Rehabs play critical role in treating meth addiction

Methamphetamine, better known as crystal meth or just meth, is a neurochemical and central nervous system stimulant that has become a serious problem in the battle against drug addiction.

This drug, which affects the brain’s reward system by promoting the production of dopamine and serotonin, has caused terrible damage to the lives of many tens of thousands of people around the world. The result of the increasing popularity of the drug in recent years has been an alarming increase in meth addiction.

Methamphetamine has the effect of increasing heart rate and blood pressure. It increased wakefulness, mental alertness, and decreases appetite. If used in sufficient quantities, the drug produces a euphoria that may also lead to an increased desire for sexual activity.

In the short term, the drug can create an increase in self esteem, aggression, confidence, and feelings of invincibility. It can also cause irritability, paranoia, and other obsessive behaviours. These behaviours can worsen and the meth addiction progresses.

There are a variety of ways that users can administer the drug. They can inject it (this produces the fastest and most intense high), the can smoke it, they can snort it, or they can ingest it.

When the user attempts to arrest their meth addiction by stopping the drug, they may find they have a desire to sleep excessively and to eat more. They may also find they are more inclined towards depression.

There are medications that are being used to treat meth addiction. One of these is dextroamphetamine, which is intended to mitigate the effects of meth in much the same way as methadone does for heroin users.

There are also serious medical consequences to meth addiction. There is often a deterioration in the condition of teeth, skin, and general hygiene. Users also often engage in high-risk sexual conduct that can lead to sexually transmitted diseases.

How can you treat meth addiction?

Chronic meth addiction is extremely difficult to treat. It has one of the lowest success rates of any drug. The withdrawal symptoms felt by long time users when they stop is longer lasting and more severe than it is with cocaine. And it can feature serious depression. And, unfortunately, relapse with crystal meth is very common.

Meth addiction is very difficult to overcome, and may require a multi-faceted approach. The addict usually requires the help of a drug rehab facility as well as a 12-step program of recovery. In some parts of North America there is a program called Crystal Meth Anonymous that addicts can go to for help. In cities where this fellowship doesn’t exist, addicts may choose Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

Drug rehabs that treat meth addiction often use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to make the addict more aware of their thought patterns, and more aware of how they can modify their behaviour by changing those patterns. Addicts get help in managing their lives and their emotions without resorting to the drug.