Crystal meth addiction
What is crystal meth?
Crystal meth, also known as methamphetamine, is a highly addictive and dangerous drug. It is a synthetic stimulant that produces intense feelings of energy, happiness, and alertness. It is often used as a recreational drug, but can quickly become an addiction.
Crystal meth is usually a white or yellowish powder or a solid crystalline substance. It can be snorted, smoked, injected, or swallowed. Its effects are similar to those of cocaine but are much more intense and last much longer. It is considered to be one of the most powerful and dangerous drugs available.
What is addiction?
When someone can no longer control their dependence on a drug, activity, or behaviour, they are said to be addicted. It is a chronic condition that can have a major negative impact on a person’s physical and mental health, relationships, and finances.
Addiction to crystal meth can also result in depressive symptoms, feelings of isolation, trouble performing day-to-day activities, anxiety, insomnia, and psychosis. Anyone struggling with a crystal meth addiction needs to get professional help from a healthcare provider.
Crystal meth (methamphetamine) addiction
Crystal meth has become an increasingly popular drug, especially among young people. It is commonly used to enhance social activities, such as parties and concerts. However, it is important to remember that it is a highly addictive and dangerous drug, and should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is struggling with a crystal meth addiction, it is important to seek professional help.
Take your first steps to recovery
The effects of crystal meth
Long-term use of crystal meth can cause serious physical and psychological damage, including memory loss, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and psychosis. It can also cause kidney and liver damage, and can even lead to death. You might experience increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can also raise the risk of heart attack. The higher the dose, the greater the effects, hence the urgent need for crystal meth addiction treatment.
There’s also evidence that long-term crystal meth use can cause brain damage, although this gradually will get better if you stay off the drug for a long period with the aid of meth addiction treatment.
The risks associated with crystal meth addiction are numerous. The short-term effects of the drug can include:
Reduced appetite- Elevated heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Body tremors
Reduced appetiteRepeated use of crystal meth can also cause the following symptoms:
- Compulsive skin picking, leading to sores
- Hyper alertness / increased concentration
- Insomnia
- Obsessive and repetitive behaviours
- Increased energy, self-esteem and libido
- Sensation of power / invincibility
- Violent behaviour
- Psychosis
Long-term use of the drug can lead to physical and psychological dependence, as well as serious health issues such as stroke, heart attack, and even death.
Treating crystal meth addiction
Treating crystal meth addiction is a difficult process. The first step is to get the person into a medically supervised detox program where they can be monitored and supported as they go through the withdrawal process. After detox, the client will need to enter a long-term recovery program, such as an inpatient treatment centre or outpatient program. See Steps Togethers residential treatment program here.
In addition to medication and therapy, relapse prevention is an important part of treatment. This involves learning new skills and strategies to help the person stay away from the drug and avoid relapse. Family therapy is also recommended, as it can help to rebuild damaged relationships and provide support during the recovery process. See our non-residential outpatient brochure program here.
At Steps Together, we carefully blend clinical treatment, therapy, hospitality and accommodation to provide you with the perfect holistic environment, all under one roof, to help you enjoy your stay and make the most of your treatment programme and recovery.
Crystal meth detox
The first step in addiction treatment for crystal meth is detoxification. Detoxing from crystal meth involves slowly reducing the amount of the drug in the system until the individual is no longer dependent on it. This process can be difficult and uncomfortable, so it is important to have medical supervision to ensure the safety and comfort of the individual.
Our expert recovery team at Steps Together uses a detox and therapy programme designed to provide all the support and care to help you overcome your crystal meth addiction. We understand that admitting your own dependency is difficult. However, at Steps Together, we believe that it is never too late to seek help.
Through the detox programme at our meth detox centre, we will help stop your crystal meth addiction. While this may seem like a daunting prospect, our highly experienced recovery team is well-equipped to guide you through the whole process. Alongside our Therapy Programmes, this will enable you to overcome your challenges and get your life back on track.
Real stories from our previous clients
“I can’t imagine to this day what it was like for my parents, a mix of relief that I had finally agreed and disbelief that this is what it had come to.”
Ben, sober since January 2019
