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The opioid epidemic has gained a lot of traction lately, and rightfully so: opioid use has become an American epidemic. But there’s another drug that’s causing problems for Oregonians, and it can be just as dangerous. Meth, a psychostimulant that floods the brain with dopamine and causes euphoria, is hurting a lot of individuals statewide. In 2019, Oregon lost 289 people to this drug, making it the leading cause of drug-related deaths in the state.
At Serenity Lane, we know that there are many parents, friends, and loved ones who are trying to help someone they love with addiction. Identifying meth could be a great first step in providing the help they need. Let’s talk about what it looks like and how you can be sure of what it is.
The smell of meth can also come from an individual’s sweat, hours or even days after their last dose.
It’s common for illicitly manufactured meth to contain other drugs or substances. To save money, some dealers will cut meth with cheap additives like baking soda. Fentanyl, a powerful opioid, is also found in meth sometimes. Because of fentanyl’s potency, dealers can save money by including it in their product and passing it off as other drugs.
Unfortunately, the presence of fentanyl in meth is common and problematic. Not only is it a depressant while meth is a stimulant, but it’s also difficult for dealers to get the dosage correct. Fentanyl is colorless and odorless, so recognizing it isn’t easy. Someone may think they’re taking meth when they’re taking meth mixed with fentanyl. In some cases, this can cause a meth overdose. If you’re concerned that meth has fentanyl in it, you can find test strips that will test for the presence of fentanyl.
A “melting point” test can work, too. Pure meth will crystallize at 170-175 degrees Fahrenheit. If you melt the meth down and it’s not crystallizing at that temperature point, it’s likely mixed with additives or fentanyl.
Many who use meth don’t call it “meth” or methamphetamine. Knowing the street names might make you better prepared to recognize when someone is talking about meth. Here are some popular street names used for meth and crystal meth:
Another thing you can take a look at is someone’s behavior. Methamphetamine creates a buzz or a high, often altering the actions or speech of the person using it. Here are some signs of meth addiction:
Those who use meth can form a dependence on it, which can be detrimental to their health, social life, work life, or family life. Getting treatment for meth use is a great step toward recovery and well-being. Recovery is always possible, and we see it every day.
At Serenity Lane, our trained staff is ready to help you or your loved one through this process. Take a look at some of the treatment options we offer for substance use disorders:
Level I outpatient treatment: Level I care provides group counseling sessions weekly. Patients meet for 1.5-hour weekly sessions to learn to identify and manage stressful life events and to cope with the inevitable ups and downs of early recovery. It is provided in a community close to the patient’s hometown.
Level II intensive outpatient treatment: Level II intensive outpatient programming, is a rigorous and comprehensive ten-week program comprised of group therapy, individual counseling, and education about substance use disorders. Treatment groups meet for three hours, three times per week at one of Serenity Lane’s outpatient clinics.
Long-term residential treatment: This may be the best option for someone suffering from severe addiction or chronic relapse. It may also be the ideal treatment option for complex cases of addiction and patients who work in a safety occupation.
Virtual addiction treatment: Serenity Lane’s virtual addiction treatment services provide the same exceptional Intensive Outpatient and level I outpatient programming via the Zoom conferencing platform. This will include group sessions and meetings with counselors.
At Serenity Lane, we love seeing our patients step into recovery with a newfound sense of strength and purpose. If you or someone you love is interested in meth addiction treatment, call us today at 800-543-9905!
How long does meth stay in the system?
Typically, meth stays in the system (and is detectable through a urine test) for 72 hours. For chronic users, it can be detectable for longer periods. A hair follicle test will detect meth from 90 days of the last dose.
How is meth made?
Meth is made in a lab, both legally and illicitly. Meth is made with a variety of chemicals (most often store-bought).
Who is at risk of becoming addicted to meth?
Those who have been using meth for a prolonged period may develop a tolerance to meth. This can cause them to increase their dosage to achieve the same results, which can lead to dependence on it. Those who are living with mental health disorders are also at high risk of developing an addiction.
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