Methamphetamine, or “meth,” is an illicit stimulant substance that is highly addictive and can create serious physical, mental, and emotional problems for those who abuse it. Part of this is because meth is uniquely toxic, as it is made with several chemicals and substances easily found at pharmacies and home improvement stores all over the world. Meth has a pseudoephedrine base , which gives it that stimulant effect. However, other ingredients in meth also include lithium, acetone, ammonia, antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaner, and even lighter fluid. Meth can be made on a stovetop, making it one of the easiest drugs to produce and then distribute. Many people take to making their own meth within their homes, while others engage in larger operations where meth is produced in a lab. Trying to produce meth can be just as deadly as abusing it, as explosions can occur.
Today, meth following right behind opioids in that it is being abused in every corner of the country and at growing rates. There exists a misconception about meth users, that they are completely emaciated with their teeth falling out and their behavior matching that of someone who belongs in a mental health facility. While there are plenty of meth addicts who appear this way, there are many more who look like average, everyday people. That is why it might come as a surprise to some that meth addiction is ravaging the Palm Springs area.
Meth Addiction in Palm Springs
Palm Springs, situated in the Coachella Valley of California, is renowned for its countless resorts that boast the beautiful scenery and natural wonders of this area of the United States. Millions of people visit the area each year, however those who live there and in surrounding towns and cities know that everyday life isn’t a vacation in Palm Springs.
For years, opioids have been the leading cause of overdose deaths in California, but methamphetamines are beginning to close the gap on those rates. For example, in 2017, there were certain areas in California that saw more overdose deaths caused by meth than opioids. San Joaquin Valley, for instance, lost 232 people to meth overdose in contrast to 158 people to opioids. Even though San Joaquin is nearly 500 miles south of Palm Springs, this statistic represents what is occurring in all areas of California — exponential growth of meth abuse and addiction.
Palm Springs is roughly 2.5 hours away from the Mexican border, which is where the vast majority of meth is trafficked into the country. Because of this trafficking, meth is widely available and accessible in Southern California where Palm Springs is located. It is also important to note as meth abuse and addiction continues to rise not only in California but also across the country that supply and demand becomes impacted. Since there is such a large demand, meth has become cheaper and purer. The purer a substance is, the faster a person can become addicted to it.
Dangers of Meth Addiction in Palm Springs
There are several dangers associated with drug addiction and meth addiction no matter where a person is in the country. However, in Palm Springs, two of the greatest dangers associated with this part of California include an increased risk for contracting HIV and consuming meth that is cut with deadly substances.
In 2017, Riverside County officials reported that the number of individuals within the county (where Palm Springs is located) had increased by more than 50%. This was partly due to the implementation of a new testing system. But in 2016, there were a reported 3,252 cases of HIV in the county and 5,522 in the same area by 2017. It is possible to contract HIV in any part of the country, however in those cities where drugs are used intravenously, this likelihood increases significantly. Meth is one of the leading drugs of abuse in Palm Springs and many people who are addicted to it choose to shoot it. And when a person is busy getting high and experiencing the drug’s effects, they prevent themselves from utilizing critical thinking skills or making good decisions. This leads to both willingly and unknowingly sharing needles with others or having unprotected sex.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that between 2016 and 2017, reports of meth mixed with fentanyl increased by 173%. Fentanyl, which is a synthetic opioid, comes in powder form and can easily be added to meth as a means of cutting it. Unfortunately, however, a mere 2 milligrams (an amount smaller than would fit on Lincoln’s head on a penny) can be fatal. Anytime an area is putting out a drug that is cut with another drug, the risk of overdose increases exponentially. Part of this is because there is no real, viable way to determine if the meth a person is about to use contains fentanyl or any other drugs outside of meth.
Treatment for Meth Addiction in Palm Springs
Meth is one of the most difficult substances to get sober from because of how deeply it affects a person’s physical and mental state. That does not mean that recovering from meth addiction is impossible, rather it is quite possible with the right treatment approach.
There are several levels of addiction treatment available to those looking to end their active meth addiction for good. They include:
- Inpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Outpatient treatment
Depending on the severity of the meth addiction, a person can enroll in one of these programs and receive services such as detox and therapies that include behavioral therapy, family therapy, and group counseling, to name a few. When meth addiction is treated with a combination of detox services, therapy, and medications (if deemed necessary), individuals who were once addicted to this monster of a drug can go on to live happy, healthy lives free from the shackles of addiction.
Do You Need Help? Call Right Now.
Half of the battle is making the call for help. If you are ready to make positive changes in your life, make that call to us right now. We are ready and waiting to help you end your physical meth abuse and begin guiding you on the road to rehabilitation and long-term recovery.
Do not let anything stand in your way. Call California Behavioral Health today and get the help you deserve.
