The National Survey on Drug Use and Health provides statistics on meth use in the United States. They claim that 6.4% of all adults age 26 and older have tried methamphetamine at least once during their lifetimes. This means you probably know someone who has used crystal meth or is struggling with it. Knowing the signs of meth use can make all the difference in helping yourself or your loved one find treatment.
Learn more about meth addiction rehab. Call us today at 866.262.0531.
What is Meth?
Sometimes referred to as crank, ice, chalk, or glass, methamphetamine or meth is a synthetic drug. People produce it in clandestine laboratories using a variety of chemicals such as lithium, pseudoephedrine, acetone, and toluene. You can safely use these substances for their intended purposes. However, when combined, they are often a powerful and very deadly combination.
Methamphetamine production results in a white, crystal-like powder that users may snort, inject, or smoke. After taking it, you may feel a euphoric rush. That rush is what leaves most users wanting more of the drug once its effects have worn off. The urge to keep using meth may continue unless you or your loved one visit a meth addiction rehab center.
Why Would People Take Meth?
People may take meth for many reasons, including to stay awake and alert for long periods of time, to increase energy and focus, or to experience a feeling of euphoria. It is often used as a party drug at clubs and social gatherings. Additionally, it can be used to get through tough times such as when someone is facing financial problems, relationship issues, or depression.
Meth usage can also be seen as a way to self-medicate and cope with psychological conditions such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia. While these motivations for using meth may seem understandable at first glance, the reality is that it is an extremely dangerous drug that can lead to addiction and significant physical and mental health problems. The risks and dangers of using meth far outweigh any potential benefits it might provide.
Physical Signs of Meth Use
If an individual is using meth, he or she may display certain signs of meth use such as:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Picking at one’s hair or skin
- Twitching
- Hallucinations
- Being awake or asleep for several days on end
- Extreme mood swings
Users often experience tweaking near the end of their meth binge. At this stage, drug effects have started to wear off, even though cravings remain. This can lead to extreme agitation or even physical aggression. During tweaking, a person may complain about intense itching or feelings of bugs crawling underneath their skin.
Treatments Crestview Recovery Offers
Treatment and recovery from a meth addiction is possible but can be challenging. Recovery requires a comprehensive approach involving detox, therapy, counseling, support groups, and other resources to help individuals address the underlying issues that may have led to the initial drug use.
Are you or a loved one experiencing the signs of meth use and want to get help? If so, you could benefit from one or more of the following treatment programs:
- Art therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
You can enjoy these programs in a comfortable, cottage-like setting. We’ve designed our living space to feel as much like home as possible. That, along with our scenic setting in the Pacific Northwest, provides the perfect environment for you or your loved one to heal.
Gender Segregated Therapy
At Crestview Recovery, we understand that men and women face addiction differently. Accordingly, we offer gender-segregated treatment. We’ve found clients respond better in group therapy sessions when surrounded by members of the same sex. Gender-segregated therapy also reduces the odds of romantic relationships developing, which may hinder your treatment.
Our gender-segregated therapy sessions also allow for frank and open discussions about issues that may be more difficult to discuss in mixed-gender groups. Men and women may have very different experiences of addiction, particularly when it comes to the physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects. In gender-segregated settings, participants can feel more comfortable discussing these topics and can relate to one another in a more meaningful way.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
If you or a loved one are showing signs of meth use, it’s important to seek treatment now. Don’t wait until things are out of control to take your problem seriously. Get in touch with one of our rehab specialists by calling Crestview Recovery today at 866.262.0531.
