Help for crystal meth addiction

Help for crystal help addiction includes detox, physical stabilization, and long term treatment of cravings for meth. Where to find help for crystal meth here.

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Methamphetamine hydrochloride addiction

Methamphetamine hydrochloride is a highly addictive stimulant drug. In crystal form, meth alters the brain and causes feelings of heightened pleasure that increases energy levels and raises mood. Users experience irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and other emotional extremities. However, prolonged use of crystal meth may lead to mental disorders, memory loss and severe dental decay.

Here, we explore crystal meth addiction treatment options and where to go for help. At the end of the article, we invite your questions about crystal meth addiction. We try to respond to all questions personally and promptly.

How to help crystal meth addiction

Crystal meth is highly addictive. In a short amount of time, high dosage consumption is often needed to address drug craving. Several treatment stages help a crystal meth user overcome the addiction. The main treatments available to help crystal meth addiction include:

1. Crystal meth withdrawal treatment

During the withdrawal or detoxification procedure, methamphetamine is being removed from the body. A crystal meth user abstains from consuming the drug completely. Commonly, during the withdrawal phase of 7-10 days, a crystal meth dependent user may exhibit hyperphagia (excessive hunger), craving for the drug and depressive symptoms. However, these symptoms are found to decline 1-2 weeks after cessation of crystal meth.

2. Physical stabilization

After the initial withdrawal treatment follows the post-acute withdrawal STAGE or PAWS. Although physical symptoms may wane, psychological and emotional symptoms (craving and depression) may increase. To address these emotional hurdles, doctors may prescribe anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications. To increase your chances of success, you can preoccupy yourself with a productive activity, engage yourself in sports or a hobby, or generally keep the body busy with life enhancing activities.

3. Psychological crystal meth addiction treatment

Self-control and self-esteem building are integral components in psychological treatment for crystal meth addiction. When an individual is empowered to make the right choices and wise decisions, change and control can occur. Several psychological and behavioral therapies have been utilized in reinforcing crystal meth abstinence such as contingency management (CM), motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Getting help for crystal meth addiction

Fighting an addiction to crystal meth is a serious struggle. In fact, getting help for crystal meth addiction often requires personal and professional support. Here’s a basic list of resources that help you in addressing crystal meth addiction.

Family and friends – Often, groups of people that are close to you are your best advocates. Close family and friends can be a source of unconditional and sincere and love and concern. They can also serve as great inspiration and motivation on your way to a crystal-meth free life. However, if you cannot find emotional support from family and friends, seek help elsewhere.

Social worker – Licensed clinical social workers often know the local community culture inside and out. A local social worker can help in providing resources, linkages and referrals to crystal meth treatment facilities.

Healthcare professionals – You can first seek help for crystal meth addiction from your family doctor. Doctors know local addiction treatment services and can recommend reputation programs for detox and treatment. Psychiatrists that specialize in treating addictions can also provide help for crystal metha addiction.

Therapists and counselors – Licensed psychotherapists assist crystal meth dependent people in psychological and mental health issues. These licensed therapists and counselors assess the individual’s state of mind and aid in suggesting behavioral and psychological therapies to address cravings and change behavior.

How to help a crystal meth addict

Most of the time, instead of helping a loved one suffering from crystal meth addiction, a family or friend unintentionally enables the addiction. Stop enabling by cutting off financial support to a crystal meth addict. Also, provide a formal drug intervention and seek professional help. If a family or friend is suffering from crystal meth addiction, you may also:

  • Contact a family therapist to help address possible family dysfunction.
  • Do some research on methamphetamine, addiction, and treatment from professionals and other trusted resources.
  • Search for local support organizations that provide assistance programs for crystal meth users and relatives.

Crystal meth addiction help and helplines

Dial up these numbers for more information on crystal meth addiction treatment and rehabilitation:

Crystal Meth-Anonymous (213) 488-4455) – This is a non-profit 12-step fellowship for those in recovery from addiction to crystal meth.

SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357) – Free and confidential information any time of the day. They provide support for individuals and family members facing substance abuse and mental health issues.

Help with crystal meth addiction questions

If you have questions or comments or experiences about crystal meth addiction, do not hesitate to share them and we will answer and respond as soon as possible.

Reference Sources: SAMHSA Treatment Locator
Medline Plus: Methamphetamine
NIDA: Meth Facts
NCBI: Withdrawal symptoms in abstinent methamphetamine-dependent subjects
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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