How To Quit Crystal Methamphetamine: Withdrawal Symptoms And Treatment
If you suffer from meth addiction and want to know how to get off meth for good, seeking help from a treatment program is highly recommended. A structured crystal meth recovery program can help you beat your addiction and manage the severe cravings associated with quitting crystal methamphetamine. You may feel alone, but help is a phone call away. Treatment will provide you with the coping strategies you need to stop smoking or using meth.
How To Help A Child Who Is A Meth Addict
As a parent, there is nothing more disheartening than finding out that your child has become addicted to a dangerous drug like meth. Thankfully, we at Knoxville Recovery Center have extensive experience in treating individuals who have fallen into the trap of methamphetamine addiction.
It is only natural to feel a mixture of emotions during this difficult time. You likely feel deceived for what your child has been doing behind your back. More than anything, you may feel distressed about your childs health and confused about what actions you should take next. Take a deep breath, and lets take this situation step-by-step.
What Is Crystal Meth Addiction
Crystal meth addiction is a dependence that leads to compulsive crystal meth use, despite the negative consequences. There are various signs of crystal meth addiction such as:
- Neglecting work, school or family responsibilities in order to use crystal meth.
- Participating in risky behaviour while under the influence of crystal meth, such as driving while high or having unprotected sex.
- Continuing to use crystal meth even when it is causing problems in relationships.
- Experiencing financial difficulties due to spending money on crystal meth.
- Needing crystal meth in order to feel happy or confident.
- Getting in trouble with the law as a result of crystal meth use.
- Continuing to use crystal meth despite experiencing negative physical or psychological consequences, such as weight loss, tooth decay or anxiety.
If you spot any of these crystal meth addiction signs in yourself or a loved one, professional help should be sought immediately. The faster you identify that there is a problem, the better the chances of overcoming crystal meth addiction and turning your life around.
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Where To Start If You Or Your Loved One Wants Help
Asking for help can be an important first step. If you or your loved one are ready to get treatment, you may find it helpful to bring a supportive friend or family member into the fold. They can help you start the path to recovery.
Many people start by making a doctors appointment. Your doctor can assess your overall health by performing a physical exam. They can also refer you to a treatment center and answer any questions you may have.
Voice Your Worries With Compassion
Choose a time when its just the two of you and they seem like theyre in a decent mood. Try to find a place where people wont come in unexpectedly.
If you know what you want to say, consider writing it out beforehand. You dont necessarily have to read from a script when you talk to them, but putting pen to paper can help you narrow down your most important points.
Otherwise, you could:
- Begin by telling them how much you care for them.
- Mention youve noticed some things that concern you.
- Point out specific things you find concerning.
- Reiterate that you care for them and just want to offer your support if they need it.
You cant force them to open up. But sometimes letting them know youre willing to listen without judgment can help them feel safe enough to talk.
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Physical Effects Of Meth Post
Once you have completely stopped using meth and you have gone through the comedown and withdrawal experience, you may want your body to go back to being completely normal, as it was before you ever used meth. Unfortunately, however, experts have discovered that many meth users may never be able to fully recover from the physical results of usage. Meth is a neurotoxin, and it can cause damage to your brain. Some users may find that it takes years off of meth until their brains and bodies feel like they can function normally again. Also, meth messes up the dopamine system in your brain, and it can result in severe lingering depression, which is one of the reasons so many people relapse after quitting meth and going through the entire meth comedown. Meth also can permanently damage someones memory, impulse control, motor coordination, decision-making abilities and more.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Meth Addiction
Only a physician can diagnose a substance use disorder, but there are various signs, symptoms, and side effects of meth use. To be diagnosed with a stimulant use disorder, you would have to demonstrate at least 2 of the following symptoms within a 1-year period:5
- Experiencing strong cravings for meth.
- Having trouble completing what needs to be done at home, school, or work because of meth.
- Inability to stop using meth, even after it has caused or worsened physical, mental, or interpersonal issues.
- Quitting or cutting back on hobbies as a result of meth use.
- Spending a lot of time getting or using meth or crashing after a binge.
- Taking more meth or using it for longer than planned.
- Using meth in situations that can be dangerous, such as while driving.
- Wanting to cut back or stop using but not being able to.
- Developing a tolerance to the effects of meth, where you need to use more to feel the same effects.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using meth.
There are some signs of a meth addiction to be aware of if you are worried that you or someone you care about might have an issue with meth. These can include:5,6
- Behavior that is aggressive or chaotic.
- Burns on fingers or lips from smoking, nosebleeds from snorting, or track marks from injecting.
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
- Dilated pupils.
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How Is A Meth Intervention Different From A Regular One
An intervention meth-related is extremely serious and should not be taken lightly. Similarly, to other abused drugs, crystal meth is an escape from uneasy situations and feelings to avoid normal circumstances to be used by a mind-altering substance. Due to the seriousness of this drug, it is extremely significant that the family enlist a professional interventionist for addiction meth help. The intervention for someone abusing meth can last for an extended period of time.
What Does Methamphetamine Do To You
Even if you arent the one using meth, your partners addiction can transform you into someone you dont recognize even someone you dont like. The added stress on your relationship can make you angry, resentful, and prone to outbursts. Fear of your spouses next mood swing can make you feel anxious and isolated. Financial concerns might force you to find more ways to keep your family together and supported, leading to exhaustion.
When your partners meth addiction threatens to take over your life, youre not alone. While every situation is different, you can pursue a few ways to help them find a path to recovery.
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Why Seek Help For Meth Addiction
If youre addicted to methamphetamines, youre probably beginning to notice the effects that these toxic drugs have on you. You may start to see the health consequences of your addiction as you lose weight, develop dental problems, and notice that youre getting sicker more often. As meth is a habit, you may be in financial problems trying to support it, and engaging in illegal activities to supply it. You may notice that your interpersonal relationships have dwindled to nothing as the addiction took over your life.
An inpatient treatment program at a treatment center or hospital for methamphetamine addiction is one of the most effective ways to help people recover from meth addiction. Entering into an inpatient program allows you to get away from the stresses of daily life and focus solely upon what matters most recovery. In an inpatient program at a treatment center or hospital, youll have a variety of medications, therapies, and activities all designed to help you kick addiction and learn to live life as a sober person. An inpatient program at a treatment center or hospital will give you the chance to lead the life youve always wanted.
Our Philosophy
Is Dependence The Same Thing As Addiction
Dependence and addiction arent the same.
Dependence refers to a physical state in which your body is dependent on the drug. With drug dependence, you need more and more of the substance to achieve the same effect . You experience mental and physical effects if you stop taking the drug.
When you have an addiction, you cant stop using a drug, regardless of any negative consequences. Addiction can occur with or without physical dependence on the drug. However, physical dependence is a of addiction.
What causes addiction?
Addiction has many causes. Some are related to your environment and life experiences, such as having friends who use drugs. Others are genetic. When you take a drug, certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing an addiction.Regular drug use changes your brain chemistry, affecting how you experience pleasure. This can make it difficult to simply stop using the drug once youve started.
The signs of addiction can vary depending on which substance is used. There are general warning signs of addiction, though, regardless of the substance. Signs you have an addiction can include the following:
Your loved one might try to hide their addiction from you. You might wonder if its drug use or something else, such as stressful job or time in their life.
The following can be signs of addiction:
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What Are The Signs Of Addiction
Like other stimulant drugs, crystal meth is usually abused in binges or runs that continue until no more of the substance can be obtained.
When looking for the signs of a crystal meth problem in someone you love, check for both the short-term and long-term signs of useeven if you dont think your loved one has been using for longsince long-term signs may show up as a result of a binge.
The short-term signs include:
- High motivation to accomplish tasks.
- Speaking very rapidly and moving between topics quickly.
- Not eating for extended periods.
- Inability to sit still.
- Aggression and violence toward self and others.
- Changes in physical appearance, including declining dental health and scars from skin picking.
Following a binge, the crystal meth user may return to a period of normalcy that can last for days, weeks, or months however, this period of normalcy should not be taken as an indication that your loved one is no longer addicted.
How To Help A Loved One Quit Methamphetamine
You may be feeling powerless when it comes to helping your loved one overcome his or her crystal meth addiction, but you dont have to feel that way. CRAFT, which stands for Community Reinforcement and Family Training, is designed to help you develop healthy communication skills. 5
CRAFT teaches family members to stop making excuses for the crystal meth addict. Once they stop lying or covering for the individual finally allowing their loved one to face the consequences of their actions healing and growth can begin.
The following are some suggestions for how to help a meth addict.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Methamphetamine Addiction
As an individual falls deeper and deeper into their methamphetamine addiction, they will likely start to display a variety of signs and symptoms indicating their use. The range of behavioral, physical, psychosocial, and cognitive exhibited by each individual user will vary in presentation and severity. Some of the most common behavior signs of meth addiction include rapid speech, erratic behavior, and unwarranted aggression. Further, those suffering from a meth addiction will often start to skip school or miss work, as their focus turns towards getting high. This will lead to poor performance reviews and grades, sometimes ending in the loss of a job or expulsion. Those battling an addiction to methamphetamine might also become secretive and isolated, attempting to hide the extent of their use from friends and family.
Cognitive symptoms of meth addiction might include memory loss, loss of reasoning and judgment, as well as difficulties with learning. The psychosocial signs of meth addiction typically include depression, psychosis, manic episodes, extreme mood swings, anxiety, and agitation. Finally, the physical symptoms displayed by someone addicted to meth will often include facial tics, muscle spasms, changes in appetite, weight loss, sweating, twitching, poor hygiene, and hypersomnia.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs and symptoms of meth addiction, it is important that a quality meth addiction treatment program is sought out immediately.
Methamphetamine Abuse Treatment Center & Hospital In Utah
Highland Ridge Hospital, in Salt Lake City, UT, helps adolescents, adults, and seniors who are struggling with meth addiction through an unmatched quality of care and support. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, Highland Ridge is a leading provider of mental health & meth addiction treatment.
Learn About Meth Addiction
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Dedicated To You At Every Stage Of Recovery
Many of our founding staff members have dealt with addiction themselves. We understand that recovery is a process, not just a destination. When you turn to our team, we will be with you throughout every stage of your recovery.
Whether you are concerned about a loved one or family member, or you feel that you may need professional addiction treatment help yourself, you have already taken an important first step in visiting this website. We encourage you to reach out to us today to learn more about theadmissions process and how we can help you or your loved one begin healing.
Learn more about our family-focused addiction treatment programs when you call.
How To Help A Meth Addict
Methamphetamine, when abused over a long period of time, can draw a person into a world of confusion, paranoia, and anger where they often find themselves unable to stop abusing the drug, no matter what problems come of it. This is what methamphetamine addiction is like, and for those who abuse the drug, it is extremely difficult to tell the difference between who wants to help and who means them harm.
Helping a meth addict is not easy. But it is important to remember that the individuals addiction is what is causing them to act the way they do and that they are unable to stop themselves because of the severity of the addiction. Fortunately, there are ways to help a meth addict and get them the treatment they need to get better heres how.
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Find An Approach That Works
There are a number of different treatment options that can be effective, so it is important to consider the options. Think about which approach might be best suited to you and your loved oneâs needs and goals.
Depending on the nature of the addiction, treatment might involve psychotherapy, medication, support groups, or a combination of all of these. A few options include:
Other important factors that can affect a personâs recovery include family involvement and other social supports. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests that family therapy is an important part of an effective recovery plan.
Keep Busy To Stay Distracted
Your meth comedown will be uncomfortable no matter what. Once youre through the height of the physical symptoms, making sure you stay busy can help you get through the rest of your comedown. Having plans with friends or colleagues can take your mind off the discomfort you are experiencing. Alternatively, allowing yourself to feel bored may bring on a cravingso if youre keeping your mind stimulated with other people or activities, you are less likely to think about, crave or want to return to using.
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Two: In An Emergency Take Them To The Hospital
If a meth addict experiences severe symptoms like chest pain, bring them to the ER.
The NLM states that there can be both chronic and acute versions of methamphetamine overdose. While a person who is undergoing acute overdose has taken a high dose of the drug and it is causing life-threatening effects, chronic overdose refers to the health effects seen in someone who abuses the drug on a regular basis.
In either case, the individual should be taken to a hospital for treatment right away. It is best to call 911 and to not engage with someone undergoing a methamphetamine overdose, especially if they have become violent or hostile. The symptoms of methamphetamine overdose are:
- Delusional behavior
Most individuals at the point of chronic overdose also show signs of malnutrition and extreme weight loss, severe dental problems , and skin problems including sores, boils, and rashes caused by picking at the skin. If you are afraid for the individuals life, you should absolutely make certain that they are treated for the effects methamphetamine is causing. Some people do not take their loved ones to the hospital, worried about the legal issues of meth abuse, and this can result in death for the overdosing individual.
Do Rehab Centers Use Medication For Crystal Meth Use Disorder Treatment
There are medications to help with detox and the treatment of crystal meth withdrawal symptoms, but the use of medication does depend on the specific facility. So, do rehab centers use medication for crystal meth use disorder treatment? Often yes, but it does depend.
Currently, there arent any FDA-approved medications that are specifically designed for use during the crystal meth withdrawal process of detox. However, there are certain medications that may be prescribed to help with the management of withdrawal symptoms so that the patient can be as comfortable and safe as possible.
Once you select a treatment facility, you will be assessed by medical professionals to determine the best treatment strategy for you. That assessment will include the decisions about which medications, if any, should be incorporated in your individual treatment plan.
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