivalents, authorities say West Virginia has seen a 30 percent drop in PSE sales. Several counties in Tennessee that also adopted similar programs report significant decreases in PSE sales.

In several states across the country, lawmakers are gearing up to debate whether PSE should require a prescription. While PSE has long been an ingredient that consumers have relied on to treat nasal congestion, it is also one of the main ingredients used to make methamphetamine. Should the legislation pass, consumers would be required to get a prescription for cold medications like Sudafed and its generic counterparts.

Advocates of the prescription-only legislation believe that it will be more difficult for methamphetamine producers to get their hands on PSE products, which would in-turn decrease meth-related crime and lab incidents. Others argue that requiring a prescription for these cold medications punishes innocent cold and allergy sufferers, who would be required to sacrifice extra time and money for doctors’ visits to acquire the prescription.

Meth-resistant cold-medications won’t solve the ever-broadening methamphetamine addiction and abuse problem, but data shows the meth-resistant medications are making a difference in reducing illegitimate PSE sales and domestic methamphetamine production. This means a lessening the collateral damage of domestic meth labs: fires caused by lab explosions, the cost of foster care for children whose parents are drug users and toxic waste from the chemicals used to make the dangerous drug. All of these are desirable outcomes without requiring legislation.

Officials Save Huge Meth Shipment from Streets

The border control in Arizona recently prevented $500,000 worth of crystal meth from being distributed in the United States. Drugs continue to be a problem in the state, although border control and law enforcement are working hard to reduce the influx of the illegal substances. With large seizures such as the one that just occurred, public officials are pleased with the prospects of gaining better control over the continuous breach in Arizona’s borders.

Border control pulled over a suspicious looking vehicle and upon searching the truck they noticed that there was a hidden compartment. After further inspecting the compartment the police officers seized 100 pounds of methamphetamine that was believe to be destined for states outside of Arizona.

Methamphetamine is one of the most popular drugs that are manufactured in Mexico. Since the ingredients for the drug are not regulated like they are in most parts of the United States and it can still be manufactured inexpensively, much of what is produced is brought across the boarder. In recent years, most of the crystal meth consumed in this country has come from Mexico.

Crystal meth is a man-made drug that produces an intense high. Users will feel a euphoric effect followed by an intense amount of energy. Quickly after the drug is consumed most addicts will start to feel a heavy paranoia as well as visual and auditory hallucinations. Due to the effects of the drug, many users will stay awake for days on end.

There are many physical and mental side effects to this powerful drug. Many addicts suffer from meth mouth – this occurs when the addict’s teeth rot away and the person has open sores in their mouth. Additionally, because of the hallucinations and paranoia, many addicts may feel that they have bugs crawling on them. They handle this by picking at their skin, oftentimes leaving open sores that are likely to become infected.

Crystal meth is a highly addictive drug that has taken the lives of too many people in our country. Officials hope that seizures like this one will prevent more people from getting addicted to the powerful substance.