Crystal Meth Abuse
Crystal meth or ice is a term used to refer to methamphetamine, in its crystalline form, which is a highly addictive and sometimes fatal narcotic. Stimulants, including crystal meth, boost the brain and neurological system. People who use meth experience intense feelings of pleasure, self-assurance, and energy. However, users may feel irritated, fatigued, worried, and depressed after a short while as the benefits wear off. Crystal meth abusers often engage in binge usage, which may lead to a vicious cycle of addiction and ultimately fatal overdose. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 440,000 Americans had used meth during the last month, despite the drug’s high danger and addictive nature. Crystal meth is commonly inhaled via a glass pipe; however, crushing the drug and snorting the powder is also common. The drug, goes by numerous aliases on the streets, including crank, blade, crystal, glass, quartz, ice, christy, shards, shabu, and tweak.
So, How Does Crystal Meth Actually Feel?
Crystal meth is a stimulant that speeds up the body and mind by activating dormant neural pathways in the brain. Vital functions such as body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure all increase under the effect of meth. Meth amplifies the effects of chemical transmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, elevating a user’s energy, concentration, attentiveness, enjoyment, and excitement. Meth’s powerful “high” is due to increased dopamine levels, and the drug’s tremendous addictiveness stems from the need to reproduce the “high.”
Immediately after taking crystal meth, one’s mental and physical alertness improves, and their ability to stay awake increases. However, as the drug’s effects wear off, people who use meth often experience a severe “crash”, characterized by feelings of exhaustion, drowsiness, depression, and anxiety. This usage pattern is what caused addiction and reliance on the drug.
Treatment Options for Crystal Meth Addiction.
Those suffering from the effects of crystal meth addiction have access to a wide variety of treatment alternatives. Methamphetamine addiction is treatable, and recovery is attainable. Finding the best therapy for crystal meth consumption requires some preliminary investigation into available options. Recovery from crystal meth addiction may be achieved via several means, including:
- Attending a 12-Step Program.
Crystal Meth Anonymous is a 12-Step program designed for those who are struggling with crystal meth addiction. Also, anybody with a drug or alcohol problem is welcome at Narcotics Anonymous. These two 12-Step programs can be very vital in managing meth addiction.
- Outpatient Treatment for Crystal Meth Addiction.
People with less severe addictions or those who are preparing to transition from a residential program to a lesser level of treatment often benefit most from outpatient programs. Scheduled group and individual treatment sessions are held at the rehabilitation center on some days of the week.
- Inpatient Treatment for Crystal Meth Addiction.
Inpatient meth addiction treatment facilities provide intensive care and assistance for persons who are severely addicted to crystal meth or who have previously sought treatment but relapsed. You’ll be required to spend the duration of your treatment program at the facility, where you’ll participate in various forms of counseling and instruction.
- Dual Diagnosis
Individuals with a mental health illness and a crystal meth addiction should seek treatment in a facility specializing in treating dual diagnoses. Most crystal meth addicts often struggle with mental health issues: thus, they can benefit a lot from dual diagnosis.
Seek Professional Addiction Help at Mallard Lake Detox Center
It is crucial and imperative that you seek professional help if you are struggling with crystal meth addiction. The earlier the treatment, the better the chances of full recovery. Mallard Lake Detox Center is a premier rehab facility in Houston, Texas, specializing in various drug and alcohol addiction treatments including crystal meth addiction. Tens of thousands of people have benefited from our assistance. Contact Mallard Center today for more information.