Crystal Meth Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to Crystal Methamphetamine, or crystal meth as it is more commonly known, knowing what the best course of action to take is can seem like a daunting task. First4Rehab has researched the market and found a number of clinics that specialise in the treatment of crystal meth addiction. First4Rehab offers a range of treatment options for crystal meth addiction, the most common, and clearly the most successful, being a residential detox and rehab programme at a specialist addiction clinic. Our experience has shown that it is extremely difficult to treat this addiction as an out-patient or through counselling, and a detox alone is never going to be sufficient to keep someone off crystal meth on a long-term basis.
Our normal recommendation is an absolute minimum stay of four weeks; dependent on the individual’s personal circumstances. Some people will need a longer-term programme though. Those under the age of thirty, and those who have been abusing large quantities of crystal meth over a considerable length of time may need eight to twelve weeks of intensive rehab treatment.
Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant belonging to the phenylethylamine family of drugs. It usually comes in crystal chunks that resemble ice, or in a powered form. It can be inhaled, smoked or injected and effects can last for up to twenty hours. Crystal meth is a Class A drug and is highly addictive, particularly when used as a stimulant, primarily for its powerful enhancing effects on sex, energy, the ability to concentrate, and weight loss and appetite suppression. Eventually users develop a tolerance to the drug and will have greater difficulty in experiencing the same pleasure as when they first started using crystal meth.
Common nicknames for crystal include crank, glass, meth, crystal, ice, tik, speed and shabu.
The Risks of Crystal Meth Addiction
One of the greatest risks of using crystal meth is the increased danger of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, primarily due to individuals participating in unprotected sex whilst under the influence of the drug. Crystal meth also carries a high risk of overdose, with some users having died from taking just small amounts of the drug. It can also cause irreversible damage to the immune system.
Side Effects to Crystal Meth
Short-term effects can include some or all of the following;
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Euphoria
- Sharpened attention
- Increased libido
- Dry mouth
- Paranoia
- Aggressive behaviour
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety
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Long-term effects can include some or all of the following:
- Extreme weight loss
- Changes in mood
- Physical and psychological dependency
- Severe insomnia
- Hallucination
- Psychosis
- Stroke
- Death
Treatment for Crystal Meth Addiction
If you or a loved one has developed a crystal meth addiction, then the initial step is to seek the services of a residential drug addiction unit. Upon admission, you will undergo a drug detoxification lasting up to two weeks, followed by treatment on an addiction rehab programme. All drug addiction clinics employ qualified and experienced therapists, most of whom are in recovery from an addiction themselves. Treatment for a crystal meth addiction is usually undertaken via The Twelve Step programme; this is recognised as the most effective form of primary treatment of crystal meth addiction, and this should always be followed by ongoing aftercare which is available free for life, anywhere in the world through the use of Narcotics Anonymous or Crystal Meth Anonymous.
For further information regarding treatment for crystal meth addiction, please feel free to contact one of our First4Rehab advisors. We are available on 0845 555 8822, 07875 154177 or 0044 (0) 20 7193 4906. Alternatively you can email us at advice@first4rehab.com
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