Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles

What is Crystal Meth

Crystal Methamphetamine or “Crystal Meth” is a substance that is strong and highly addictive and affects our central nervous system.

Crystal Meth comes in the form of clear, crystal chunks or blue, shiny rocks. It has also been known to be called “ice” or “glass.” It can be smoked from a pipe, swallowed, snorted or injected into our veins. After using the drug, most people have a sudden rush of euphoria which is why people want to continue to use it. It is dangerous and can damage your body and cause severe psychological problems.

Meth is a man-made substance that has been around for a long time and that was previously used during WWII to treat soldiers to keep them awake. It has also been used to treat depression and has been taken for weight loss. It is only available by prescription and is used rarely for attention deficit disorder (ADD) and obesity.

How Crystal Meth is Made

Currently, the methamphetamine in the United States is produced in Mexico by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). It is pure, potent, low-priced and made in small laboratories with ingredients that you can get over the counter such as pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient from cold medications.

Other common chemicals that can be used to produce meth include:

• Acetone
• Anhydrous Ammonia (fertilizer)
• Ether
• Red phosphorus
• Lithium
• Sulfuric acid
• Sodium hydroxide
• Hydrochloric acid
• Toluene

Effects of Crystal Meth Use

As with other drugs or alcohol, the more crystal meth is used the higher likelihood addiction or substance abuse will result. People who use drugs or alcohol build up a tolerance for the drug and often need more and more of it in order to feel the same effects of the drug. Abusers need to take more of the drug, higher doses, more frequently or change how they take it in order to feel the same way.

Chronic abusers may have some side effects that include:

• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Mood disorders
• Insomnia
• Confusion
• Violent behavior
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Along with some side effects there are also long-term effects that may include:

• Addiction
• Changes in brain function
• Increased distractibility
• Memory loss
• Mood disturbances
• Extreme dental problems
• Weight loss
• Thinking and motor impairment
• Aggressive or violent behavior

Detox from Crystal Meth

When a person stops using a drug and the body is cleared of the substance, the person is going through detox. Withdrawal occurs when regular use suddenly stops, and the person starts to experience a range of symptoms depending on the severity of use.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse people going through withdrawal from meth can experience symptoms that will alter their emotions. Many people experience a “crash” after they stop using the drug which can last for a few days. Regular methamphetamine users will experience withdrawal symptoms that can last up to several weeks.

The symptoms of withdrawal from meth will vary depending on the person. The severity to which they withdrawal also depends on how often, how much, what type of drug and the method of use of the drug. People who use meth by injection will typically experience a longer withdrawal that is more intense.

The most common withdrawal symptoms can include:

• mild paranoid ideation
• red/itchy eyes
• sleep difficulties
• lack of motivation
• lack of energy
• decreased sexual pleasure
• increased appetite
• increased craving or ‘thinking about’ meth
• occasionally even suicidal thoughts

Meth treatment in Los Angeles, at Breathe, will provide the necessary components for a successful outcome during the detox period and can provide the client with licensed psychiatrists who can offer the proper care. The staff can provide mental health support along with helping to establish the right coping strategies necessary to handle the detox period.

The goal of detox in Los Angeles is to allow the client to stop using a particular drug in a comfortable, successful environment that addresses both their physical and mental health.

Treatment for Meth

Meth is almost instantaneously addictive, causing the user to immediately need more. It is very powerful and habit-forming, and each hit of the drug can cause more damage to key receptors in the brain.

The first step in treatment for meth is detoxification and purging the physical presence of meth in the body’s system allowing clients to get to a place where they can function without the drug. This can include both rehabilitating the mind along with learning to understand how to function in daily living without the drug.

Depending on the level of severity and use of the drug, in-patient or out-patient recovery care may be necessary. A doctor may determine that an in-patient program is necessary in order to handle a client’s specific situation and avoid any possible significant danger that may occur.

If the person is experiencing any co-occurring disorders, then this needs to be considered during the treatment process so that the best care is used for the client. If this is the case, then the detoxification process may take place in a hospital or specialty treatment facility in order to provide the safest outcome. Staff monitor each client’s progress through withdrawal and provide any medication if necessary.

Meth Treatment in Los Angeles

Sometimes you might feel like reaching out for help, while other times, you might want to hole up and use. Going back and forth between the two only perpetuates continued meth use. The longer you use, the quicker you get to the end of your life.

Meth treatment in Los Angeles can help. We know how overwhelming it feels to have a meth addiction and to feel like there is no way out or no answer to the problem. But there is treatment available that can get you off meth and get you moving towards a happier, healthier future.

Don’t waste any more time. Call Breathe Life Healing Center today.