Crystal Meth Rehab
As addictive and dangerous as any drug in the world, crystal meth reaps a tremendous toll on those who use it. The fast, intense rush the drug provides leads many people to forgo everything else in their life in pursuit of chasing that "high" – often at the expense of their health, family, friends and potentially even their life. Crystal Meth drug rehab programs help individuals overcome their addiction to this powerful drug – and gain an understanding of what it takes to live a drug-free life.
What is Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth is technically known as methamphetamine and is a highly addictive psycho-stimulant that produces intense feelings of euphoria and activity in the user.
Crystal meth produces artificial feelings of pleasure within the brain. Most addictive drugs are able to produce pleasurable effects by chemically mimicking certain normal brain messenger chemicals which produce positive feelings in response to signals from the brain. When the drug comes in, it stimulates the reward center. This short circuits the survival mechanism, because the reward center cell can't tell the difference between the drug and the natural chemical messenger. Often the result is addiction and dependence to the immediate, fast, and predictable drug which caused the effect.
While this is taking place, the user's brain short circuits in a way leaving their brain less able to make life's normal rewards work for them anymore. When the amphetamine molecule comes in through the blood stream, it bypasses the natural nerve cells and causes the artificial release of normal, chemical messengers for positive feelings.
Signs Someone may need Crystal Meth Rehab
Individuals who are struggling with crystal meth addiction will exhibit a number of tell-tale symptoms, each one an illustration of the depth and seriousness of their addiction.
Common crystal meth addiction symptoms include:
- Lack of sleep
- Agitation or irritability
- Depression and anxiety
- Irregular heartbeat
- "Meth mouth" – decaying of teeth and gums.
Note for parents: In addition to recognizing the signs and symptoms of crystal meth use, parents are urged to understand the most current street names for crystal meth. Currently, the most common street names associated with crystal meth are:
- Crystal
- Meth
- Ice
- Speed
- Crank
What Makes Crystal Meth so Dangerous?
In addition to the significant health hazards associated with crystal meth use, there are a number of social implications for those who become addicted to the drug as well.
For example, individuals who use crystal meth develop incredibly strong cravings for the drug. As such, they will do anything to obtain more of it, including break the law. Individuals with a crystal meth addiction have been known to:
- Steal money from friends and family to finance their habit
- Turn to stealing from friends, or armed robbery
- Prostitute themselves in order to get the money they need to buy more of the drug
When crystal meth addicts are "coming down" from their most recent high, they may also experience high-levels of depression and suicidal thoughts. Self-harm behavior and suicide are among the devastating effects of crystal meth use for this reason.
What Happens during Crystal Meth Rehab?
There are several key processes which make up the core of the most effective crystal meth rehab programs. Most prominent among these processes are: detox, counseling and aftercare.
- Crystal meth detox. Drug detox is the process of allowing the toxins associated with crystal meth to leave the system. Detox helps individuals overcome the physical addiction to the drug – and move forward in a healthy manner with the remainder of the rehab process (including counseling and aftercare).
- Crystal meth counseling. There are two types of counseling programs generally associated with crystal meth rehab: individual and group counseling.
- Individual counseling: These are the sessions where an individual meets one-on-one with their therapist to discuss the issues that led to their addiction and uncover solutions to help them making better decisions and enact more productive life strategies.
- Group counseling: Meetings with a counselor and other member of the drug rehab program are a chance to open up and speak about one's addiction is an honest way. The supportive environment group counseling provides is the source for many "breakthroughs" and positive experiences.
- Crystal meth aftercare. When an individual re-enters the world after crystal meth rehab is complete, they face a number of unique challenges. And whether an individual is confronting temptation from old friends or struggling to cope with the stresses of their home life, this is the time they need to use the skills they learned during drug rehab. Aftercare, such as follow counseling programs or 12-step programs, helps these people make a smooth transition into their new, drug-free life by providing support and accountability when needed.
Michael's House has a profound understanding of the needs of the crystal meth addict. Located in Palm Springs, California this residential addiction treatment center offers detox, counseling and aftercare program to patients from all walks of life. Contact Michael's House today for more information.
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