Category: Methamphetamine Addiction

While many people struggle with meth addiction, they are unaware of how to begin their treatment. Typically, the first step in overcoming meth addiction is detoxification which isn’t a pleasant experience. However, knowing what to expect during methamphetamine addiction rehab can prepare your mind ahead.

Canada is battling a crystal meth endemic. Abuse of crystal meth is still on the rise in Canada with about eight million people battling some form of meth abuse.

With the rise in demand for meth around the world, Canada produces even more meth. Unsurprisingly, the United Nations once dubbed Canada as the largest producer of meth in the world.

If you or a loved one is battling with meth addiction, you need all of the help you can get. Part of that help is getting all of the information you need about what happens during meth rehab. It’s why we have written this blog.

This article can help you rekindle your hope of overcoming meth addiction. With explanations on what to expect during methamphetamine rehab, you’ll have an insight into how meth rehab works. Also, we’ll explain the different stages of meth addiction rehab in detail. Here’s what the road to sobriety looks like!

Meth Addiction: What It Is

There are many names people call methamphetamine in Canada. It is commonly referred to as

• Crystal meth
• Ice
• Chalk
• Crank
• Glass
• Redneck cocaine
• Blue
• Speed

Meth is a shiny, bluish-white and glass-like substance that people consume. It is a powerful stimulant that produces dependence and compulsive effects. Also, meth and amphetamines are similar although the latter is used in treating narcolepsy and Attention Deficit Disorder{ADD}. However, amphetamines like Concerta and Adderall are legal while crystal meth isn’t.

While many prefer to snort crystal meth, others prefer to smoke, swallow or inject through their veins. Also, crystal meth comes in tablets, powder or crystal form. There are no specific age grades for the use of meth however, it is commonly used in rave parties.

Furthermore, the use of crystal meth in nightclubs is the reason people term it a club drug. This highly addictive drug is very concentrated causing first-time users to get hooked by it.

The intensity of this high makes meth addiction is one of the most difficult addictions to overcome especially if you’re doing it yourself. Meth addiction rehab is the most effective way to quit the use of crystal meth.

Effects of Meth Addiction

The effects of meth differ according to how much of it you consume. Also, the method through which you take meth determines its effect. For instance, for people who snort meth, they tend to feel its effects in five minutes or less. On the other hand, the effect of meth kicks in 30 minutes after swallowing it as a tablet.

The most common method of consuming crystal meth is by injecting it through veins. The reason is crystal meth triggers the release of some chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are:

• Noradrenaline
• Dopamine
• Serotonin

These three chemicals are in charge of the excitement and alertness we feel. They also are released when we are happy or having sex. The effects of crystal meth are physical and mental, not forgetting to add that they are unpredictable. Here are some of them.

Short term mental effects of crystal meth

• Less fatigue and increased energy
• Euphoria
• Increased sexual drive
• A rush of ideas
• High mood
• Lack of appetite
• Increased alertness and wakefulness
• Increased confidence

Short term physical effects of crystal meth

• Twitching muscles
• An irregular and fast heartbeat
• Stomach pains
• High blood pressure
• Dizziness and headache
• Dilated pupils
• Unusual body temperature
• Fast breathing

If you inject crystal meth into your system, chances are high that you may cause the spread of diseases. Examples of these diseases are.

• HIV
• Hepatitis B and C.

Typically, constant crystal meth abuse can cause a decrease in euphoria. This then leads to an increase in compulsive behaviour and unpleasant effects.

Furthermore, people who binge on crystal meth are usually too focused. They also exhibit repetitive behaviours combined with hallucinations, paranoia and sleeplessness.

Long term mental effects of crystal meth

Using crystal meth over a long period can no doubt lead to dependence. The effects of long-term use can cause periods of depression and stimulation.

Here are other long-term mental effects of crystal meth:

• Long or short-term memory issues
• Difficulty in controlling urges
• Brain damage
• Inability to be attentive
• Loss of finger or hand dexterity
• Paranoia

• Violence
• Homicidal thoughts
• Hallucinations, both visual and auditory

Long term physical effect of crystal meth

One major risk of long use of crystal meth is cardiovascular problems. Physical problems associated with long-term meth abuse include:

• Stroke
• Poor heart function
• Shortness of breath
• Cardiac arrest
• Death

Also, the long-term physical effects of crystal meth can include poor nutrition and a weak immune system.  Crystal meth can cause cavities, dry mouth and sour taste. Other physical effects are:

• Lung disease
• Kidney damage
• Stroke
• Cracked teeth
• Skin infections and sores
• Uncontrolled movements

If pregnant women consume crystal meth, it can result in:

• Low birth weight
• A decrease in appetite
• Premature delivery
• Birth defects

Symptoms of Meth Addiction

Finding out what to expect during methamphetamine rehab is the next step when you notice the symptoms of meth addiction in you or a loved one.

From insomnia to aggressive behaviours, meth addiction symptoms cover a broad spectrum. While the symptoms are broadly classified into two — behavioural and physical symptoms, they are also difficult to conceal.

Behavioural symptoms of meth addiction

• Psychosis
• Increased violent behaviour
• Anxiety
• Loss of interest in other things

Physical symptoms of meth addiction

• Tooth decay
• Pale skin
• Cracked teeth
• Liver or kidney failure

Stages of Meth Addiction Rehab: What to Expect

Meth addiction rehab typically begins with withdrawing from meth use. For many addicts, the withdrawal stage is usually very painful because of its symptoms. But that it’s where it ends.

Part of understanding what to expect during methamphetamine rehab is understanding the step-by-step breakdown of the procedure. Here’s what we mean.

Withdrawal

The more you consume crystal meth, the higher your tolerance for the drug. What this means is that your body will require more crystal meth to give you the high effect. If you are unable to get high, your body will start to demand meth.

This demand will exist in the form of what we call withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are the primary indicator that you’re in the withdrawal stage of meth addiction treatment.

Detox

Detox is a process that happens through medical intervention. It’s the stage of meth addiction treatment that helps you go through difficult withdrawal. What detox simply means is to remove the addictive substance (crystal meth) from your body.

Addiction Treatment

Going to rehab after detox is important because you put yourself at risk of relapsing if you don’t. A rehab centre offers you more chances of long-term sobriety.

You see, during the rehab (addiction treatment) stage, experts will help you treat the addiction. While adequate care and monitoring are a given, part of what to expect during meth addiction treatment includes counselling, behavioural therapy and more.

This is the stage of meth addiction treatment that provides you with the tools you need to prevent a relapse. As we will explain later on in this blog, meth rehab can either be in-patient and outpatient.

Related Article: The Cost of Meth Addiction and Other Substance Rehab

What to Expect During Meth Addiction Treatment: The Withdrawal Stage

When a person desists from using crystal meth, they begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are a function of the intensity of your meth addiction. As such, they can be severe or mild.

It’s important you seek medical attention if your symptoms get severe. Some examples of common crystal meth addiction withdrawal symptoms are:

Sleepiness and fatigue

Crystal meth can make you very hyperactive and even cause you not to sleep. However, if you stop taking it, you will feel the opposite. Addicts can experience sleepiness and tiredness during their first week of withdrawing from crystal meth. Typically, after five days of not using crystal meth, the sleepiness kicks in.

Furthermore, addicts experiencing this withdrawal symptom can sleep for about 11 hours daily. This sleepiness is often referred to as hypersomnia. Also, you may experience intense dreams which are likely to reduce in the first week of withdrawal.

Psychosis

Psychosis is a symptom of crystal meth withdrawal that consists of hallucinations.

Psychosis can include delusions which are ideas that appear true but aren’t.

This isn’t just part of what to expect during the withdrawal stage of meth rehab. People who are high or binging on meth can also experience this symptom.

Anxiety

Meth addicts who are going through withdrawal are often anxious. According to an NCBI study, up to 30% of addicts in the meth withdrawal stage will have anxiety and related symptoms.

Increased hunger

It’s not unusual for people using meth to lack appetite. Often, while high on meth, they can go days without food. However, all these changes when they stop using the drug. During withdrawal, meth addicts have strong cravings for food, especially carbohydrates.

Furthermore, they develop a craving for sweet things that starts right from when they withdraw from drug use. This strong craving can last up to about three weeks during withdrawal.

Depression

While experiencing crystal meth withdrawal, depression is completely normal. It’s normal not to feel excited about everything. However, after three weeks of withdrawal, depression decreases. Although some people may experience depression longer than three weeks.

Cravings for meth

There is always a strong urge to take meth during withdrawal. This strong urge is known as cravings and it’s common with people addicted to drugs.

What Happens During Meth Addiction Treatment: The Detox Stage

Detox has to happen under medical supervision. It can either be at a detox centre or the rehab centre and it usually lasts for about a week. Although this timeline depends on how addicted the patient is to meth.

Detox which is an abbreviation for detoxification is aimed at removing the addictive substance completely from the body. It usually precedes rehab. In a way, it readies your body for addiction treatment. During detox, what happens is that medications are used to reduce the withdrawal symptoms.

Furthermore, there are specific medications for certain withdrawal symptoms. For instance, Advil is usually administered to patients with body pains. Below are the withdrawal symptoms and the drugs administered.

• Psychosis: Sedatives and antipsychotic drugs such as Risperidone and Olanzapine.
• Anxiety: Diazepam and lorazepam are types of Benzodiazepines used in treating severe addiction.
• Body pains: Acetaminophen which is commonly referred to as Tylenol can help ease body pains. Also, Ibuprofen, which can be otherwise referred to as Advil helps to relieve mild ache.
• Depression: Fluoxetine (Prozac) and  Bupropion are antidepressants. These drugs can suppress depression during meth withdrawal. Also, Imipramine and Mirtazapine are antidepressants used to treat depression during meth withdrawal.
• Cognitive abilities: Bupropion, Modafinil and Topiramate (Topamax) help to improve cognitive ability during meth detox.
• Sleep and cravings: Narcolepsy drugs such as Modafinil can help with meth addiction withdrawal. Modafinil has stimulant effects which can help with sleepiness and cravings.

What to Expect during Meth Addiction Rehab and Treatment

There are two major types of rehab treatment for methamphetamine and they are:

• In-patient Rehab program.
• Out-patient Rehab Program.

In-patient rehab program

Addiction specialists recommend in-patient programs most especially if there are fears of relapses. During in-patient programs, you’ll be put under close medical supervision. In some cases, doctors may try to conduct the detox process together with in-patient programs.

In-patient programs have all the necessary facilities to quicken the recovery process. The close supervision and daily treatment sessions characterized by in-patient meth rehab programs increase your chances of recovery.

Part of what to expect during this form of methamphetamine rehab is a disconnect with the outside world. During in-patient programs, the staff at the rehab prohibit patients from having contact with the outside world.

The sole aim of this prohibition is to prevent relapses that come with triggers. Hence, in-patient programs help patients recognize their methamphetamine triggers and control them. Common types of in-patient therapy sessions include:

• Group sessions:

Here you will discuss with other patients in the rehab, each patient will share their addiction experiences. Group sessions are very effective since you’ll get to relate and learn from other patients who are battling methamphetamine addiction too.

• Individual sessions

During individual sessions, you’ll get to speak to counsellors who have considerable experience helping meth addiction patients. Through these sessions, you’ll be able to uncover behavioural patterns that promote meth abuse. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll be able to develop methods to break these patterns.

Moving on, a typical day in rehab is not only full of counselling sessions. There are sessions of mind-building activities like yoga and meditation. All these activities aim at strengthening your mind and keeping it busy.

Out-patient rehab program

For patients that do not have severe methamphetamine addiction cases, out-patient programs are a better option. A common feature to expect during this form of meth rehab is accountability. You’ll have to visit the rehab at appointed times for monitoring.

The challenge with out-patient rehab programs is that patients are still in contact with their triggers. Once patients are still in contact with their triggers, gaining sobriety can be challenging. It is why doctors suggest an out-patient program for people without a serious level of meth addiction.

Like in-patient rehab, it also includes programs like group counselling and teaching sessions that will help patients recover quickly.

Typically, out-patient programs take an average of 12-hours weekly. So, seeing all these, you should know what a typical day in rehab is like.

Counselling as a Part of Meth Addiction Rehab

Counselling is an important part of rehab. During counselling, counsellors apply different approaches and techniques to help addicts deal with problems. However, some approaches are more effective than others.

Furthermore, in combination with these approaches, addicts will undertake structured or formal counselling. Although, you should note that these counselling sessions are usually after dealing with withdrawal symptoms. Here are different types of counselling to expect during meth rehab.

Cognitive behavioural therapies

In this type of therapy, the counsellors will help you understand what triggered the meth addiction. Also, they’ll help you learn new coping mechanisms and correct old ones. This helps in preventing relapse. Here are other benefits of CBT.

• CBT is effective in addressing problems associated with crystal meth addiction. It is also the most extensively evaluated counselling approach.
• Cognitive behavioural therapies strive to correct thinking errors and behaviours that instigated crystal meth use.
• Cognitive behavioural therapies are very effective in addressing some mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These problems are also withdrawal symptoms making counselling important for meth rehab.

Other common behavioural therapies include:

• Family education
• Individual counselling
• 12-step programs
• Family counselling
• Drug testing

Solution-focused therapies

Solutions-focused therapies use the addicts’ strengths to solve the addiction problem.

Narrative therapy

This therapy emphasizes the importance of the addicts’ life stories. This approach helps addicts realize their stories can shape how they think and act.

Support groups

Support groups provide fellowship and support for meth addicts. Through the platform offered by support groups, meth addicts can interact with others going through the same recovery process. When this happens, meth addicts will realize they aren’t alone in their journey. Also, support groups help patients to focus on their treatment.

Although many meth addicts don’t like support groups, others find it comforting to hear other addict’s stories. Finally, combining support groups with counselling can prove very effective in achieving sobriety.

Motivational incentives

To foster meth addiction recovery, a motivational incentives approach can also be used. In return for their abstinence from meth use, patients are given rewards like money.

Related Article: How Crystal Meth Ruins Your Life Unless You Seek Help

To Sum It Up

Our rundown of what to expect during methamphetamine rehab shows that it’s not a scary prospect. The first stage, detox, typically lasts for a week or less and helps to prepare patients for treatment. While it lasts for a week for most, in some cases, detox can last for two weeks.

With this knowledge of how methamphetamine rehab works, you can get the best out of your treatment program. Arming yourself with how detox and counselling works can help make the recovery process easier.

Finally, depending on your preference, there are inpatient and outpatient programs to choose from. Inpatient programs ensure you are monitored round the clock. They are a comprehensive approach to rehab that allows you to focus on your recovery, pick up healthy habits and have a change of environment.

Here at 1000 Islands Rehab Centre, our experts can provide a custom treatment plan to guide your meth rehab journey. With us, you can build the key tools you need to enjoy long-term sobriety. Book an appointment to discuss your options today.

Are you wondering how to help a loved one on crystal meth? You may find it particularly disturbing to resort to such. However, if your loved one is caught within the tendrils of crystal meth, you have to do something to help.

Many experts have revealed that helping anyone get out of drug addiction requires deliberate and systematic steps. It also involves getting all the information you can and then applying it directly.

That is what we are here to help you with. In this article, we will dig deep into what makes crystal meth special as a drug of addiction. We will then uncover ways you can help a loved one deal with crystal meth abuse, including interventions and rehab programs. Let’s get started.

What Is Crystal Meth And Why Is It So Unique?

Methamphetamine is otherwise referred to as crystal meth, meth, blue, or ice. It is a highly addictive chemically produced drug that releases dopamine into the human brain. This stimulant appears as a white coloured powder with no taste and dissolves rapidly in water and alcohol.

Dopamine is a chemical released when a person is doing something they love or enjoy. For example, singing your best song, watching your favourite television show, being with someone you love, eating your favourite meal, and so on.

When you take crystal meth, it releases ten to twelve times the normal amount of dopamine in the brain. You may wonder how a person will feel if they have ten times the usual amount of dopamine in their brain. The saying “I feel on top of the world”, is in no way close to describing how meth addicts feel.

Now, you will understand why meth is described as an extremely scary drug. Except in special circumstances, the immense pleasure derivable from meth will most likely make a person ask for more. It is termed to be a “once and forever” drug because it takes professional intervention to help a loved one on crystal meth.

Interestingly, meth is not a natural drug. It is derived from the combination of many other drugs and items. You can purchase the ingredients from a drug store and cook them together to produce meth. Producing meth leads to a very toxic product consumed by sniffing, snorting, or injecting.

Compared to other street drugs, meth has many “benefits” that make it highly consumable. For one, meth is cheap and easy to access. A meth addict can easily go into the production of meth and even start selling it. Of course, this will only help an addict ingrain the habit and even make fast money through it.

This illegal drug originated from the parent drug amphetamine in the early 20th century. The parent drug was originally dispensed for nasal decongestant and bronchial inhaling. However, meth is different from amphetamine in that it is stronger and has a more long-lasting effect on the brain.

Related Article: What is Meth Addiction?

Understanding Why Your Loved One is on crystal meth

Drugs are generally used as a way to escape negative feelings. Your loved one may have undergone some traumatic event that they cannot deal with properly. While this is no excuse to turn to drugs, it might help you understand your loved ones’ state of mind.

Crystal meth use is very common. In fact, according to the NCBI, it is the second most widely used illicit drug after marijuana. This fact implies it is easy to find and also particularly enjoyable to consume. So when you wonder why your loved one has taken solace in crystal meth, this may just be the reason.

Understanding how they got into it will better help you know how to approach them on the subject. Regardless, a general rule for handling a case of addiction is to throw all judgment away. In the subsequent sections, we will discuss how you can do that.

Signs of Meth Addiction

Usually, if you’re considering that someone you love is using crystal meth, it’s because you have noticed a couple of things. Signs of meth addiction range from physical signs to behavioural signs. Like any other addictive drug, crystal meth harms the body and mind of an addict.

Visible physical signs include:

• An untidy and unkempt look
• Dilated pupils with rapid eye movements
• Profuse sweating
• Erratic or twitchy body movements
• High body temperature
• Dental issues like tooth decay (peculiar to meth users)
• Facial twitching
• Talking too constantly and rapidly
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Frequent itching of the body
• Obsessively picking at the hair and skin
• Lack of sleep and inconsistent sleeping patterns
• Sores on the face and skin
• Intense headache

These signs may result from the use and abuse of other drugs, although their likelihood of them surfacing from using crystal meth is very high. They may also be due to other genuine underlying medical conditions.

While you may use these signs to suspect your loved ones of meth use, you should be careful. If they feel accused and wrongly at that, they may feel alienated. This then makes it even more difficult to get them help.

Psychological or behavioural signs are also crucial when considering if someone you love is using crystal meth. You will likely see a strong turn in a person’s behavioural pattern once they start using crystal meth. These signs include:

• Anxiety, nervousness, irritable behaviour, and disability
• Unpredictable aggression and violence
• Anger or mood swings
• Hallucination: Seeing, hearing, or believing in things that are aren’t there
• Hyperactivity, higher energy, and restlessness
• Psychotic behaviour, stress, and bipolar disorder

Whenever someone using meth becomes sober temporarily, he or she will experience symptoms such as:

• Extreme fatigue
• Uncontrollable and intense depression
• Extreme irritability and instability

Consequences of Not Helping a Person on Crystal Meth

You must take steps to help a person with a meth addiction immediately you notice it. Meth is a particularly powerful drug. It has significant effects on the brain because it reshapes the structure of its user’s brain.

Experts have spoken of how crystal meth has the most significant effects on the brain than other illicit drugs. It markedly reduces the number of neurotransmitters in the brain.

This eventually manifests as problems with impulse control as well as focus. Beyond the physical and mental effects, the drug consequently affects social behaviour.

It is not uncommon for meth addicts to be unable to hold down their jobs. This gets compounded since they are compelled to use all their finances to get another fix. There is also potential legal trouble since meth use in Canada is illegal.

If your loved one is caught up in all of these, they may find themselves in a lot of trouble. Generally, the earlier you tackle the problem, the easier it is to solve it. So you should put out all the stops to find them all the meth addiction treatment they need.

How To Help A Loved One On Crystal Meth

Once you have identified your loved one’s problem, the next step is to provide help and support. However, if you do not know how to help them, your efforts may be more harmful than helpful to your loved one.

Research and learn about crystal meth

You cannot offer help to your loved one without knowing enough about their problem. Thus, the foremost step is to learn about crystal meth addiction. This will give a better insight into what your loved one is dealing with, how the person feels, and the reasons for the addiction.

Having gained an understanding of the problem, the next step is the solution. This entails knowing how to help a loved one on crystal meth during, before and after their treatment. On a personal note, this will help you know how much of your time, energy, and care the loved one will need.

Furthermore, discovering that someone you love is using crystal meth can be mentally draining and physically exhausting. The learning process will give you enough time to calm down and recover from your own pain to help the recovering addict.

Work with professionals

You will agree that getting the help of a professional in any task you embark upon can, in many ways, make things easier. The same goes for issues with crystal meth addiction. Talking to a professional is a very important step in helping a loved one on crystal meth.

Aside from the knowledge that can be easily acquired online, talking to a professional can help to get tailored solutions to your loved one. From experience, a professional can dissect the reasons and processes that led your loved one into becoming an addict. From this, you will get specific advice on how to help your loved one on crystal meth.

Also, as mentioned above, crystal meth addicts are prone to violence and aggression. Thus, be it a therapist, psychologist, psychologist, or interventionist, it is essential to speak to someone. This professional will give first-hand tips on how, when, and where to address the addict. It will protect the family and friends of the addict from any harm that can be indirectly caused by the addict.

Most importantly, a professional is a better person to teach you how to persuade the loved one on crystal meth to seek help. Once that is done, a huge part of the problem has been solved.

Talk with compassion — avoid confrontation

Talking to an addict about their addiction is a crucial and delicate step. To an addict, this seems like a form of attack or show of displeasure in their way of life. You have to tread softly, so the efforts don’t go south. A crystal meth addict can easily resort to violence and even severe ties with the persons confronting them.

Consequently, certain tips must be strictly adhered to when talking to a loved one on crystal meth. For one, don’t speak to a crystal meth addict whenever they are high on the drug.

As established, no one is in their right senses after using crystal meth. Thus, that is the worst time to speak to them. Target a time when the drug would have worn off and use that opportunity to address the person.

Also, avoid being confrontational in any way while trying to help a loved one on crystal meth. Confrontations usually lead people to become defensive and divulge little or no information. Speak to your loved one in the kindest possible way. Help them feel safe and comfortable talking to you.

You can achieve this by talking about something completely different for a start. Talk about their favourite television show, songs, food, so they can feel very comfortable.

You can also have discussions around the good memories that were created before they ventured into using meth. This will help them remember what their life looked like before the addiction.

Once this is done, you can proceed to tell them all you’ve noticed in the nicest possible way. Tell them how much you are bothered about them and the signs of meth addiction you’ve noticed. Talk about the particular things you’ve noticed, and remember to reiterate how much you care.

Remember that you are not expecting a response. You are simply trying to remind them of the person they were before the addiction. So, do not push the conversation for too long till a crystal meth addict becomes uncomfortable.

Be Patient and non-judgmental

Remember that it took more than just one sniff or consumption to become an addict. Yes, it starts with a trial, but addiction only happens after several instances of abuse. This is the same way just one conversation cannot change a crystal meth addict.

You must exercise patience while helping a loved one using crystal meth. Give enough intervals between discussions with an addict about their addiction and remain kind. Know that it will take some time before they can open up to you about it.

A crystal meth addict may exercise different emotions while talking to you about it. They may display anger, denial, or aggression. They may also pass a few remarks or grudgingly say a few words.

Whichever response your loved one displays, be patient, and don’t be judgmental. Helping a loved one out of crystal meth addiction requires lots of patience, which you must exercise.

Pay Enough Attention and Listen

Addictions generally occur when the addict is at their lowest and needs something to feel better. Often, knowing what led a person into the addiction can be enough of a trigger to snap them out of it. You have to pay attention to your loved one and listen to every word carefully to figure this out.

A loved one using crystal meth may not easily disclose the reasons behind their addiction or unwillingness to stop. But if you pay enough attention while showing you are willing to listen, the chances of an addict opening up increases.

Once a crystal meth addict starts to talk, you must listen. You must listen attentively and not interrupt them while talking. You should neither invalidate their feelings nor give unsolicited advice. Make eye contact and give genuine smiles to keep them talking. By listening, you will better understand your loved one’s special circumstances and how to help.

Self-care

It is important for a recovering meth addict to learn the importance of getting help with crystal meth addiction. This may not happen immediately because it usually takes a while before a meth addict can realize that something is wrong.

The process of recovering is what brings a meth addict to sobriety. But remaining sober is up to the person. It is a universal truth that no one can love someone more than oneself.

This saying comes to play here as no one can care for the addict as much as they can. A recovering addict should be interested in learning ways to deal with crystal meth abuse.

A recovering meth addict should be ready to put in all the work necessary to heal and recover completely. This requires discipline, perseverance, and self-care. This may mean losing relationships with friends or peers that introduced the person to the habit. It may help to change the environment, live with supportive persons, or join a support group.

In the process of recovering, your loved one can make a lot of progress through listening to the stories of persons who have had similar experiences. A support group offers that opportunity to a recovering addict. Here, a recovering addict feels safe enough to share their struggles, listen to others, and be more inspired to recover.

Thus, no matter how much you wish to help a loved one on crystal meth, this cannot happen without the person’s cooperation. Teaching them to see the need to fight this addiction will go a long way in dealing with crystal meth abuse.

Conducting a crystal meth addiction intervention

An intervention is a vital step in helping a meth addict. Because of how sensitive addicts are, you should make sure you have a professional on hand during the intervention.

You can expect to be in the intervention for many hours. So, you should make plans for a conducive setting. You must also properly consider the timing of the event.

If you can manage, get the family and loved ones together and hold a rehearsal. It may seem trivial, but emotions usually run high at interventions. This makes it easy to get off course.

With a rehearsal, everyone prepares what they will say and how they will say it. So the intervention becomes more effective.

It is also crucial to manage your expectations. You should not imagine a big change right after your intervention. It is even much safer to expect some resistance from your loved one. But you must be ready to try again until you are successful.

Related Article: How To Stop Meth Addiction

Treatment Options for Meth Addiction

We cannot discuss how to help a loved one on crystal meth without considering possible treatment options. Most effective options for treatment involve behavioural therapies.

A hybrid treatment exists, which encompasses individual counselling, family support, and behavioural therapy to counteract the addiction.

You may not see many drugs in use as a treatment. This is because there are no known drugs that can directly oppose methamphetamine or prolong abstinence. However, your loved one may be given drugs to help with the side effects of the drug.

Your Loved One Is Getting Treatment: What Next?

No guide on how to help a loved one on crystal meth goes on without emphasizing support. That is the most important thing in the whole spectrum, from talking to them to getting them into treatment.

Your loved one with an addiction needs to know you are there for them wholeheartedly. This doesn’t stop even after they have agreed to go for treatment.

You may offer to take them to their therapy session if they are on an outpatient basis. If they have to be in the rehab center to get better, you should make frequent visits and always reassure them.

Many recovery programs incorporate family and friends because of their importance in rehabilitating a crystal meth addict. You can take advantage of such arrangements to prove to your loved one that you support them.

However, as much as you provide support to your loved one, you should remember to take care of yourself. Dealing with someone with an addiction has its highs and lows.

So while you are providing support, take breaks as often as necessary. This is to make sure you are in the best position to be the best help to them.

Final Take

There is no doubt that recovery from crystal meth addiction is possible. All you need to know is how to help your loved one with the addiction. You must also psych yourself up and be determined to get them out of the habit.

If you are ready to begin your loved one’s recovery, you should check out our addiction treatment services. Here at 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, we have an array of experts who will work round the clock to help get your loved one back into shape and live a drug-free life. Contact us today!

There is no need to wonder how crystal meth addiction can ruin your life. There are many examples of it around, from entertainment celebrities to sports stars. You may also have seen a loved one coworker go down the dumps due to drug addiction.

While this is not to scare you, it reminds you that drug addiction is dangerous. But luckily, there are now new ways to get the better of it.

There are quickly evolving measures to help reduce the effects of crystal meth abuse. There are also new and effective treatment options available to you.

With this interesting read, we will show you the negative effects of meth addiction on your life. More importantly, we will provide a roadmap that can help you get freedom from crystal meth abuse.

Facts About Crystal Meth

Methamphetamine is the chemical name for the highly addictive and potent drug called crystal meth. Methamphetamine has several slang names, like crystal meth, meth, blue, and ice, amongst many others.

Meth often appears in the form of a crystalline white coloured powder and sometimes in chunks resembling ice. Over time, it has been observed to appear in other colours, including pink, yellowish gray, brown or orange. Crystal meth can equally be condensed and produced to appear in the form of a pill.

Crystal meth has a relatively strong odour. It is often perceived to have the smell of paint. At other times, it is a combination of many chemicals that gives the effect of the commonly known “hospital smell.” It can equally give the smell of ammonia or vinegar. Smoking crystal meth can reduce the effect and give a rather subtle odour.

How does crystal meth work?

Crystal meth, as a psychostimulant, releases dopamine into the human brain while giving no room for inhibitors. Crystal meth is not naturally produced as it is derived from the combination of several drugs and items.

These items can be purchased from a drug store and cooked together to produce meth. Methamphetamine addiction usually occurs by sniffing, snorting, injecting, swallowing or ingesting orally.

Crystal meth is also consumed by smoking directly through a glass pipe. These methods of administering crystal meth give it quick contact with the brain and bloodstream.

The chemical released by the brain after Amphetamine use is called dopamine. Usually, it occurs naturally when a person engages in a hobby or something they love. This chemical makes a person feel good about whatever they are doing.

However, when you use meth, your body goes above and beyond when releasing dopamine into the human body. Compared to the natural occurrence, crystal meth spurs the release of ten to twelve times more dopamine than normal. This drug leaves an immensely pleasurable feeling that occurs immediately and lasts 15 to 20 minutes.

It also explains how crystal meth can easily ruin your life as just a few intakes can keep you addicted to it “forever.” Meth has been described as an extremely scary drug as it often takes the intervention of a professional to keep it from ruining your life.

Origins of crystal meth

Despite the difficulty producing at that time, methamphetamine was first developed in Germany in the year 1887. A Japanese chemist reduced the major ingredient in methamphetamine called ephedrine in the process of crystallization. This produced a crystallized form that birthed crystal meth.

This stimulant was used in World War II by both sides to keep their soldiers awake. Many doses of the stimulants were prescribed to Kamikaze pilots before their mission.

However, it did not stop at that. The demand for crystal meth increased beyond the war. Such demand even rose after it had been banned in the United States in the year 1970.

The crystal meth consumed today came into existence in the 1980s. People on the streets started taking to laboratories or their houses for production.

This was done with white rocks or bluish crystals, adding twice the amount of ephedrine to make it more potent. Access to ephedrine and pseudoephedrine was easy at the time. They were found in many legalized drugs that can be purchased over the counter, like cough medicine.

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that has been legalized for use in medicine today. This is only to treat obesity or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Plus, it is available only on prescription by doctors.

Prevalence of crystal meth abuse

There are generally different reasons to be motivated to use crystal meth. For instance, anyone sinking into depression can easily use crystal meth because of its ability to enhance mood. You may also be attracted to the drug because of the increased libido and the sexual pleasure that comes with it.

Crystal meth is highly consumed in every part of the world. About half a million Americans used crystal meth every week. Interestingly, statistics from the NCBI show that an average of 12.3 million Americans claim they have consumed crystal meth at one point or the other.

Comparison with other kinds of drugs

Meth, unlike many other drugs, is cheap and easy to access. This also gives room for ease of production by an addict who is interested in producing the drug. Many times, meth addicts who go into production also become dealers.

Also, unlike many other drugs derived from natural plants like tobacco, crystal meth is relatively artificial. It is cooked with a mixture of several chemicals, which makes the effects of crystal meth stronger than most other drugs.

Signs that crystal meth is ruining someone’s life

The ways in which crystal meth will ruin your life is not subtle. It becomes easily apparent when a person is on the drug.

This is because certain physical and behavioural signs will be visible to people around a crystal meth addict. Visible physical signs include:

• An untidy and unkempt look
• Dilated pupils with rapid eye movements
• Profuse sweating
• Erratic or twitchy body movements
• High body temperature
• Dental issues like tooth decay (peculiar to meth users)
• Facial twitching
• Talking too constantly and rapidly
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Frequent itching of the body
• Obsessively picking at the hair and skin
• Lack of sleep and inconsistent sleeping patterns
• Sores on the face and skin
• Intense headache

While these physical signs may be the product of other health issues, the probability of these signs surfacing in a crystal meth addict’s life is very high.

Psychological or behavioural signs are also very important when considering how crystal meth can ruin your life. You will likely see a strong turn in a person’s behavioural pattern once they start using crystal meth. These signs include:

• Anxiety, nervousness, irritable behaviour, and disability
• Unpredictable aggression and violence
• Anger or mood swings
• Hallucination: Seeing, hearing, or believing in things aren’t there
• Hyperactivity, higher energy, and restlessness
• Psychotic behaviour, stress, and bipolar disorder

How Crystal Meth Can Ruin Your Life

The effects of using crystal meth are so grave that it can, in many ways, ruin the life of any person using it. There is no positive consequence accompanying the use of crystal meth.

There are immediate damages to the brain, body, skin while there are long term effects. If a meth addict is not careful, the use of crystal meth could lead to death.

Short term

• Instant addiction: One of the most immediate effects of crystal meth is its ability to cause an instant addiction. As a result of the potency of the drug, just a few doses are needed to ask for more continually
• Financial problems: Except for a person dealing in crystal meth, anyone consuming crystal meth will soon find him or herself in a state of bankruptcy. This is because of the financial impact that accompanies the regular high consumption of crystal meth.

Even for a dealer, the impaired judgement that comes with meth use leaves little space for good financial decisions. Before long, you may be without a home and food to eat.

• Effect on personal relationships: A crystal meth addict will begin to show signs of withdrawing from those around. As time goes on, most personal relationships will be destroyed, leaving the person in a state of loneliness.

Meth abusers are generally violent, a behaviour unacceptable to loved ones. It may also get so bad as to lead them to untoward acts like child abuse and infidelity. This easily leaves such an addict quickly estranged from family and friends.

• Sexual dysfunction: Though users of crystal meth claim to have a heightened and pleasurable experience while having sex, this is short-lived. A crystal meth addict is prone to experiencing sexual dysfunction.

Also, some studies have linked crystal meth use to impotence. This makes the drug of no benefit to anyone sexually.

• Outward appearance: A person using crystal meth begins to care less about the kinds of clothes to put on and how to appear in public generally. People easily shun them as they generally look repulsive.

Meth users also tend to hallucinate meth mites. They constantly feel like insects are crawling on them. This leads them to scratch a lot, developing sores and scabs on their body. In the end, this only adds to the repulsion.

• Loss of weight: Anyone on crystal meth consumes less food as time goes on because they have virtually no appetite for food. This leads to loss of weight, a skinny body and a weak immune system.

Long term

• Effects on the Brain: Crystal meth has an instantaneous effect of releasing a lot more dopamine into the human brain than normal. However, this is the least of it all.

Crystal meth can ruin the life of an addict by subjecting him to brain damages. Diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and so on easily come on.

It can also lead to a major restructuring of the brain that affects a person’s emotional and cognitive behaviour. Long term use can equally destroy a person’s brain’s nerve terminals and white matter.

• Effect on the body and skin: Ways by which crystal meth can ruin your life includes long term destruction on the skin. Crystal meth addicts can begin to look older and have sores over the body, possibly leading to infections.

Many times, they lose the elasticity of their skin, making it look haggard. This can also lead to the development of illnesses like fibrosis, fatty liver disease, coronary artery atherosclerosis, etc.

• Effect on mental health: People using crystal meth experience mental health issues after the doses taken have worn off. This can lead to depression out of loneliness, inability to experience joy in their lives or other psychological problems.

This may be as a result of frustration, irritability, paranoia, nervousness and mood swings. Crystal meth usage can also lead to anxiety. This anxiety usually comes as a result of crystal meth intoxication and subsequent withdrawal.

• Severe health implications: Using crystal meth can lead to severe health implications like high blood pressure, increased body temperature, failure of the heart, diarrhea, constant headache and migraine, insomnia and so on.
• Legal trouble: Crystal meth is an illegal drug that has been banned in most parts of the world. Thus, anyone on crystal meth risks ruining their life by being caught by the authorities and possibly thrown into jail.
• Prone to Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Crystal meth addicts are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Of course, it means their chances of catching a sexually transmitted disease increases.
• Effect on dental health: Anyone using crystal meth is easily prone to tooth decay, gum disease, toothache, and so on. The condition is called “meth mouth” and is very specific to meth addicts. It may lead to losing teeth and destruction of the dental system in gravest cases.
• Methamphetamine psychosis: Chronic usage of crystal meth can easily ruin the life of an addict by leading to psychotic episodes like schizophrenia.

Seeking Help For Meth Addiction

Many addicts don’t seek help until too late.  The reason for this usually comes down to 3.

• Denial: You may have been denying that you have a problem. Many times, drug use starts because of some other problem, a failed relationship for example.

By turning to drugs, you may get relief. However, you will not notice when the drugs begin to contribute and worsen the problem.

It becomes dangerous when you are unable to identify the impact of the drugs. Of course, since you don’t think it is a problem, you will not seek help for it.

• Shame: You may have realized the problem. But you don’t seek help because of the stigma attached to addiction. You do not want to be labelled an addict.

If the shame gets too much, you may feel like you do not deserve any help. This then makes it difficult for you to ask for help.

• Fear: There may also be a fear of what happens if you seek help. Rehab isn’t usually a pleasant experience and detoxing often comes with a lot of discomfort.

The fear of going through this may hold you back from seeking help. Furthermore, you may not want to relive some past painful experiences through therapy.

In contrast, you may have gone to rehab before and relapsed. All these add up to make you so scared to want to commit again.

Now that you have no doubts about how crystal meth can ruin your life, you should only do one thing. Seek help. You may not be as aware, but it is possible to make a full turnaround from your addiction.

It often seems like a myth. It may feel like one, too, with how hard your body craves the drug. But research reports are proving that recovery from addiction is possible. With expert methamphetamine addiction treatment, you increase the chances of making a full turnaround.

If you want to get better, it starts with you.

1. You must be convinced of how crystal meth has ruined your life, or at least almost has. In your non-high state, think back to how you were before you started.

Evaluate your relationships with your loved ones. Examine your productivity and work and your finances. Check how healthy you are.

If you can spot an obvious difference, which will likely be there, then your addiction is well on its way to affecting your life. So, you have to make a conscious choice to get better, as no one can be as convinced for you.

1. Believe that you can actively get better. You may read about your condition to learn more about it. Learn about what drove you there. Also, when you read reports of studies done to evaluate success rates, it may help you feel more confident.

Even while reading about such, you may not think it can happen to you. With that, you need to shore up confidence. The best way to do that is to go in to see a professional.

1. Addiction is generally serious business. This means you cannot do it alone. One of the first steps in how to seek help for crystal meth abuse is to get your loved ones involved.

The most likely thing is that your loved ones will have noticed the changes in you. So don’t be surprised when they react more calmly than you expect. But also be sure of their love for you and their wish for you to get better.

1. As your addiction counsellor may tell you, going through recovery is not usually an easy process. The stronger the addiction, the more difficult the recovery. This is why it is better to seek help as early as you can.

With this, you need to have a strong commitment to it. During recovery, you may have a strong urge to want to use again. You may even relapse. Recovery is usually a life-long journey, so you should not get discouraged. As long as you keep recommitting to it, you will get better.

Recovering From A Meth Addiction: Available options

One of the ways crystal meth can ruin your life is to leave you with a mental illness. This is apart from the regular bad effects of the drug. If you have a pre-existing mental illness, crystal meth abuse can make it significantly worse.

Because there is both a substance abuse disorder and possible mental involvement, the treatment options for meth addiction in Canada are different. A comprehensive treatment plan will include a mental assessment and treatment for it.

The options available to you are listed here.

Medical Detox

This is usually the first step when seeking treatment. It involves cleaning out the crystal meth of your body. The long-term use of the drug will have made your body dependent on it. So your professional will want to get the drugs cleared out.

Medical detox isn’t usually an easy process. Very likely, you will develop withdrawal symptoms, which are generally unpleasant. You may go through it, whether as an inpatient or an outpatient.

However, it is essential to have medical personnel present. It also leads to better success rates. Furthermore, having a professional around will make detoxing easier. They can prescribe medications to help your body adapt better without meth,

Counselling

This is often the next step after detoxing. Counsellors can help you understand the reasons why you got into the habit. They also make clearer how crystal meth can ruin your life if you continue to indulge.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

The focus of this method is to modify your behaviour to help you recognize your meth abuse triggers. With it, you realize how you react to certain things, making you resort to drugs. You are then able to leave such behaviour, and consequently, become and stay healthy.

This method of cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the most effective methods available. With it, you can rest assured that you are well on your road to recovery.

The Matrix Model

Another method that may be used is the Matrix Model. This model is a 4-month long treatment that uses behavioural therapy while involving your family by educating them properly.

It is usually a 12-step process that includes frequent drug testing. You are also encouraged to engage in activities unrelated to drug use.

Contingency Management Intervention

This is also another of the available options for treatment. It involves using incentives to encourage an addict to get treatment and continue staying away from drugs.

It is usually not used alone. You will expect to continue undergoing therapy. All these come together to help prevent crystal meth from ruining your life.

Get Freedom From Crystal Meth

Since you have read to this point, you know how crystal meth can ruin your life. But it is not all doom and gloom. You can get better and recover completely. The sooner you seek help for your addiction, the better your chances.

Our meth addiction treatment services are top-notch. We have a long line of experienced professionals who have helped many to recover.

More importantly, we can design custom meth addiction treatment programs to fit your unique needs. Contact us today to get started!