Lancaster, California Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Los Angeles County’s Lancaster, California is struggling with meth and opioid abuse. Like other California cities and counties, meth is a drug of choice for many Lancaster residents. The highly addictive substance is destroying the lives of many locals. Los Angeles County has the 2nd highest number of opioid abusers in the United States. Between 2006 and 2012, there were 400 deaths yearly between 2006 and 2012 due opioids in Los Angeles County.
Lancaster’s Meth Crisis
Meth abuse statistics have increased with 47,703 state-wide meth treatment admissions since 2001. Meth, often called crystal meth, ice, and glass, is largely available due to California’s proximity to Mexico—where much of meth consumed in Lancaster is produced. However, California residents also locally manufacture meth in meth labs. In some previous years, 202 meth labs were busted the state.
Meth Addiction and Signs of Abuse
Meth abuse leaves visible signs in users. The most noticeable signs of meth abuse are rapid weight loss and aging. Meth speeds up the metabolism, encourages fat loss, and increases the body’s blood pressure. As a result, individuals abusing meth undergo severe weight loss. Combine this with the other effects of meth, like decreases in appetite, and users can lose weight and age quickly. Other signs of meth abuse include:
- Loss of empathy
- Talkativeness
- Paranoia
- Liver damage
- Sniffing
- Appetite loss
- Hyperactive behavior
- Hallucinations
- Bad breath
- Scabbing of the skin
- Dental damage
Meth can be smoked, injected, taken by mouth. People who inject meth will likely have track marks in their arms.
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Treatment for Meth Abuse
Treatment is vital for overcoming a meth dependency. Getting treatment shows responsibility in the individual struggling with meth dependency. Although meth creates life-altering consequences, it is never too late to get treatment. With treatment, future patients will have the best medications and therapies for their substance use disorder. They will also have access to the unique treatments each facility offers, including group therapy, 12-Step programs, faith-based treatment, animal therapy, and fitness programs.
Detox for Meth Abuse
Withdrawing from meth wreaks havoc on the body, and quitting meth can be challenging. The substance affects the body immensely although the actual impacts will vary from person to person. Detox is the important first step of meth addiction treatment and should be done with the supervision of a medical professional. The time it takes to detox from meth depends on a number of factors such as the length of time the user was addicted and the severity of the addiction, but typically lasts between 1 and 31 days. Most users find the first two weeks, as this is when most individuals feel the most uncomfortable side effects like cravings, anxiety, and depression.
Get Help During COVID-19
With just 30 days at a rehab center, you can get clean and sober, start therapy, join a support group, and learn ways to manage your cravings.
Inpatient Versus Outpatient Rehab in Lancaster
Lancaster residents seeking substance abuse treatment have 2 primary options for wellness: inpatient and outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab allows the patient to stay in the facility where they seek treatment and receive around-the-clock help from staff members. Inpatient therapy offers the highest and best level of treatment and is ideal for patients who can fully commit to their recovery and can miss work and other obligations for a few months.
Outpatient rehab offers patients certain addiction treatment medications, therapy sessions, and 12-Step programs. The main difference is that the patient is not living at the facility, but rather traveling there during the day for treatment. The patient may be able to manage responsibilities of life while getting treatment. Day programs provide patients with effective care with the patient meeting 5 to 7 days a week. Outpatient rehab benefits people who can commit to living a life free of illicit substances and alcohol but must maintain their job or other life commitments. Lastly, this method is often more cost friendly for patients on a budget.
Make a Change Today
Struggling with a substance abuse disorder can be difficult, but help is available. Treatment providers will provide valuable information so you can make an informed decision about your treatment. Contact a treatment provider to discover your best options for recovery.
