Crystal methamphetamine is both highly abused and widely available. Unlike heroin or cocaine, a person can make methamphetamine with an assortment of household products, usually in less than a few hours. Many people who abuse this substance on a regular basis become addicted, which often causes irreversible psychological damage. Still yet, though, beating an addiction to crystal meth is possible with the right treatment and support.
Understanding Crystal Meth Addiction
If you use crystal meth, you undoubtedly know the two primary side effects that lead to using this drug more than once: high energy and euphoria. This psycho-stimulant substance chemically alters the brain, mimicking the chemicals that cause you to feel pleasure. After abusing crystal meth for an extended period of time, you will get to the point in which you cannot feel pleasure without getting high; this is why abusers tend to do anything to get their next fix.
There are several ways to abuse crystal meth, which include:
- Snorting
- Smoking
- Eating
- Injecting
No matter the way that you abuse crystal meth, there is a high likelihood that you will become addicted if you do it more than once. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in the year 2005, about five percent of the adult population in the United States had used crystal methamphetamine at least once, and 600,000 were weekly users. The numbers have likely increased since then.
Getting the help you need
As a crystal meth abuser, you know firsthand how difficult it can be to quit abusing the substance. It’s important to understand that unless you seek help through a crystal meth rehab, you will unlikely lead a life free of drugs. There is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting that you have an addiction to crystal meth. In fact, this is one of the most important steps you need to take on your road to recovery. After all, without admitting you have an addiction, it becomes impossible to treat it.
What happens at crystal meth detox centers
If you’ve never been to a rehab center before, it can be a bit unnerving, not to mention the fact that you’ll likely be high from a recent binge. Many people who go into treatment make sure that they are high when entering because they don’t like the thought of knowing that they are attempting to never use meth again. This is one of the reasons that many rehab centers require patients to go through detox before starting their actual treatment programs.
During detox, you may or may not receive medical services. Being that crystal meth is not physically addictive — just psychologically — then you probably won’t need medical attention. Many people who enter into detox for an addiction to crystal meth have to stay for two to ten days. An inpatient detox program will provide you with at least three meals a day, snack food, beverages and a place to sleep. You may or may not be required to take part in recreational and/or educational activities during the day. The most important things for you to do during detox are to eat and rest, getting yourself acquainted with a normal schedule.
What happens at crystal meth treatment centers
Once you have completed detox, you will then need to enter into an actual treatment program. Many rehab centers will provide both detox and treatment services, however, this does not apply to all of them. If your detox center does not provide treatment services, a substance abuse specialist at the center can direct you toward a treatment facility that is experienced in treating crystal meth addiction.
If possible, it is best to enter a crystal meth treatment center that provides programs lasting longer than 90 days. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that treatment lasting 90 days tends to result in limited effectiveness, while longer lasting treatment provides far better success rates.
You will have the option to enter into an outpatient or inpatient facility; however, inpatient is more ideal. No matter the type of treatment that you decide on, you should enter into a program that provides a variety of services.
For starters, individual counseling services are a must. It is through this type of treatment that a substance abuse counselor can pinpoint your individual needs, thus allowing the professional to create a treatment plan that best meets these needs. Group counseling is also important because it allows you to open up and discuss your addiction with other people who are also seeking a life free of drugs.
Another type of service that may be offered in crystal meth rehab is experiential therapy. This involves taking part in various activities, such as art therapy, psychodrama, and outdoor exercises. While taking part in these activities, you will become more attuned with your emotions, which is crucial in being able to overcome your addiction to crystal meth.
Furthermore, a rehab worth acquiring treatment through will be one that offers family therapy. This service not only helps you mend broken relationships with your family but it also provides them with a way to learn about your addiction, including how to cope with it. Family therapy allows you and your loved ones to deal with the past and also set goals for the future.
Lastly, no matter the facility you acquire treatment through, you should make sure it offers aftercare services. Because addiction is a life-long disease for which there is no cure, aftercare treatment is of the utmost importance, which will likely include ongoing individual and group counseling.
Overcoming your addiction to crystal methamphetamine is possible, and your road to recovery can start today
If you are having difficulty finding a detox or treatment program that can best treat your addiction to crystal meth, please don’t hesitate to use our vast directory of rehab programs. Many of the facilities and services that we can connect you with accept a wide range of insurance services, which helps reduce the out of pocket expenses associated with acquiring treatment services.
[Source: Drugabuse.gov, NCBI, Drugabuse.gov]