Crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth) is the most widely abused stimulant drug on Earth. This synthetic drug has an insidious grip on individuals and communities. Getting out of the grasp of crystal meth addiction is incredibly hard. If you want to seek help on behalf of a loved one with a crystal meth addiction, it is important to know what to expect.
Taking that first step to seek help is brave and shows that you want your loved one to improve their life. Even though recovery may be tough, it is 100% possible, especially if your loved one receives the right treatment and therapies.
Let’s explore what you need to know about crystal meth addiction and treatment so you can help your loved one with their recovery.
Crystal Meth Addiction
Watching a family member or friend struggle with a crystal meth addiction is a heart-wrenching experience.
The reason crystal meth is so attractive in the first place is because it boosts dopamine. This brain chemical impacts both movement and motivation. The biggest problem is that dopamine also sends signals telling your loved one to repeat an activity or behaviour that makes them feel good.
These signals are why they keep going back to using crystal meth after the first time. This is also precisely why crystal meth is so addictive. Your loved one may smoke the drug, snort it, swallow it, or inject it directly into a vein. Whichever way they ingest it, it gives your loved one a sense of euphoria.
However, the euphoria is short-lived. What remains is severe damage to your loved one’s body, as well as psychological issues.
Unfortunately, crystal meth is far too easy to make. Those who manufacture crystal meth often use pseudoephedrine, an ingredient found in cold medicines. Sometimes, criminals also manufacture crystal meth using chemicals found in drain cleaner, nail polish remover, or batteries.
These chemicals are deadly, especially when ingested. Yet nearly 1% of the American population uses meth every year.
What to Expect If Your Loved One Is Addicted to Crystal Meth
If you are unsure whether your loved one is addicted to crystal meth, look out for the following signs and symptoms:
- Unexplained agitation or ‘tweaking:’ When your loved one comes down from a crystal meth high, they may experience insomnia, agitation, delusions, or attempt self-harm.
- Paranoia: Many meth users become extremely paranoid or start to see and hear things that do not exist. Your loved one may be convinced that someone is spying on them or is trying to hurt them. They may also become frightened of things no one else can see.
- A lack of hygiene: As explained above, crystal meth is made up of harmful chemicals. These chemicals destroy the teeth and harm the inside of the mouth. If your loved one has been using crystal meth for a while, you may notice that they have rotten teeth and gums. They may also have missing teeth.
- Irrational behaviour: Crystal meth use may also make your loved one behave irrationally. They may display aggression or violence, or they may become anxious. Some crystal meth users display signs of OCD with obsessive or repetitive actions.
Other signs that your loved one may be caught in a crystal meth addiction include rapid weight loss, visible sores on the body, and dilated pupils.
What to Expect From the Treatment Process
If it is clear that your loved one is using crystal meth, getting help fast is crucial. Crystal meth addiction treatment usually consists of various treatments and therapies to address drug dependence and cravings. The following is typically what the crystal meth treatment process looks like:
- Detox: The first thing your loved one will have to do is undergo a medically supervised withdrawal process. A medical team is necessary for this step to help prevent complications. Medical professionals can also help manage agitation, anxiety, and depression.
There are no specific medications that treat crystal meth addiction or withdrawal. However, doctors and nurses can provide support and other medications to alleviate the discomfort of withdrawal.
- Behavioural therapies: These therapies often form the foundation of crystal meth addiction treatment. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy can help your loved one identify and change negative thought patterns that lead to drug abuse. Motivational enhancement therapy can help them focus on becoming motivated to turn their lives around.
- Medication-assisted treatment for mental health conditions: Your loved one may have a mental health condition along with a crystal meth addiction. Certain medications may help manage the systems of their condition as they recover from their addiction.
- Aftercare and relapse prevention: In most cases, recovery from crystal meth addiction is a lifelong process. Aftercare programs can help your loved one maintain their sobriety and prevent them from relapsing during stressful times.
Finding the Right Treatment Program
Choosing the right treatment program and facility is vital for your loved one’s recovery. When searching for a treatment facility, consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: The facility must be properly accredited and reputable.
- Comprehensive services: Ideally, the treatment program should offer a combination of medical, social, and psychological services. This is the only way to fully address all the elements of a crystal meth addiction.
- Individualized treatment plans: Your loved one’s addiction is not the same as that of another person’s. Choose a treatment facility that offers individual treatment plans for each patient.
- Qualified staff: The facility should have caring and qualified staff.
- Support network: The treatment facility should also offer an aftercare program to ensure your loved one does not slip back into their addiction.
HARP Can Help Your Loved One Reclaim Their Life
Being addicted to crystal meth means losing control over your life. However, it is important to remember that addiction is a disease – one that can be managed. The Hills & Ranges Private rehab facility can equip you to help your loved one get back on track and reclaim their life.
The HARP solution includes various addiction rehabilitation programs designed to meet each patient’s needs. These programs include group support and one-on-one therapies from a qualified team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and counsellors.
HARP offers all the therapies and treatments your loved one may need, including cognitive behavioural therapy and abstinence programs. The facility also provides a complete aftercare program to support your loved one throughout their recovery.
Call/Book a discovery call or get a call back from one of our caring health professionals so that you get your loved one the help they need.
