Crystal Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine or meth is a powerful and highly addictive drug that has the potential to cause permanent damage to the brain. Crystal meth or crystalline methamphetamine is a form of this illegal drug. Crystal meth addiction is a growing medical problem in the United States, contributing to various social issues.

Around 1 million people in the US in 2019 were addicted to meth or dependent on meth, says the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Despite the drug being a powerful stimulant, individuals grappling with the problem can overcome it by seeking expert guidance and timely crystal meth addiction treatment

Crystal meth is a synthetic and illegally manufactured drug that causes a strong sense of euphoria. It is the crystalline form of drug methamphetamine, which is categorized as a Schedule II drug in the US. This means that though it carries a high potential for abuse, it is accepted for medical use, and its misuse can cause addiction. Methamphetamine also helps to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Also called ‘glass’, ‘meth’, ‘shards’, ‘ice’, or ‘Tina’, on the street, this central nervous system stimulant helps stay alert for a longer time. The drug increases the dopamine level in the brain associated with reward and pleasure, forcing the user to get dependent on the drug to achieve that perpetual sense of well-being. This eventually leads to addiction. Some of the effects of this drug are seizures, depression, and erratic behaviour, damaged blood vessels in the brain, memory loss, psychosis and epilepsy.

The use of crystal meth has a damaging impact on the body and brain of the user. Considering its long-lasting neurological and psychological effects, the right place to get free of crystal meth addiction is a crystal meth rehab center.

Drug rehab centers offer safe and comfortable recovery from addiction along with round-the-clock care and support. The treatment starts after the supervised detox, which helps avoid relapse and manage withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. The professional treatment programs include medication and therapy tailored to suit the individuals’ conditions.

Crystal meth or ice is a popular drug among young adults. They use it at parties and dance clubs for its quick euphoric effect. Many prefer it over cocaine as its sense of euphoria lasts for a longer time, up to 12 hours. Some of the reasons for the use of crystal meth are:

• Parties and dance clubs
• Recreational use
• To deal with mental health problems like depression
• Overcoming work pressure
• Get increased sexual pleasure
• To deal with the pain of a physical injury

According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, among people aged 12 or older, 0.9% or an estimated 2.6 million people reportedly used methamphetamine in the past 12 months.

The 2021 Monitoring the Future Survey also found that in 2020, about 0.2% of 8^th graders, 0.2% of 10^th graders, and 0.2% of 12^th graders reportedly used methamphetamine in the past 12 months

As per data analysis by the researchers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meth-related overdose deaths in America were three times in 2019 compared to 2015 – 15,489 from 5,526. The analysis also revealed that there was a 43 percent increase in people reportedly using meth. The growing addiction problem can be understood from the fact that just one-time use of the highly addictive stimulant is enough to get you hooked to the drug.

But it is possible to take control of the situation before the habit spirals into a severe addiction problem. Here are some tips to overcome the initial dependency on crystal meth:

• Join a hobby class or go trekking and hiking
• Avoid attending parties or dance clubs that use ice
• Join social groups that do not use crystal meth
• Go for physical activity and workouts
• Enroll in meditation or yoga classes
• Join cooking classes

According to the Drug Policy Alliance, 11 million Americans have tried methamphetamine, on at least one occasion. Once addicted to crystal meth, individuals devote all their time to procuring and using the drug, affecting their work, personal relationships, and other aspects of life.

Continued use of crystal meth can cause permanent damage to the brain, so to get life back on track, the best way forward is to seek crystal meth addiction treatment from professional rehab centers. Let us look at the steps to treat crystal meth addiction.

The treatment program for crystal meth addiction depends on the severity of the addiction. The longer the use and higher the dose, the more severe the problem. An effective treatment procedure depends on the individual’s case and situation. Drug rehab centers conduct an in-depth analysis of the situation before designing the best treatment plan for the patient.

You can use the online search option – crystal meth drug rehab centers near me – to search for a rehab center and book it to manage your crystal meth cravings. An effective treatment journey requires a guided detox program followed by therapy to address the neurological and psychological effects.

The treatment for methamphetamine addiction starts with detoxification which flushes the toxins from the body. It is best to get the detox done by medical professionals trained to manage the physical dependence on the drug and the related withdrawal symptoms. The medically assisted detox helps manage the cravings and dependence and if not done the right way, it can lead to relapse and other complications, especially if the crystal meth is mixed with other substances like alcohol or opioids. The first signs of withdrawal start to appear about 24 hours after the last drug use.

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When users discontinue crystal meth use, they experience various side effects called withdrawal symptoms. If these signs are not managed professionally, strong cravings and other mental and physical issues might prevent users from quitting the drug. This can even lead to relapse in no time. The symptoms depend on the severity of addiction and co-occurring mental health problems or dual diagnosis. Some of the withdrawal symptoms are:

• Depression, suicidal thoughts
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Sleepiness and fatigue
• Hallucinations and delusions
• High blood pressure
• Increased appetite
• Tremor, confusion

At present, there is no government-approved drug to treat crystal meth addiction. However, certain medicines do help manage depression and other symptoms during detox.

The treatment mostly involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, art therapy, equine therapy, meditation, exercise, and yoga. These behavioral treatment methods help users inculcate a positive attitude to deal with life situations and not take to the drug again. They also help develop coping mechanisms. Meditation and exercise help in holistic development and well-being, as meth use, affects the central nervous system and causes various brain injuries.

Drug rehab centers for crystal meth addiction offer therapy and support even after the treatment as part of aftercare services. Family education, group or individual counselling sessions and other support groups help learn coping mechanisms to maintain abstinence in the long run. They motivate to stay strong and keep away from triggers while experiencing holistic well-being and sobriety.

Crystal meth addiction can lead to cognitive and emotional issues and memory problems that can last for several years even if the drug abuse is stopped says the NIDA. In such a situation, the right approach is to seek professional treatment from qualified doctors and counselors at meth drug addiction centers.

The structured treatment plan tailored to suit the needs and requirements of the patient play a significant role in motivating patients to get rid of the compulsive meth-seeking behavior. The rehab centers also take care of any other drug use or underlying mental health problems. The treatment for dual diagnosis helps to take care of any risk-taking or possible suicidal behaviors. The aftercare services offered once the patient is discharged is another critical area that enhances the chances of recovery feature, and this plays an integral role in strengthening the desire to stay sober. Rehabs also provide counseling services and teach coping mechanisms to keep away from triggers, avoid a relapse and experience holistic wellness.

Depending on the severity of crystal meth addiction and the presence of other co-occurring disorders, individuals can enroll for inpatient alcohol rehab, outpatient alcohol rehab, or a partial hospitalization program. Let’s look at the programs

Another important aspect considered during crystal meth addiction treatment is the strength imparted by the emotional support and understanding of family members and loved ones. It helps in dealing with the loneliness and uneasiness related to addiction.

The support acts as the pillar for an unhindered and smooth recovery from crystal meth addiction. The family members should try their best to have a cordial atmosphere at home and avoid any friction.

As supportive family members, they should be aware of the signs and symptoms of addiction and the impact on mental health. They should motivate and encourage the loved ones to stay on track to regain a drug-free life once again.

To help a person addicted to crystal meth, educate yourself about the addictive stimulant and its damaging effects on the physical and mental health of the user. Also, understand the signs and symptoms of addiction and different rehab programs for treatment.

Avoid being negative as you patiently handle mood swings associated with crystal meth addiction. But don’t forget to take good care of yourself to manage the situation well while helping your loved ones get sober and healthy again.