Crystal Meth Use

Fast Facts about Crystal Meth Use

Crystal Meth Use is very dangerous. Crystal methamphetamine, "meth" or "speed" is a cheap street drug derived from pure methamphetamine, which used to be prescribed for obesity and as a decongestant in the past. However, very few medical practitioners prescribe the drug today because of its addictive properties. Crystal differs from the pure meth form because, as the name suggests, crystal meth is in the crystalline form. Its production is not regularized in any way because it's an illegal substance. Crystal Meth Use, as well as its sale and distribution, is a criminal offense because of the harm the drug can induce in the human body.

How is it used?

Crystal Meth Use is varied. It can be swallowed like a pill, snorted, smoked or injected into the body. The strongest forms of crystal meth are those injected or snorted. These can cause serious side effects in the body, aside from the addiction or craving spells you'll experience after just taking in as little as 50 mg of the substance. Unfortunately, Crystal Meth Use is thought to have purported good effects even thought these are far outnumbered by its bad side effects. People usually succumb to using crystal meth because they want to lose weight, have more stamina or be more alert. The "high" or buzz this drug gives lasts only for 4 to 12 hours. At its longest, the slimming effects of crystal meth only last for 6 weeks or less. After that, meth users will start to gain weight again.

Once you start with Crystal Meth Use, it's extremely difficult to quit the habit. Many people try, but the withdrawal symptoms can be too much for them to handle. Prolonged Crystal Meth Use can lead to psychosis, heart ailments, hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, a strange "crawling sensation" on the skin, the deterioration of teeth, dry mouth and many more. At his worst, an addicted individual may act violently because of mental psychosis. When the addiction is severe, the brain damage can also be irreparable.

This is why it's very important to report Crystal Meth Use while the effects are still mild. You can worry about the legal problems later on. For the sake of having your loved one recover from this physiological and psychological ailment, you should report the addiction right away. Your loved one won't admit to his/her addiction at first, and may even resist treatment, but the earlier you spot the problem, the easier s/he will be able to recover. You should also remember that when an individual is addicted to any substance, the entire family is also affected. You should act before the addiction ruins whatever bond you have left in your family.

In-patient and Out-patient Programs

The rehabilitation that you are reporting the crystal meth abuse to should have both in-patient and out-patient programs available. It should also look at the addiction holistically. The treatment should go beyond the addiction itself, and try to fix the root factors in the patient's life which may have triggered the addiction. In-patient programs will include the initial detox treatment of the addicted individual. After that, counseling (both private and in groups) should be administered to the patient.

Out-patient support includes the involvement of the family's friends and peers, as well as out-patient group sessions with a professional counselor and other patients who are recovering from addiction. The patient should want to get better before s/he is released from the rehab center. His/her friends or family should also show full support for the treatment to be successful.

Choosing a Facility

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

If this is your first time seeking treatment for crystal meth use 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 crystal meth use 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 use 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 use 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 a treatment for crystal meth use program 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 a treatment for crystal meth use program 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 use 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 crystal meth use 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 a crystal meth use 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 use 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 use 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.