Isolation. Paranoia. Insomnia. Psychosis. These aren’t just symptoms—they’re the reality of methamphetamine addiction. What begins as a brief rush of euphoria quickly spirals into a relentless cycle that consumes every aspect of a person’s life. Relationships crumble. Careers dissolve. Health deteriorates. But here’s the truth that often gets lost in the devastation: treatment for meth addiction is possible.
Meth addiction is a complex medical condition that affects both brain chemistry and behavior, requiring comprehensive care that addresses the physical, psychological and social dimensions of the disease. The meth detox process can trigger severe depression, intense cravings and exhaustion that make stopping feel impossible. Attempting to quit without medical supervision and support can be dangerous and significantly increases the risk of relapse.
Journey Hillside Tarzana is a meth addiction treatment center in California that understands there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. With evidence-based therapies, medical supervision, and personalized treatment plans, they provide the comprehensive support needed to break free from methamphetamine’s grip and build a foundation for lasting meth addiction recovery.
Cheap, potent and readily available, over the past few decades methamphetamine use has steadily risen in the United States, creating an epidemic that has left a trail of crime, violence and devastation in its wake. Small towns and rural communities have been particularly affected by the rise of methamphetamine, negatively impacting the health, stability and well-being of families and individuals in these areas.
Although the opioid crisis has dominated the conversation lately, methamphetamine abuse remains a problem in many parts of the country. Known for its addictive potential, undesirable side effects and correlation to crime, many users experience an extreme decrease in overall quality of life once addiction takes hold.
At Journey Hillside Tarzana, we work closely with patients to explore the roots of their meth addiction and help them rediscover a brighter future, one free from the cycle of substance abuse.
WHAT IS METHAMPHETAMINE?
Methamphetamine or meth is a highly addictive and potent stimulant that gives users an intense high, seemingly unlimited energy and a decreased need for food or sleep. Often produced in clandestine labs using a variety of hazardous chemicals, meth occurs in a powder form that resembles crystals or shards of ice and can be smoked, snorted, injected or eaten. As with other illicitly-produced substances, it’s impossible to know the quality or purity of methamphetamine, making it difficult for users to gauge how much of the drug they’re consuming or what dangerous by-products they’re ingesting in the process. This poses an extreme risk to an individual’s health and well-being, increasing the likelihood of unwanted side effects, overdose and death.
When consumed, meth acts on the central nervous system and creates a surge or rush of euphoria, followed by hours of increased activity levels, racing thoughts and an elevated mood. The methamphetamine is a long-acting drug and the high can be extended to last for days, during which time users don’t sleep and often begin to become paranoid or anxious. Severe psychological effects that include hallucinations, delusions and psychosis are not uncommon as long periods of excitability, sleep deprivation and elevated dopamine levels in the brain negatively affect one’s mental state and overall health.
SIGNS OF METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTION
Methamphetamine overstimulates areas of the brain that control mood, sleep and energy, releasing large amounts of dopamine that create a euphoric rush and long-lasting high. While it makes users feel more confident, focused and less fearful, the high also makes them more likely to engage in risky or violent behavior. The extreme effects of meth on an individual also produce several distinct and noticeable effects, which include:
- DILATED PUPILS
- INABILITY TO SIT STILL
- INCOHERENT THOUGHT PATTERNS
- FIDGETING AND TWITCHING
- OBSESSIVE BEHAVIOR
- EXCESSIVE ENERGY
- DECREASED APPETITE
- SKIN PICKING
- MOOD SWINGS
- AGGRESSION
- ERRATIC BEHAVIOR
The long-term consequences of meth addiction use are also prominent and often include weight loss, tooth decay, malnutrition and psychiatric issues. Health problems worsen with patterns of binging and crashing, in which users consume large amounts of the drug and frequently re-dose to prevent the inevitable and brutal come down. Consistent, repeated use of the drug produces diminishing returns, creating a cycle of abuse that is difficult to escape from without professional help and guidance. At Journey Hillside Tarzana, our dedicated medical team can help patients navigate the difficulties of methamphetamine addiction with compassion and expertise, managing withdrawal symptoms and addressing the full scope of the drug’s physical, mental and emotional effects on the brain and body. From detox to residential treatment and aftercare support, our signature services guide patients through multiple stages of recovery to ensure a consistent, effective experience that provides the greatest chance at long-term sobriety.
What to Expect During Meth Detox
Methamphetamine detox is the critical first step in recovery from substance use disorder, and understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety about the process. Our comprehensive detox program provides medically supervised care in a supportive environment designed for your safety and comfort.
Meth Withdrawal Timeline
First 24-48 Hours: The Crash Phase
The initial phase of meth withdrawal often begins within hours of your last use and is commonly referred to as “the crash.” During this period, you may experience extreme fatigue and increased appetite as your body begins to recuperate from the stimulant effects of methamphetamine and your brain’s reward system starts to recalibrate.
Many clients sleep for extended periods during these first two days, which is a natural part of your body’s healing process. You may also notice intense cravings for meth, feelings of depression or anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Our medical staff provides 24/7 monitoring of vital signs and offers medication management when appropriate to manage discomfort during this vulnerable time.
Days 3-10: Peak Withdrawal Symptoms
The second phase typically brings the most intense withdrawal symptoms, which generally peak around days 3-7 after your last use. During this week, you may experience significant mood disturbances including depression, anxiety, irritability, and even paranoia as your brain adjusts to functioning without methamphetamine.
Physical symptoms like body aches, tremors, increased appetite, and disrupted sleep patterns are common. Cravings often intensify during this period, making the supportive, substance-free environment of our meth rehab center essential for relapse prevention. Our clinical team provides therapeutic interventions, nutritional support, and medication management as needed to help you navigate these challenging days.
Weeks 2-4: Subacute Withdrawal
As you enter the second and third weeks of detox services, the acute physical symptoms typically begin to subside, but psychological symptoms may persist. Many clients experience significant depression during this phase as the brain’s dopamine reward system struggles to function without methamphetamine.
Anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure from normally enjoyable activities—is common but temporary. Sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, continued cravings, and mood swings may persist throughout this period. This is when the transition from detox into our residential treatment program becomes especially valuable, as evidence-based treatment interventions help you develop coping strategies while your brain continues to heal.
Months 2-6: Post-Acute Withdrawal
While acute detox typically lasts 2-4 weeks, many individuals with methamphetamine use disorder experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) that can persist for several months. These may include episodic cravings, mood swings, difficulty with concentration and memory, and periods of low energy.
The intensity and duration vary based on factors including length of meth abuse, amounts used, overall health, and co-occurring disorders. Continued participation in inpatient treatment, group therapy, and recovery support during this extended period significantly improves outcomes. Our comprehensive aftercare planning and relapse prevention strategies ensure you have ongoing support as you navigate these longer-term challenges.
Medical Support During Detox
At our luxury detox center, you’ll never face withdrawal alone. Our experienced medical team monitors you around the clock, providing interventions to manage symptoms including medication management for sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression when clinically appropriate.
We also provide nutritional support, hydration management, and a comfortable, private environment where you can focus entirely on healing. This level of medical oversight and compassionate care transforms what could be a dangerous and discouraging experience into a managed, safe process that sets the foundation for successful long-term recovery and relapse prevention.
TREATING METH AND ADDERALL ADDICTION LOS ANGELES
Methamphetamine affects the brain so strongly that overcoming an addiction to the drug is challenging. The meth high comes from extremely elevated dopamine levels, throwing off the neurochemical balance that regulates mood, energy levels, pleasure and more. Long-term use of methamphetamine depletes dopamine stores and damages receptors in the brain. When meth isn’t present to stimulate the release of dopamine, individuals often feel anxious, depressed and lethargic. Many individuals recovering from meth addiction experience a period of anhedonia — the inability to feel pleasure at all — which can last for months. These psychological symptoms linger for a long time as the brain heals, making this a difficult phase as the things that were once appealing, such as food, sex, exercise or even a favorite activity, are no longer satisfying.
The intense psychological effects produced by methamphetamine often require professional care, personalized treatments and compassionate guidance to overcome. At Journey Hillside Tarzana, our dedicated medical team helps patients successfully manage withdrawal symptoms and eliminate their physical dependence so they can focus on achieving deep and lasting recovery. Methamphetamine addiction is often addressed with a variety of therapies and treatments that support the emotional, physical and mental health needs of patients, such as:
- MEDICALLY-SUPERVISED DETOX
- MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT
- EVIDENCE-BASED PSYCHOTHERAPIES
- EXPERIENTIAL THERAPIES
- INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELING
- THE MATRIX MODEL
- 12-STEP BASED PROGRAMS
The treatment programs at Journey Hillside draw inspiration from the 12-steps and incorporate a unique blend of traditional and holistic modalities for a deeply individualized, engaging and multidisciplinary experience. The level of care we provide goes above and beyond industry standards to give each patient the best chance at achieving sustainable sobriety and the happy, healthy life they deserve.
Learn More About Our Meth Addiction Treatment
At Journey Hillside Tarzana, we understand that methamphetamine use disorder requires specialized treatment that addresses both the immediate medical needs and the underlying psychological factors driving substance use. Our comprehensive meth rehab center begins with medically supervised detox services, where our 24/7 nursing staff manages withdrawal symptoms safely and compassionately. Following detox, clients transition seamlessly into our residential treatment program, where they receive individualized care tailored to their unique circumstances, dual diagnosis needs, and recovery goals. Our holistic approach combines evidence-based treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), individual therapy, group therapy, trauma services, and medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, ensuring each client receives comprehensive support for lasting recovery.
How to Help a Loved One with Meth Addiction
Watching a family member struggle with methamphetamine addiction can feel overwhelming, but there are meaningful ways to offer support. Start by educating yourself about meth abuse and substance use disorder to better understand what your loved one is experiencing and why they can’t simply “just stop” on their own. Approach conversations with compassion rather than judgment, expressing concern for their wellbeing without enabling their continued use. If you’re unsure how to begin these difficult conversations, our admissions team at (877) 414-1024 can provide guidance on approaching your loved one and exploring treatment options including family counseling and intervention support. Remember that while you can offer support and resources, the decision to seek treatment ultimately rests with the individual—but your consistent, loving presence and knowledge of available treatment options can make all the difference in their readiness to accept help.
Why Consider Treatment for Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine creates profound changes in brain chemistry and the reward system that make quitting without professional support extremely difficult and potentially dangerous. Long-term meth abuse damages the brain’s dopamine system, affecting mood regulation, motivation, and the ability to experience pleasure from normal activities. Without evidence-based treatment, these neurological changes can persist for months or even years after stopping use, significantly increasing relapse risk. Professional treatment at our meth rehab center provides medical management of withdrawal symptoms, addresses co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis conditions that often accompany meth addiction, and equips individuals with the coping skills and relapse prevention strategies necessary to maintain sobriety long-term. The structured, substance-free environment of our detox program and inpatient treatment removes immediate access to meth and the triggers associated with use, giving your brain the time and support it needs to begin healing.
Types of Treatment for Meth Addiction
Effective meth addiction treatment encompasses multiple levels of care designed to meet individuals where they are in their recovery journey. Our detox program provides supervised withdrawal management with 24/7 monitoring to ensure safety and comfort during the initial days of cessation.
Residential treatment programs and inpatient programs offer immersive, round-the-clock care in a therapeutic environment where clients engage in individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and holistic therapies like yoga, meditation, and outdoor activities. For those requiring less intensive care, we can connect you with partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) options.
Our specialized tracks—including the Professionals Program, Holistic Track, and 12-Step Track—allow for even greater personalization based on each client’s unique needs and preferences.
Throughout treatment, our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of substance use disorder, utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches and motivational interviewing to create a comprehensive foundation for lasting recovery.
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Continuing Care for Meth Addiction
Recovery from methamphetamine use disorder doesn’t end when residential treatment or inpatient programs conclude—it’s an ongoing journey that requires continued support and accountability through comprehensive relapse prevention planning.
At Journey Hillside Tarzana, we emphasize thorough aftercare planning to ensure our clients have the resources and support systems necessary for sustained sobriety. This includes connection to outpatient treatment, community recovery support, 12-step integration, ongoing individual therapy and group therapy, family counseling, and access to our alumni program where former clients can maintain connections with peers who understand their experiences.
We also provide full-service case management that helps clients navigate employment protection through FMLA documentation, coordinate with legal matters when necessary, explore transitional living options, and access outside recovery resources in their home communities. This seamless transition from intensive inpatient treatment to independent living, supported by a robust aftercare network and relapse prevention strategies, significantly improves long-term outcomes and helps prevent relapse during the vulnerable early months of recovery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is meth addictive?
Yes, methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is a highly addictive stimulant. It affects the brain’s reward system, creating intense feelings of euphoria that users often seek to replicate, leading to a cycle of abuse. Meth’s addictive properties can quickly result in dependency and have a severe impact on both the physical and psychological health of the individual. When it comes to meth rehab, Los Angeles is one of the best treatment options because our services and therapies are the most qualified to treat individuals addicted to heroin, meth, or other substances that result in strong reliance and dependence.
What does meth look like?
Meth usually comes in a crystal form, often looking like shiny, bluish-white rocks or fragments, hence its street name, “crystal meth.” It can also be found in a white, odorless powder, similar to cocaine and crack – and this powder is sometimes pressed into pills. However, appearance can vary depending on its purity, additives, or how it’s manufactured.
How long does meth detox typically take?
As the leading meth addiction treatment center, California Journey Hillside clients undergo individual and comprehensive assessments to determine how long meth detox will take. That means the duration of detox will vary for each individual. Meth detoxification duration can depend on various factors, including the user’s health, the severity of addiction, and the duration of use. Typically, the acute withdrawal phase lasts about 7-10 days, but residual and emotional effects can persist for weeks or even months. It is highly recommended that detox be carried out under the supervision of healthcare professionals to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.
How long does meth stay in your body?
When it comes to meth addiction treatment, Los Angeles treatment centers such as Journey Hillside will assess the level of dependence in order to determine how long it will take to detox the substance from the body. Meth can be detectable in the body for different periods depending on the test used. In urine samples, the substance can be detected for up to 3-5 days after use. It can be detected in blood for about 1-3 days, while in hair, it can be traceable for up to 90 days. Note that these timescales can vary based on individual metabolic rates, the quantity consumed, and the frequency of use. Recovery time is also contingent on whether or not an individual is combining meth use with other issues such as oxycodone addiction, dependence upon alcohol, or other substance use disorders.
Can you overdose on meth?
Absolutely. Overdosing on meth is a serious risk for users, especially given the unpredictable purity of street drugs. Symptoms of a meth overdose can include heart attack, stroke, organ problems, seizures, and in severe cases, it can lead to death. If you suspect someone is experiencing a meth overdose, it’s crucial to seek a meth addiction treatment program, California Journey Hillside being the ideal option for complete and long-lasting recovery.
What is meth made of?
Meth is typically made from pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, which are common in over-the-counter cold medications. The production process involves hazardous chemicals like ammonia, acetone, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorus, and lithium – substances that are incredibly dangerous to both people and the environment. This dangerous concoction contributes to the drug’s severe health risks.
