Methamphetamine – commonly known as meth, crystal, chalk, ice, etc. – is a highly addictive stimulant drug that makes one more active, both mentally and physically. It can be injected, snorted, smoked or consumed orally. An ecstatic rush and a euphoric high is what a user experiences after smoking or injecting methamphetamine.
The drug is prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorders, and obesity; however, it is rarely used medically now. Due to its highly abusive nature, methamphetamine has been classified as a Schedule II drug. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), out of the estimated 1.6 million non-medical users of stimulants, aged 12 or older, 35.7 percent were current users of methamphetamine in the United States.
Abusing the drug can cause anxiety, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. In fact, psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions can also occur which can linger for months and years even after one stops using the drug.
Like other stimulants, methamphetamine is also often abused in a “binge and crash” pattern. The tolerance to the drug can happen very fast and occurs within minutes, tempting the user to abuse it in much larger quantities. Unable to cope with the overwhelming feeling, a binge abuser crashes to sleep which can sometimes last for a day or two.
Since the drug is highly addictive, it is mandatory to seek help from a recognized methamphetamine addiction treatment center to kick the habit. Recovery from methamphetamine abuse requires specialized treatment plans which are available only at certified methamphetamine drug rehab centers. Since this drug is a stimulant, it can lead to an intense crash on withdrawal. Only specialized methamphetamine addiction rehab centers are equipped to handle such a situation through the right detoxification process.
Coupled with detox, the most viable treatments for methamphetamine addiction are behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral and contingency management interventions which are available at methamphetamine drug rehab centers. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is necessary to provide wholesome care and attention to effectively recover from the addiction.
The likelihood of a relapse, on the other hand, can be managed through a strategized aftercare plan which involves a continuum of support therapies and programs. Some quality methamphetamine addiction rehab centers also develop customized treatment plans gauging the impact of the drug on the abusers mind and body; thus streamlining the recovery process according to the need.