Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment

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Methamphetamine is a powerful and addictive stimulant that very drastically affects the central nervous system. Methamphetamine is made illegally in labs from inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients such as Sudafed. This makes methamphetamine an easily attainable drug. Methamphetamine was develop early in the 1900’s from its parent drug, amphetamine and was used initially as a nasal decongestant and bronchial inhaler. The chemical structure of methamphetamine is very similar to amphetamine, just stronger.

Some of the street names for methamphetamine are:

• Speed
• Meth
• Chalk
• Ice
• Crystal
• Crystal meth
• Crank
• Tuna
• Tina

Methamphetamine is most commonly smoked but it can be snorted, taken orally and injected.

Short-term effects of Crystal Meth Addiction include:

• Wakefulness
• Physical activity
• Decreased appetite
• Euphoria

Long-term effects of Crystal Meth Addiction include:

• Violent behavior
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Auditory hallucinations
• Mood disturbances

Detoxing from Crystal Meth Addiction

When someone with a crystal meth addiction attempts to stop using crystal meth abruptly they frequently experience several symptoms which are known as methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Some of the methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Depression
• Fatigue
• Paranoia
• Aggression
• Intense craving

Because of these very uncomfortable and often dangerous withdrawal symptoms it is typically essential to get into a medial detox facility in order to safely and comfortably transition from active addiction to the early stages of recovery from crystal meth addiction.

Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment: Rehab

The most effective crystal meth addiction treatment is a combination of therapies such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Contingency management interventions

These core concepts of crystal meth addiction treatment are even more effective when correlated with holistic healing strategies found at more innovative facilities.

Crystal meth addiction treatment is best done in a safe and comfortable setting known as inpatient rehab. A reputable crystal meth addiction treatment program will offer a medical detox as well as an inpatient program lasting anywhere from 30 days to several months, depending on the individual’s needs and a personalized recovery plan.

During crystal meth addiction treatment an individual who has been abusing crystal meth can begin the healing and recovery process, and they will be supported with a creditable and knowledgeable staff with experience in addressing the fundamental elements of drug abuse and addiction.

Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment: IOP

After completing an inpatient level of care for crystal meth addiction treatment, it is highly sensible to continue treatment in what is called an intensive outpatient program (IOP).

An intensive outpatient programs for crystal meth addiction treatment is a level of care that will continue to offer a variety of recovery based support systems including:

• Comprehensive behavioral therapy
• Family education
• Individual counseling
• 12-Step support

The intensive outpatient program will still bring structure and accountability to the individual and their recovery plan, while allowing the individual to begin to enjoy more freedom and less structure by leaving property and getting actively involved in the community.

At the IOP level of care of crystal meth addiction treatment the individual can return home or go on to live in a halfway house or other sober living house while they attend group meetings on designated days/evenings throughout the week. This way they are also able to return to work or begin a new job, and they can meet with new support groups in the local recovery community.

Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment: Why is this important? 

Getting the right kind of treatment for substance abuse and drug addiction of any kind can be the difference between a long-lasting recovery and a quick and desperate decline back into risky behavior, or even relapse into active addiction.

Taking the opportunity and utilizing the resources available to you during crystal meth addiction treatment can build a solid and positive foundation for your recovery to grow, and give you access to a whole new world of information and support. Crystal meth addiction is nothing to take lightly, and with time it only gets worse and deteriorates the quality of life for anyone actively using.

Recovering from substance abuse and addiction requires work. It’s not simply a matter of getting over the withdrawal symptoms that develop as a result of being physically dependent on a substance or substances. If you’re wondering, what is drug rehab like and you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-777-9588