Crystal Meth Rehab

Addiction to methamphetamine is becoming an increasingly common problem throughout the country due largely in part to the ease of acquiring the drug and the low cost of the substance. People who become addicted to meth get simply stuck on the high that comes which makes them feel powerful, amped, excited and energetic. Unfortunately, when the meth wears off, the individual will have adverse effects associated with “coming down” that may include agitation, fatigue, and a range of psychological trauma.

Fortunately, there is rehab for those who suffer from meth addiction. Various methods of treatment exist to provide patients with the assistance that they need to overcome this addictino through structured programs that allow the addict to learn how to change habits, break the chemical tie that they have to methamphetamine and take back control of their life and their sobriety.

Meth Detox

The first step of methamphetamine rehab is to get the patient physically back on track. The physical dependence that results from long term methamphetamine use can lead to a range of adverse withdrawal symptoms that are difficult to cope with and which can lead to a struggle when it comes to saying no to the drug. The idea that using just one more dose of the drug to get rid of negative withdrawal symptoms is what leads the recovering addict to relapse and ultimately back into the tunnel of addiction.

Psychotic episodes can occur with crystal meth detox.

Withdrawal from crystal meth may include:

• intense cravings for the drug
• fatigue
• psychotic episodes
• physical and mental exhaustion
• lack of sleep or insomnia
• agitation
• itching
• crawling of the skin

These symptoms are mostly treated with rest and time in meth rehab but in some cases, medications can be provided to reduce the withdrawal symptoms or to at least make the more manageable. Users who begin the meth detox process are likely to suffer suicidal thoughts or psychotic episodes that can lead to suicidal tendencies so it’s important that detox takes place in a controlled, monitored and safe environment.

Rehab centers provide methamphetamine addicts with a safe place to detox where they cannot physically hurt themselves, they cannot pose a danger or risk to others and they cannot resort back to meth in an attempt to forgo the drug withdrawal symptoms that they are having. In a few days, usually less than a week, the addict will no longer be suffering from the complications of physical dependence and can begin to prepare for the long term, psychological treatment that is to come.

Methods of Care in Meth Rehab Centers

Various methods of care can be used to help patients who are in treatment. Because methamphetamine addiction affects each user in a different way, there are no one-size-fits-all methods of treatment that will work for everyone. The rehabilitation process will be different for each person and may include any of the following types of therapy or care:

• counseling
• therapy
• medical assessments
• individual counseling
• educational classes
• self-reflection time
• self-help classes
• group sessions
• therapeutic activities
• trust building activities

The method of rehabilitation will depend on various factors pertaining to the individual’s addiction including:

• the length of time that they used methamphetamine and whether or not other drugs were also used
• the presence of any dually diagnosed or co-occurring conditions
• the severity of the addiction and amount of methamphetamine that was typically used
• the support system that the recovering addict has either at home, work, school or within the community
• the level of treatment required (inpatient, residential, outpatient or aftercare)

Aftercare Options in Meth Rehab

Because methamphetamine addiction is an ongoing problem and will often cause cravings and other potential hazards for many years to come, there is a need for ongoing treatment for the recovering addict. Crystal meth rehabilitation centers provide aftercare options that will assist the recovering addict, in many cases, for years to come. Some of the treatments and therapeutic recovery options provided in meth rehab aftercare include:

• help finding a job or gaining meaningful employment
• help finding a place to live or getting accepted to a sober living home
• help finding a social support group within the community
• help learning or gaining an education that will lead to better employment in the future
• continued counseling for psychological disorders, mental health conditions or supportive