Crystal Meth Abuse

Fast Facts about Crystal Meth Abuse

Despite its much publicized dangers, there are still individuals who use crystal meth and are prone to its abuse. What is crystal meth, anyway? How do you know if your loved one is suffering from crystal meth abuse? Just like alcoholism, crystal meth abuse is a form of addiction, albeit a more serious one.

Those who use crystal meth are also familiar with its street names. Among these are "64 glass," "crystal," "quartz," "speed," "ice" and "L.A". Among the many illegal substances used today, crystal meth abuse is the most difficult to treat because it's highly addictive and the "wall" period is longer than other illegal drugs. People become addicted to methamphetamine because it promotes weight loss and heightens the stamina and the brain activity. However, toxic reactions can occur even with a dosage that's as low as 50 mg. It's also comparatively less expensive, so an athlete or someone who's desperate to lose more weight is highly prone to crystal meth abuse.

The withdrawal symptoms of crystal meth addiction treatments, according to those who have experienced them, are fairly easy to overcome. However, relapses of crystal meth abuse can also happen because of the presence of social triggers. For example, an athlete might go back to using crystal meth illegally if he finds that his performance in the team has weakened. Women are very susceptible to crystal meth abuse because of the pressure society puts on them to lose more weight.

What meth addicts forget is that these effects are followed by bad aftershocks. The mildest side effects include paranoia, irritability and anxiety. When meth abuse is more severe, it can make the addicted individual violent due to extreme paranoia, suffer from permanent psychosis or be at risk of heart failures or strokes. Even the smallest doses of meth can lead to addiction and serious dependency, which is why crystal meth abuse should never be taken lightly.

In-patient treatment is subscribed to almost all individuals who are addicted to crystal meth, no matter what the intensity of their dependence may be. Those who snort or swallow meth are considered low-intensity addictions, while those who prefer to inject or smoke it are considered high-intensity addicts. For this reason, more serious treatment is administered to the latter since their meth use is most likely more psychologically-inclined. Nevertheless, all crystal meth users need to undergo detoxification to purge the toxins out of their bodies.

As with other addiction recovery programs, crystal meth treatment doesn't stop at detox. Once the patient is lucid again, s/he will undergo in-patient counseling. These sessions will be held both in private and by groups. Later on, the families and friends of these drug abusers are also encouraged to be involved in the process of their loved one's recovery. This is done before the patient is released, and the release takes place after a long period of close observation. The rehabilitation center first needs to be assured that the individual is prepared to fight off temptations in his old environment before he is allowed to go home.

Once an out-patient, the individual will still need a great amount of support from family and peers. Crystal meth addiction is mostly triggered by peer pressure, so the slightest provocation from others is extremely dangerous. For this reason, families need to watch closely for relapses. Out patients will also need to attend group counseling sessions to reinforce their will to recover.

Choosing a Facility

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Facility for Treatment for Crystal Meth Abuse

If this is your first time seeking treatment for crystal meth abuse for yourself or a loved one, it would be helpful to know which questions to ask when searching for possible programs. RecoveryNowTV.com will guide you in making the most appropriate decision based on your individual needs.

When researching treatment for treatment for crystal meth abuse programs, consider the questions below to help guide you to making the most appropriate decision for treatment:

1. Will the facility work with your health insurance company? If you have health insurance, please click here or scroll to the bottom of the page to access the complete Insurance Guidance Information page.
2. Where is the facility located? Oftentimes facilities will urge you to travel out of your area to receive treatment. Consider the list of pros and cons below for traveling out of the area for treatment.

   Treatment out of the area-

   • PRO- Getting out of the area for treatment for crystal meth abuse will help an alcoholic or addict to focus on themselves rather than their familiar surroundings.
   • PRO- Going out of the area for treatment for crystal meth abuse creates a mindset where a client is taking a journey for their recovery.
   • PRO- If the going gets tough in treatment, a distance between the home and the treatment facility might affect a person's decision to not give up and to stay in treatment.
   • CON- Going to treatment for crystal meth abuse out of the area puts distance between you and your loved ones. Most treatment programs offer a family component and a long distance could make it difficult for supportive family and friends to participate in the treatment program.
   • CON- Going to treatment for crystal meth abuse out of the area might make it difficult to return to the home environment. If you choose to go out of the area for treatment, it is crucial to make sure that the treatment facility has a discharge planning process which includes assistance in finding outpatient and Twelve Step Support systems for when you return home.
3. What governing body is the treatment facility licensed through? All treatment for crystal meth abuse programs providing therapeutic services and treatment planning, must be licensed by a State governing body. If one of the facilities that you are considering is NOT part of the RecoveryNowTV network, then you will need to make sure that the facility is licensed through the state.
4. Is the facility accredited? If so, what is the accreditation agency governing the facility? Accreditation is a true sign of a quality and safety assurance plan for a facility. While accreditation is not mandatory for a facility, it does provide a higher level of standards for a facility to adhere to. The two major accrediting bodies are The Joint Commission (JCAHO) and Commission on Accreditation of Treatment for treatment for crystal meth abuse Facilities (CARF). Both accrediting organizations ensure that the facility actively participates in rigorous quality and safety improvement protocols.
5. What does a typical day entail? Ask the treatment for crystal meth abuse facility go through the daily schedule and feel free to ask questions of each item on the schedule. This will give you an understanding of all of the services offered. This will allow you to take full advantage of the treatment protocols being offered.
6. What is the price of the treatment? Are there additional costs over and above the stated cost? Is there a daily rate? Is there an early termination policy?
7. Is there an extended care program? When searching for a treatment for crystal meth abuse facility, if time and your schedule permits, it is recommended that you enter an extended care program or a structured sober living environment. This will ensure that the re-entry back into daily living is a safe transition. Many programs offer a step-down or sober living program which includes mandatory Twelve Step participation, curfews, and drug testing.
8. Is there a program in place for relapse? It is important to know if the treatment for crystal meth abuse program will support you during a relapse. Many programs have relapse prevention or a refresher course in case of a relapse. Although many people do not want to consider readmitting to a treatment facility, it is important to know that your treatment program will support you if you have a relapse.