A Look At Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment

Crystal meth is one of the most addictive street drugs by far and is known to create a sense of euphoria. It is a kind of methamphetamine that has effects similar to those of cocaine, though it is comparatively much cheaper and much stronger than cocaine. Known by various names such as speed, crystal, glass, ice and Tina, crystal meth can be easily produced in small labs. This drug can be snorted, injected or smoked and the effects may vary depending on the method of usage and the quantity consumed. When abused in small quantities, the drug can boost alertness, and reduce fatigue and hunger while higher doses can cause exhilaration, euphoria and increased blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. To enjoy the same initial high, users have to gradually increase the doses, eventually getting addicted to crystal meth. The effects of this drug can be devastating and may lead to depression, hallucination, impaired vision, and damage to vital organs such as the brain, liver, and lungs. Overdose is very common among Methedrine abusers leading to convulsions, fever, coma and even death in case of heart failure or bursting of blood vessels in the brain. With mood swings, paranoia, anger, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and drastic behavioral shifts, the psychological effects of the drug are also very severe.

Due to overwhelming depression that follows when the use of drug is discontinued, treating crystal Methedrine addiction becomes extremely challenging. As a result, the addict is tempted to use more quantities of the drug to rid himself of depression. Treatment of crystal meth usually begins with the addressing of thinking and behavioral patterns that drive individuals to this deadly drug. Those who visit dance clubs frequently or live in rural area or small towns are the ones who are more vulnerable to crystal meth.

In order to overcome their dependency on the drug, crystal meth addicts must immediately visit a rehab center and choose a suitable type of treatment option. The most intense form of treatment requires addicts to stay in an inpatient Methedrine addiction treatment facility where they are monitored round the clock. Counseling is an important aspect of the treatment plan and may be imparted in group settings or on a one-on-one basis. Important skills such as conflict resolution skills and drug refusal skills are taught to patients to ensure that they continue to lead a drug-free life once they leave the treatment center. You may also opt for outpatient care that enables you to receive medical guidance as you continue to lead a normal life at home and the workplace. Outpatient care however may not be the best option, as crystal meth addiction is usually very severe and can be treated effectively only in inpatient treatment facilities where the focus is entirely on uprooting addictive behavior and helping people resume a normal life.

No matter what type of treatment an addict opts for, aftercare treatment is always provided to monitor his/her success and ensure that all the skills learnt at the treatment center are applied to keep the addiction at bay.

The type of treatment required is usually determined after evaluating a patient’s level of dependency on the drug. Receiving medical help at the right time can help meth addicts to shake off their addiction and lead a normal, healthy life.



Source by Lauri Starr-Jones