Crystal meth is a highly addictive, dangerous drug. It can be terrifying to watch a loved one struggle with a crystal meth addiction, but for the individual suffering from substance abuse, it is equally as scary. For someone experiencing an addiction to crystal meth, it can feel like there is no way to stop the cycle. Thankfully, many people have overcome drug abuse, and there are many addiction treatment programs available to help begin the journey into the recovery process.
Why Choose Moving Mountains for Professional Treatment?
Moving Mountains Recovery in New Jersey offers a unique approach to overcoming meth addiction, making it an ideal choice for those seeking recovery. Unlike traditional meth treatment, Moving Mountains Recovery combines adventure and holistic therapy to facilitate healing and self-discovery. We provide a tailored treatment experience that caters to individual needs, ensuring a supportive and compassionate environment for each person.
Moving Mountains Recovery offers more than just treatment – it offers a path toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. This personalized, flexible, and holistic approach sets Moving Mountains Recovery apart as a premier choice for overcoming meth addiction in New Jersey.
What is Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine commonly referred to as meth. Methamphetamines are synthetic, highly addictive, and illegal stimulants. Crystal meth is the most potent form of methamphetamines and appears as small, clear, crystals that resemble crushed ice. It affects the central nervous system and increases levels of dopamine in the brain, resulting in a euphoric, high-energy feeling for users.
Methamphetamine comes in many forms, which can be taken orally, snorted, injected, or smoked to get high. Crystal meth is commonly smoked but can also be injected.
The rush that comes from crystal meth is almost immediate and can last up to twenty-four hours after use. The crash that comes after the drug wears off can leave people feeling very low, which leads users to binge on the drug to stay high. This can result in days without sleep or food, as side effects will cause users to experience a decrease in appetite and an increase in energy. This has obvious negative effects on a person’s mental and physical health.
Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction
Crystal meth is used by people of all ages and demographics. In the past years, it has increased in popularity as a party drug due to its euphoric effects. People will also engage in meth abuse if their job demands long waking hours in order for them to stay awake. Regardless of the reason behind starting the use of meth, addictions are formed easily and quickly.
Side effects of a meth addiction include but are not limited to:
- Sudden weight loss/ Decrease in appetite
- Itching
- Increased energy
- Excited/fast speech
- Hallucinations
- Scabs or sores on the skin
- Inability to sleep/Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
If a loved one is showing signs of addiction, do not hesitate to reach out for help.
Dangers of Methamphetamine Addiction
A long-term crystal meth addiction can have serious side effects on a person’s mental and physical health. Over time, consistent use of meth can lead to changes in brain structure and its ability to function, decreased motor skills and learning ability, and memory loss.
Methamphetamine, also known as meth or crystal meth, is a potent central nervous system stimulant and a highly addictive drug. Its misuse poses serious health risks and can lead to a chronic, relapsing disease, namely addiction.
Short-term Dangers
Even in small doses, meth can increase wakefulness and physical activity while decreasing appetite. Other immediate effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and irregular heartbeat.
Short-term dangers of meth abuse:
- Increased wakefulness and physical activity
- Decreased appetite
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature
- Irregular heartbeat
- Hyperactivity
- Euphoria
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Insomnia
Long-term Dangers
Long-term meth abuse has severe consequences. These include extreme weight loss, severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), intense itching leading to skin sores, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior.
Long-term dangers of meth abuse:
- Extreme weight loss
- Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)
- Intense itching leading to skin sores
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Mood disturbances
- Violent behavior
- Psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions
- Impairment in motor skills and verbal learning
- Structural and functional changes in brain areas associated with emotion and memory
- Potential for drug-induced psychosis
Impact on the Brain and Body
Drug abuse, specifically meth use, alters the brain’s dopamine system, impairing motor skills and verbal learning. It also causes structural and functional changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory. These changes could explain many of the emotional and cognitive problems observed in methamphetamine users.
Physically, methamphetamine use can lead to a variety of health risks, which are often worsened if other substances such as alcohol, tobacco, medications, or other illicit drugs are used simultaneously.
Health Conditions That Can Develop Due to Meth Abuse
Methamphetamine use can result in a variety of health conditions, both minor and chronic.
Minor Health Conditions:
- Insomnia: Meth abuse often leads to sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Decreased Appetite: Meth is an appetite suppressant, which can lead to malnutrition if not addressed.
- Dry Mouth: Meth abuse can cause dry mouth, which can contribute to dental problems.
- Skin Sores: Meth users often experience intense itching and scratch their skin, resulting in sores.
Chronic Health Conditions:
- “Meth Mouth”: Chronic meth abuse often leads to severe dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. This condition is often referred to as “meth mouth.”
- Heart Disease: Meth abuse increases heart rate and blood pressure, which over time can lead to various forms of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
- Liver Damage: Methamphetamine can be toxic to the liver, potentially leading to liver damage or even failure.
- Neurological Damage: Long-term meth use can cause changes in brain structure and function, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and motor skill problems.
- Mental Disorders: Chronic meth use is associated with a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
- Increased Risk of Infectious Diseases: Injecting meth can increase the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
- Loss of Weight and Malnutrition: Chronic meth use can lead to significant loss of weight and malnutrition, which can have serious health consequences.
These conditions underscore the importance of seeking help for methamphetamine use. Getting the necessary help at our New Jersey Meth Addiction Treatment facility can help manage these health issues and support recovery.
Drug-Induced Psychosis
Methamphetamine use can lead to a form of psychosis characterized by paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. Individuals may become suspicious or fearful of others, perceive things that are not there, or have false beliefs. This condition can last for days or weeks, or it may persist, requiring treatment with antipsychotic medications.
Counteracting Substance Abuse Damage
While some of the effects of meth use are not reversible, treatment can help mitigate some of the damage. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, can help individuals overcome methamphetamine addiction and adjust harmful thought patterns. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep habits, can help the body recover over time.
Treating Meth Addiction
When a person has been engaging in meth use repeatedly over time, stopping the use of the drug will cause withdrawal. This happens because the brain and body have adjusted to the effects of the drug, which is why people will have to use more of the drug to achieve the same effects as before. Symptoms of withdrawal from crystal meth can be dangerous and intense.
Meth withdrawal varies from person to person depending on a few factors, such as how much and frequently they use meth. Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Intense drug cravings
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Agitation
- Tremors
Meth detox is the first step in treating meth addiction. It involves clearing the body of meth and managing withdrawal symptoms that may occur. This process is typically conducted under medical supervision to ensure safety during methamphetamine withdrawal. It helps individuals overcome physical dependence on the drug.
PHP is an intermediate level of care for individuals who’ve completed detox but still require intensive addiction treatment. Patients in PHP receive medical monitoring and therapeutic services during the day and return home at night. This program offers a structured environment that is beneficial for recovery without needing overnight hospital stays.
IOP provides a similar intensity of care as PHP but allows more flexibility. Patients attend therapy sessions multiple times per week while continuing their daily routines, like work or school. IOP focuses on relapse prevention skills, stress management, and coping strategies.
Outpatient treatment is a less intensive addiction treatment option compared to PHP and IOP. It’s suited for individuals who have a stable living environment and a strong support system. Treatment includes regular individual and group counseling sessions, education about addiction, and relapse prevention strategies.
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both meth addiction and any co-occurring mental conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. This comprehensive approach is critical because untreated mental health issues can often lead to relapse.
Therapies for Meth Addiction Treatment
Several therapeutic approaches are used in meth addiction treatment:
CBT helps individuals identify and change destructive thought patterns that lead to meth use. It equips individuals with practical skills to cope with cravings and avoid situations that could trigger relapse.
Group therapy during meth rehab provides a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences, gain insight, and learn from others who are also battling meth addiction. It helps build a sense of community and reduces feelings of isolation.
Family therapy involves treating the family as a unit to address issues that may contribute to meth addiction. It helps improve communication, resolve conflicts, and rebuild broken relationships.
DBT is a form of CBT that teaches individuals how to manage distressing emotions and improve interpersonal relationships. It’s particularly useful for those with co-occurring mental health disorders.
Adventure therapy uses outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, or canoeing as therapeutic tools. It helps individuals develop problem-solving skills, boost self-esteem, and foster a sense of achievement.
Contingency management motivates individuals to stay drug-free by providing tangible rewards for clean drug tests. It reinforces positive behavior change.
Motivational interviewing helps individuals overcome ambivalence about recovery. It encourages individuals to commit to change by exploring the pros and cons of their drug use and setting personal recovery goals.
Find Help for Drug Addiction At Moving Mountains in New Jersey
At Moving Mountains Recovery in New Jersey, we understand how difficult the transition into sobriety can be. We offer multiple therapies, such as dialect-behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and a unique adventure therapy program to help clients overcome their addictions. We have compassionate, experienced medical professionals who will encourage and guide them on their path to recovery.
If you have any questions about addiction or addiction recovery, please contact us today! We are ready to help you or your loved one begin your journey of recovery from crystal meth addiction today.
