How Recognise the Crystal Meth Dependency

Crystal meth dependency is a very serious problem. Seeking help from a professional Crystal Meth Addiction Rehab can be a crucial step toward recovery.

Known as crank, tina and blade, this powerful stimulant is highly addictive.

Crystal meth is only manufactured illegally. Unlike prescription medication you have no idea what you are actually taking. 

Crystal Meth Addiction Rehab is challenging but can save your life.

What Is Meth? 

The word meth in crystal meth is an abbreviation of the word methamphetamine.

It is an extremely addictive stimulant.

Produced in crystals, it will give you a short burst of energy as well as providing sharp focus and a feeling of euphoria. It does this because when it is received onto receptors naturally occurring chemicals, in this case: dopamine, is flooded into the body.

What Is Crystal Meth Addiction?  

When you keep taking Crystal Meth, the brain will change it’s chemistry as it becomes used to the presence of the drug. Tolerance develops.

Tolerance means you will need ever increasing amounts to have the same effects as the amount you started with.

Unlike other drugs, a single use can ignite a very powerful urge to continue. This triggers a cycle of dependency.

Crystal meth produces very intense surges in dopamine. The euphoria that this provides is something users want to experience.

In time, with continued use, the brain will stop producing dopamine itself so you need to keep taking crystal meth in order to experience pleasure.

The problem is that, with continued use, you create a cycle of artificial highs and crashing lows.

Effects of Crystal Meth

When you use crystal meth you will experience a number of problems.

Your sleep and appetite will suffer as will your energy levels.

After taking it, your energy will rise, your appetite disappear and you  won’t feel the need for sleep. If you let the drug wear off the opposite will happen. You will not be able to stay awake. When you are you will not be able to stop eating and you will feel very, very tired.

Crystal meth will make you very anxious and paranoid. Combine this with the very intense cravings you will experience and a perfect storm has formed.

Signs and Symptoms of Crystal Meth Addiction  

There are both physical and psychological signs of dependency:

Physical Signs 

• Rapid onset weight loss and loss of appetite 
• Sores from skin picking 
• Chronic Tooth decay or “meth mouth” 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Dilated pupils
• excessive sweating 
• Poor hygiene
• Tremors
• Insomnia

Behavioural and Psychological Indicators 

Behavioural changes are a clear sign that something is wrong:

• Rapid speech
• Violent behaviour
• Compulsive repeating of tasks
• Risky sexual behaviour
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Obsessing about getting hold of Meth

Further signs include:

• Confusion
• Poor decision making
• Emotional flatness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic
• No motivation

Signs of Meth Overdose

An overdose is an acute medical emergency.

An ambulance must be called.

The signs are:

• Crushing chest pains
• Very high body temperature
• Extreme violence
• Hallucinations
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Coma

Common Triggers for Meth Use  

Addiction is not a choice.

No one makes the conscious decision to become an addict.

There can be a multitude of emotional, social and environmental factors, such as:

• Childhood trauma
• Depression
• Stress
• Peer pressure
• Curiosity
• Thrill seeking
• Low self esteem
• Easy access
• Escape from everyday life

How Do People Use Meth?  

Crystal meth, as the name suggests, comes in crystal form.

Injecting it gives a very fast and more intense dopamine release and only incurs the risk of infection due to contaminated needles. Smoking also leads to a faster effect.

If you break the crystals down you can swallow it.

Recovery From Crystal Meth Addiction

Recovery is possible.

However deep you are in the hole of addiction, if you are breathing, you are able to recover: It is never too late.

Unlike other drugs, recovery at home is not possible. The risk factors are too great.

Crystal meth addiction is serious and professional help is required.

Residential rehab provides the four essential elements for recovery: Detox, therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare

Detox

Withdrawing from Crystal Meth under medical supervision is essential.

Your addictions clinician at the rehab centre will prescribe medication to help you safely withdraw.

Medication to help regulate your blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia and all the other distressing aspects of withdrawal.

Nursing staff will monitor you. Should your treatment plan need adjusting, they will liase with your clinician.

Therapy

With both group and individual sessions, you will be able to explore the reasons as to why you used.

The sessions will be challenging. There will be laughter, silence, tears and plenty of encouragement.

Addressing the issues that led to you becoming addicted will play a major part in your recovery.

Relapse Prevention

Rehab is a warm, nurturing environment with support on hand 24/7.

The days are structured , meals cooked for you, medication dispensed by a professional and housekeeping staff look after your room and the surrondings.

When you go home it is time to face reality.

The brain can take many, many months to re-adjust and the cravings may continue.

Relapse prevention skills are designed to help you should you struggle.

Aftercare

All centres provide a minimum of a years aftercare.

This is , normally, a weekly support group, as well as telephone check in.

Should you be struggling, there will be a dedicated number to call for immediate support.

Speak to an Experienced Addictions Clinician For Free Advice and Referrals

We are addictions clinicians.

Crystal meth addiction is something we can help you with.

Our free advice is confidential and impartial. If you need a referral for treatment, we do not charge for this.

It matters not to us where you for help, only that it is safe, effective and cost effective.

Our service is registered with the Information Commissoner’s Office.

We only signpost to legally registered centres.

Crystal Meth Addiction Rehab is possible. Call us.

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