Understanding the Pennsylvania Meth Addiction Problem

The opioid epidemic has been a serious problem in Pennsylvania for years but now another drug is joining its ranks and on the rise. A growing meth addiction problem in Pennsylvania is plaguing the state alongside the existing opioid problem. The drug that was once a rare sight has now spread throughout the state.

“Today, I could see it every day,” said Chief Jerry Speziale of the Hazleton police force. Before 2019, he said he could likely count the number of times he saw methamphetamine in over three decades on a single hand. Physicians, law enforcement, and outreach workers alike see the shifting trends in use.

Depressants remain the drug of choice for most users in Pennsylvania. Though it hasn’t replaced the pull of opioids, methamphetamine is still widely available across the state but hasn’t replaced the pull of opioids, either. Since 65% of drug overdose deaths in 2018 involved opioids, it might seem like the meth problem in Pennsylvania isn’t as pressing.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Meth use in the state seems to be following the same upward trend as opioids. Drug abuse of any kind is a cause for concern and meth is no different. How severe is the meth use problem among residents, though? What can be done to treat the Pennsylvania meth addiction problem?

The medical director at Temple University Episcopal Hospital’s crisis response center also sees the results of rising meth use. About 55 of 1,000 patients treated each month tested positive for methamphetamine in 2019. Though the number seems small at first, that’s a 33% increase compared to the previous year.

Prevention Point, a public health organization in Kensington, has a similar experience. Associate director Silvana Mazzella said 3% to 4% of supplied drug tests revealed the presence of meth five years ago. Then in 2019, 19% of the tests turned up positive for meth.

At the same time, meth often isn’t the only drug present. 34% of people seeking treatment for opioids in 2017 admitted using meth in the past month. That’s an 82% increase compared to 2011. More than 70% of the overdose deaths involving methamphetamine in 2017 and 2018 also revealed the presence of fentanyl.

Mixing substances is more common today than it was in previous years. This makes meth addiction in Pennsylvania more dangerous than it seems. Combining drugs is more likely to cause dangerous reactions, especially when users combine meth and opioids.

The trouble with laced substances is people using cross-contaminated drugs without realizing it. They assume they’re using a certain drug when, in reality, they’re using a combination of substances. This is one of the biggest contributors to the high overdose rates; users don’t know they’re ingesting an unexpected substance until it’s too late.

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant drug that affects a user’s central nervous system. It was originally derived from amphetamine and used in inhalers and nasal decongestants. Methamphetamine is a far more potent drug than amphetamine, though. The brain absorbs far more of the drug when taken at similar doses. This causes more intense and longer-lasting effects.

The primary effects of meth are increased activity, energy levels, and talkativeness. It also causes a pleasurable feeling of euphoria and an overall sense of well-being. Since meth is a stronger drug than other stimulants, such as cocaine, its effects typically last longer. Short-term effects of meth include:

• Hyperactivity
• Increased attentiveness
• Decreased fatigue
• Inability to sleep
• Sudden “rush” of euphoria
• Decreased appetite
• Irregular heartbeat
• Faster breathing

Since the high doesn’t last, though, people often use meth in “binges” to avoid the comedown. They stay up for days at a time, using the drug every few hours to keep their high going. Eventually, the user crashes, though, and they come down hard. Depleted dopamine levels lead to low energy, fatigue, and feelings of depression.

Addiction treatment is the first step in overcoming methamphetamine addiction. Treatment programs separate people from all substances and educate them on the long-term effects of substance use. They offer therapy, teach coping skills, and show newly-sober individuals how to live a drug-free life.

There are a few types of treatment programs available depending on the person’s needs. Inpatient rehab offers structure and support around the clock. Partial hospitalization programs provide full-time care while letting patients live at home. Intensive outpatient programs are the most flexible option, allowing those with even the busiest schedules to attend treatment.

Recovery support meetings serve as an excellent way to maintain active recovery. Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery are two of the most common recovery support programs. They consist of people who escaped the cycle of addiction and now live life without turning to drugs. Each program has a unique approach to achieve the same goal: staying drug-free.

Meth addiction treatment in Pennsylvania is a crucial aspect of slowing the addiction epidemic. If people don’t have a way to overcome their addiction they’ll remain trapped in the cycle. Addiction treatment offers a way out.

Peace Valley Recovery is the premier meth addiction treatment facility in Pennsylvania. We provide a comprehensive approach to care in tranquil Doylestown, PA. If you or a loved one need assistance, fill out our insurance verification form or reach out today. We’re here to answer any questions you have and connect you with the help you need.