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Methamphetamine Rehab

Get to know everything about Methamphetamine Rehabilitation

What are methamphetamines?

Methamphetamines are powerful addictive stimulants that affect the central nervous system. Common names for methamphetamine include meth, crystal, ice, and chalk, along with many others. In appearance it resembles a white powder that has no color, is bitter-tasting, and will dissolve easily in water.

Methamphetamine was originally developed in the early 20th century from amphetamine and was used in bronchial inhalers and nasal decongestants. If used, you will see an increase in activity, talkativeness, a pleasurable sense of well-being, and a decrease in appetite. Since greater amounts of methamphetamine get into the brain and can have longer-lasting, harmful effects to the central nervous system, it is a more potent stimulant than amphetamine. Due to this list of highly potential side effects, methamphetamine has a higher potential for widespread abuse.

Methamphetamine can be prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a short term weight loss regime, or even narcolepsy. However, the dosage prescribed is a far lower amount than used by a typical abuser. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has listed it as a Schedule II stimulant, which means that it is only available through a prescription. However, medical prescription of this drug is rare since there are more effective drugs to use for ADHD and weight loss.

How do I know if I need methamphetamine rehab?

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be addicted to methamphetamine, there are several indicators to look for. Meth abuse can cause anxiety, insomnia and psychotic behavior that may turn violent. Chronic methamphetamine users may also have a pale and unhealthy complexion, poor hygiene, or have sores on their skin from constant picking due to tactile hallucinations called “crank bugs.” In addition, a meth addict may also crack their teeth from extreme jaw-clenching while they are in a methamphetamine high. Because of the feeling of euphoria caused by the drug and its potent strength, methamphetamine has become a highly addictive drug. However, after the initial rush, the user comes down and may become angry, afraid or edgy. Because of the big change in mood from high to low, the user may feel the need for a larger dose to achieve the same feeling. Most meth users will continue to search out the drug even at the detriment of their relationships, job or personal safety. If you suspect a loved one may be addicted to methamphetamines, call a methamphetamine treatment center, like Surf City Recovery, immediately.

How do I choose a methamphetamine rehab center?

At first, you should check to see if the methamphetamine treatment facility is licensed by the state. All the employees working in the rehab center from the medical doctors to nurses to therapists should be licensed by the state to practice medicine or therapy. If detoxification is included in the therapy, a medical doctor must be on board.

Severe withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, and thoughts of suicide can be present during withdrawal. The physical dependence on the drug needs to be broken and a medical team should be on staff to assist in this process. Any good methamphetamine treatment program is tailored to the individual needs of the patient. An evaluation of the individual’s overall health and addiction level is the first phase of recovery.

The methamphetamine rehab center should help you with the detoxification process. In addition to the detoxification process, cognitive behavioral therapy is also needed to determine the potential for relapse. Treatment options include individual sessions, along with group and family sessions. During these sessions, you will learn what triggers you to take meth and how to deal with these triggers to help prevent future relapse. Until you fully detoxify from meth and recover, you will need to stay in a methamphetamine rehabilitation facility. There is no set time for this and you will need to live in the facility until you recover fully.

Other options are outpatient programs that give you all of the same treatment options during the day, but then you return home for the evening. If you have not made enough progress, however, the temptation of drug use during the time away from the treatment facility may be too much. Most professionals advise staying in the facility full time to avoid any chance of relapse.