Meth Addiction Treatment
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine, also known as crystal, meth, crank, speed, or ice, no matter what it is called, it is nasty stuff. It is made typically by cooking the pseudo ephedrine found in many cold medicines with other toxic chemicals to concentrate the stimulant effects. It is formed into a crystal like substance or power where it can then be snorted through the nose, rolled into a cigarette and smoked, injected, or inhaling the fumes from directly heating it.
Meth is a highly addictive drug, both from the immediate effect it has on the user, like increased alertness, higher energy level, euphoria, and an increase in libido, to the chemicals it both bathes and causes the brain to release. When a user takes a hit of meth, their brain releases its own deluge of dopamine, a powerful “feel good” chemical. This in turn activates the brains psychological reward system, which is the driving force behind mental addiction.
Dangers of Meth Use
Meth is very dangerous, for both the occasional or chronic user. Since it is a very powerful stimulant, the adrenal glands also kick in, releasing a lot of adrenalin into the blood. This in turn increases both the heart rate and blood pressure. Sudden spikes in blood pressure can be deadly, as this can cause blood vessels to rupture. If that vessel is in the brain, a stroke occurs. Or cause a heart attack. Not to mention that meth makers are known to use brake fluid, ammonia, starting fluid, and drain cleaner in the process of making it. Think of all the caustic chemicals that a user to takes into their body when they use meth; their mouth is proof of it as it literally dissolves their teeth.
Beyond the physical aspects is the psychological, and this is where meth treatment often takes a longer period to complete than other addiction treatments. The effects of the drug itself can be up to six months. Chronic users and addicts can experience mental withdrawal symptoms for much longer periods than other addictive drugs; up to a year. And the rate of relapse is much higher than with other addicts; 3% versus 9%.
Psychological Effects
Since meth targets the psychological reward center of the brain, the cycle of addiction has to be broken with in many cases by weaning the brain from this constant stimulation. Dextroamphetamine, a stimulant, can be used to do this like methadone is used for opiate addiction. Other standard drug treatment options such as counseling, life coaching, and support are effective, but again take a longer period of time before the addict is out of the woods. The Delray Recovery Center takes a multi faceted approach to address both the physical and mental aspects of meth addiction.
Get the Treatment You Need
A period of 30 days is the minimum that an addict should be in residential care, as it will often take that long for them to be rational enough to participate in an out patient program. Most programs, due to budgetary or space constraints will often only do 14 days tops. This simply is not long enough for a chronically using meth addict to be clean enough to take proper care of themselves, much less complete a treatment program. Time is the essential element of a successful treatment plan, and the Delray Recovery Center has the programs that do allow time for recovery to work.
Let Delray Help Today!
If you or someone you love is caught in the grip of meth addiction, they will need help. Without help, most meth addicts end up dead, or in prison. The news is full of horror stories of terrible things that meth addicts have done to even their own children while high or having withdrawals. This is not something that can beaten with sheer will alone. Call the Delray Recovery Center today, and get help!
