Methamphetamine Addiction
-
- Tweet
Revolution Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment
Richard E. Repass, MD
Psychiatrist & Addiction Medicine located in Mercer Island, WA
From 2016 to 2017, the number of Americans with a meth addiction increased by nearly 30%. At the same time, admissions for treatment declined. At Revolution Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment, you can get the help you need for a meth addiction without being admitted to an inpatient facility. Richard E. Repass, MD, specializes in detox treatments using NAD, which safely and effectively reduces cravings and restores brain function in about two weeks. To get help for methamphetamine addiction, call the office in Mercer Island, Washington, to schedule an appointment.
Methamphetamine Addiction Q & A
What are methamphetamines?
Methamphetamines are central nervous system stimulants that were originally prescribed as a decongestant and a weight-loss medication. Today, only one amphetamine medication is FDA approved, and its use is restricted to specific conditions. As a result, most people who are addicted use illegal forms that are easily produced, such as crystal meth.
Why is meth so dangerous?
Meth is a highly addictive drug that can have some patients hooked with just one use. Its addictive ability is due to the rush of dopamine triggered by the drug. Dopamine activates your pleasure system and also affects the brain’s reward and motivation systems. Craving for more meth begins quickly due to its large impact in your brain.
Beyond its ability to create near-immediate addiction, meth is also dangerous because it’s a street drug that’s often mixed with other dangerous substances. In many cases, crystal meth is cut with synthetic opioids that increase your risk of an overdose.
Long-term use of meth can damage dopamine- and serotonin-producing cells. Meth also causes anxiety and is especially toxic for your heart.
How is methamphetamine addiction treated?
While medications are available to help you detox from opioid addiction, no medications are currently approved to help you get over a meth addiction. Benzodiazepines are often the first line of detox treatment, but they’re also addictive.
You still have hope, however, because Dr. Repass is an expert in one of today’s most innovative and safest detox treatments: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is naturally found in your body, where every cell needs it to produce energy. It’s also vital for normal brain function and stimulates neurotransmitter production.
When you need to detox from methamphetamine, you’ll come to the office every day, relax in a comfortable chair, and receive an IV infusion of a specialized formula, BR+NAD™. Within a few days, your cravings should be significantly diminished. After only 10-15 treatments, cravings are gone for most patients, and their acute detox is finished.
In addition to helping you detox, BR+NAD restores brain function, improving cognition and memory, and giving you clarity and better impulse control. Once your detox is complete, your cravings should stay under control for a year or longer. During that time, Dr. Repass continues to work with you, providing therapy that helps you recover and cope without meth.
If you need help with a meth addiction, call Revolution Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment to schedule an appointment.
DISCLAIMER: NAD+ qualifies as a supplement under FDA guidelines. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Intravenous NAD+ therapy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
