Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment
Last Updated: Sep 9th 2024
Medical Reviewers: Dr. Albert Castellon, MD | Dr. Tim Anderson, MD, MPH, FASAM
Crystal meth, also known as meth, is a highly addictive and harmful substance that has become an alarming problem across the country. It does serious damage to your body, changes the way you look, affects your daily life, and impairs your thinking. Despite how dangerous and addictive it can be, many people start using crystal meth and quickly find themselves unable to stop. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug addiction, it’s important to know that there’s help available, and with the right treatment, anyone can recover.
What is Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth, short for crystal methamphetamine, is a powerful and highly addictive synthetic stimulant drug. Meth belongs to the amphetamine class of drugs and is chemically similar to amphetamine, a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, crystal meth is illicit and has no approved medical uses due to its high potential for abuse and severe health risks.
Meth usually appears as a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting crystalline powder. It can be ingested in various ways, including snorting, smoking, or injecting. When consumed, it produces intense feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness. These effects are short-lived, leading many users to engage in a dangerous cycle of repeated use or “binging” to maintain the high.
Using meth just once can draw you back into using the drug a second time. Addiction sets in quickly with this drug – more quickly than with some other drugs.
Why Do People Start Using Crystal Meth in the First Place?
Meth gives its users a quick and long-lasting high. The drug travels rapidly through the bloodstream to the brain, where it provides an almost immediate euphoria and burst of energy.
Many people use meth for the alertness and feelings of capability it provides. They seek out the drug because they want to reach goals faster and think meth makes them work harder and smarter. Sadly, that is not actually what happens when using meth. Instead, it causes serious damage to the user’s life.
On the other hand, meth works like other stimulants in the way that it decreases appetite and often leads to weight loss. People who want to quickly lose weight may start using crystal meth with the misguided intent of stopping its use once they’ve lost the weight. It’s important to note that any weight loss as a result of drug abuse is not healthy weight loss. Failure to eat a proper diet can lead to malnutrition and other health issues.
Unfortunately, the drug’s perceived benefits come with a hefty price.
Short-Term Side Effects of Crystal Meth
Using meth for even a short period of time can lead to paranoia, anxiety, and sleeplessness. People using the drug may have thoughts of suicide, too. In some cases, non-violent people may become violent when using large amounts of crystal meth.
Short-term side effects of crystal meth include:
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Mood swings
- Sleep pattern changes
- Tremors
- Unpredictability
- Hyperthermia
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
Using too much meth at once can result in an overdose.
Long-Term Side Effects of Crystal Meth
Long-term use of crystal meth can have severe and detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Some of the health risks and consequences associated with crystal meth use include:
- Physical effects – Crystal meth can lead to weight loss, dental problems (often referred to as “meth mouth”), skin issues, hair loss, and a decline in overall physical health. Users may experience a loss of appetite, leading to malnutrition.
- Psychological effects – Crystal meth use can result in paranoia, hallucinations, anxiety, mood swings, and aggressive behavior. Prolonged use can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and cognitive impairments. The intense paranoia and hallucinations that often accompany meth use may cause individuals to obsessively pick at their skin or hair, resulting in visible scarring or hair loss.
- Social and behavioral effects – Methamphetamine use can lead to risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, criminal activities, and strained relationships with friends and family.
Signs of Meth Addiction
The earlier people seek treatment, the easier it is to overcome meth addiction. As a result, it’s important to know how to spot the signs and symptoms of meth addiction in a loved one.
If you or someone you love are struggling with meth addiction, please contact our compassionate team of addiction specialists at 1st Step to discuss your treatment options.
Common signs of meth addiction include:
- Sudden weight loss, skin-picking or wounds on the skin, or other changes in appearance
- Changes in sleeping patterns, particularly staying up for longer hours than usual
- Lying to friends and family about drug use and related behaviors
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when meth use is ceased
- Spending excess money and time on obtaining and using meth
- Making multiple failed attempts to stop using meth
- Continuing to use meth despite the consequences
- Engaging in erratic or risky behaviors
Treatment for Meth Addiction: What to Expect From a Florida Meth Rehab
Seeking treatment for meth addiction is a crucial step toward recovery, and our South Florida rehab center offers a range of treatment options to aid individuals on their journey.
Assessment
Upon entering our meth rehab center, individuals will undergo an initial assessment and evaluation. This process involves a thorough examination of the individual’s physical and mental health, as well as an assessment of their substance use history. The assessment helps our treatment professionals create a personalized care plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
Meth Detox
Many individuals need medical support while detoxing from meth. Our meth detox program relies on trusted medical professionals who closely monitor and support clients during this phase. Meth withdrawal can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, so medications may be prescribed to help reduce the intensity of symptoms.
Inpatient Meth Rehab
After detoxing, clients usually transition to our inpatient treatment program where they live in a structured environment and participate in intensive therapy, counseling, and support sessions. Our regimented inpatient meth treatment program provides a safe and supportive atmosphere where individuals can focus on their recovery journey free from the distractions and triggers of their daily lives.
During their stay, clients will engage in individual therapy sessions with experienced counselors, allowing them to explore the root causes of their addiction, develop personalized coping strategies, and set achievable goals for their future. Group therapy sessions provide a sense of camaraderie and understanding as individuals share their experiences, challenges, and successes with peers facing similar struggles.
Our approach is not solely focused on addressing addiction symptoms; it extends to improving overall well-being. Nutritional guidance, physical fitness activities, and opportunities for creative expression are integrated into the program to help clients rebuild their physical health and discover new passions.
Outpatient Rehab and Aftercare
Our commitment to long-term recovery means that our support doesn’t end when clients leave the inpatient program. We continue to provide guidance, resources, and connections to the recovery community to help individuals stay on the path to a healthier, drug-free future.
After inpatient rehab, clients transition to one of our outpatient programs and receive comprehensive aftercare support. At our Florida meth rehab, we understand that recovery is a journey, and we are here to support every step of that journey with care, compassion, and expertise.
Start Your Recovery at our Meth Addiction Treatment Center in Florida
For people addicted to meth, life can quickly seem hopeless. But a quality residential treatment program can help you get your life back on track while you recover. In Pompano Beach, Florida, 1st Step Behavioral Health provides a wide array of therapies to help you end your meth addiction once and for all. Call or text 1st Step Behavioral Health at (855) 425-4846 now to learn more about available programs.
