Ready for a change?
Are you facing a problem with crystal meth? Feeling intimidated while seeking treatment?
Don’t be. The real harm can happen if you stay addicted. So, if you’re facing:
- Criminal or legal charges
- Financial problems
- Relationship problems
… rehab can be the first step to turning your life around.
What does rehab look like? The truth is that there is no single formula for treatment. Every recovery experience is different and unique. The way YOU respond to treatment will be different from OTHERS.
We review crystal meth treatment programs here. We’ll walk you through medical treatments and what you can expect at each stage. Finally, we invite your questions at the end. In fact, we try to respond to all questions and comments with a personal reply.
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Dial 1-877-747-8931.
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Rehabilitation: How Long Does It Take?
Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine, a very powerful stimulant. This drug is commonly abused by snorting, injecting, or smoking because of the euphoric effects and rush it provides. But the high comes with a price: crystal meth is highly addictive.
Most people who become addicted to this drug will need to go to crystal meth rehab. This is because the cravings for meth can be intense when you quit, drawing a person into relapse. In fact, your best bet to long term sobriety is in finding professional help. But how long should rehab last?
The length of time a person stays in rehab is different for everyone, since everyone’s situation is different. Still, there are some general guidelines. Depending on the severity of a person’s addiction, rehabilitation could take anywhere from a few months to a couple years.
Minimum recommended time in rehab = 30 days
Average duration of inpatient rehab = 90 days
Average duration of outpatient rehab = 1 year
Minimum stay in treatment
Medical experts advise people with crystal meth addiction problems to spend at least 30 DAYS in treatment. Choosing a longer treatment program will give you even more time to work on your addiction issues in the safety of a supervised environment. A rehab duration of 60-90 days can help you achieve an initial chemical stabilization, and start to work on the internal issues behind drug use.
Program Types
One big factor that will impact the amount of time you spend in treatment is the type of program you choose. Your choice will also impact the cost of treatment. So, when should you choose a crystal meth inpatient program? And when outpatient? Here are a few of the most common types of rehab programs and their generally recommended guidelines.
Short-term inpatient crystal meth rehabilitation
A short-term inpatient crystal meth rehabilitation program may be an option for those with relatively mild addictions. These types of programs typically require a one to three month stay in a residential facility.
Long-term inpatient crystal meth rehabilitation
Most people with crystal meth addiction will need long-term inpatient crystal meth rehabilitation, particularly if they are suffering from severe addictions. These types of programs require a longer stay in a residential rehab facility, which can range from three to twelve months.
Outpatient crystal meth rehabilitation
In some cases, a person may benefit from an intensive outpatient crystal meth rehabilitation program. Durations for these programs usually range from 12 to 16 weeks, however, outpatient aftercare can last for several months to several years.
Rehabilitation: Short-Term Vs. Long-Term
When it comes to rehab, the short-term vs. long-term decision should be made with the help of an behavioral health specialist. These professionals have the experience and knowledge it takes to determine what you need in terms of treatment based on their individual situations. Who can you see to help you make the choice about a rehab program?
- A clinical psychologist
- A psychiatrist
- A social worker
- A medical doctor who specializes in addiction
Generally, however, short-term treatment is not recommended for most people experiencing crystal meth addiction, due to the severe cravings associated with meth. Casual users may benefit from short-term crystal meth rehabilitation, but individuals with moderate to severe addictions will usually need long-term – inpatient! – crystal meth rehab in order to effectively overcome their addictions.
What Rehab Looks Like
At its most basic, rehab is like a summer camp for adults, with planned activities and group work at the core of the program. A typical inpatient program generally requires you to reside in a rehab facility during treatment. During this time, participants attend daily therapy, counseling, and education sessions. These basic treatment methods help participants learn more about addiction as well as learn methods and techniques to overcome it.
Inpatient stays are often recommended over outpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment gives people a safe drug-free environment where they can focus on treatment away from the temptation of the drug. The simple fact that participants are under 24-7 supervision – unable to obtain meth – will often do wonders to speed up recovery. You can start to get into a regular routine of eating, sleeping, and exercise.
Plus, you’ll work on the “inner issues” that fuel addiction – the past trauma, adaptive behaviors, and psychological compulsions that bring you back to meth again and again, Inpatient rehab immerses participants in intensive psychological treatment each and every day. This focused concentration on self can help you find the inner resources you need to make a transition to a drug-free life.
Stages of Rehabilitation
Although the process of rehabilitation is different for everyone, it usually involves most of the same basic steps and stages. Below is a basic crystal meth rehabilitation timeline.
STAGE 1. Screening and assessment
An initial drug screening and psychological assessment is the first step during rehab. This process of evaluation usually takes a few hours to complete, and is performed to help addiction specialists create a personalized crystal meth addiction treatment plan. Assessment should include:
- A physical exam
- A medical and family history
- An interview (s)
- Drug testing
2. Medical detox
Those who stop using crystal meth will typically go through withdrawal, which can often be very uncomfortable. To help minimize the chances of relapse and help ensure a safe and more comfortable detox, people addicted to crystal meth are generally encouraged to enter a medical detox program. Medical detox offers 24-7 support. The prescription of medications like antidepressants can also be elpful during this time.
3. Pharmacological treatments
Crystal meth is not typically treated specifically with medications. Some prescription medications, however, can help reduce severe withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
4. Psychological treatments
Two of the main psychological treatments used during crystal meth rehabilitation usually include individual therapy and group therapy sessions. Family therapy is also encouraged, which can help loved ones better understand crystal meth addiction and learn how to support people during their recovery.
5. Aftercare
A reputable rehab will offer an addiction aftercare program, which greatly increases the chances of a successful recovery. While in aftercare, you will continue a “step-down” approach to mental healthcare. You’ll continue to attend psychotherapy sessions on an outpatient basis and may be recommended to a sober living community.
6. Supportive services
People in recovery for crystal meth addiction need a great deal of support to successfully overcome their addictions. Rehabilitation facilities will typically help people remain drug-free by offering supportive services, such as help finding a job, housing, child care, or financial assistance.
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Crystal Meth Rehabilitation Time
For individuals who are considering crystal meth rehabilitation, time is often a major concern. To find out how long crystal meth rehab might take for you or your loved one, feel free to leave a comment below. We’ll do our best to give you a timely answer. If necessary, we’ll refer you to someone who can help.
Reference Sources: Drug Abuse: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)
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