What is Crystal Meth?
Commonly referred to simply as “meth,” crystal methamphetamine is a highly addictive chemical that affects the central nervous system. Methamphetamine gained popularity during World War II when it was given to soldiers to keep them awake and alert for long periods. In more recent times, meth is often used as a party drug to create an extreme energetic and euphoric state. Users of crystal meth can ingest the drug by snorting, swallowing, smoking, or injecting to reach the desired state of euphoria.
The main active ingredient in crystal meth, pseudoephedrine, can be found in many over-the-counter cold medicines. The federal government has put restrictions on the quantities sold and on people who buy large amounts of these medicines, making the manufacturing of meth much more difficult. The only legal pharmaceutical grade of amphetamines manufactured today is to treat attention deficit disorder and is labeled under the brand Adderall.
Signs of Crystal Meth Abuse
People who may be abusing crystal meth may exhibit the following behaviors or symptoms:
- Dilated Pupils and Rapid Eye Movement: Inability to keep their eyes focused on a single object or point in space.
- Sporadic Involuntary Muscle Twitches and Teeth
- Grinding: Habitual chewing at gums and clenching jaw muscles, along with itching and picking at skin, causing scabbing.
- Weight Loss and Decreased Appetite: Unhealthy eating habits with diets rich in sugar and carbs.
- Erratic Sleeping Patterns: Staying awake for days on end and then sleeping for extended periods when the effects wear off.
- Poor Hygiene and Loss of Interest in Appearance: Clothes may appear soiled and wrinkled, and personal grooming becomes less important.
- Psychological Abnormalities: Mood swings, loss of emotional control, paranoia, and hallucinations.
- Meth Withdrawal: A Timeline of Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from crystal meth will most likely peak 48-72 hours after the last dose and can persist for 1 to 3 weeks. Most symptoms are psychological and emotional, but several physical symptoms may be experienced:
- Fatigue and excessive sleepiness.
- Restlessness and increased appetite.
- Severe cravings for meth and obsessive thoughts about using it.
- Dreams of using meth or constant thoughts about obtaining more.
While physical withdrawal from meth is not life-threatening, severe depressive thoughts can lead to suicidal ideation.
Can Medicine Help Alleviate Withdrawal Symptoms?
While there are no specific medicines formulated to control the withdrawal process from crystal meth, several medications can help relieve major symptoms:
- Antidepressants (e.g., Bupropion): Help reduce cravings.
- Mild Stimulants (e.g., Modafinil): Assist with erratic sleep patterns.
- Fluoxetine: Reduces panic and nervousness.
At Inspiration Health, our providers understand that a meth use disorder can be treated with a variety of medications and will develop a customized treatment plan for each patient seeking recovery.
Here at Inspiration Health
Clients receive all necessary services for treating their substance use disorder (SUD) under one roof. We ensure transparent and communicative relationships between our physicians, counselors, and care coordinators to provide each client with a team of professionals to address their unique needs. We understand that while certain substance use disorders present similar symptoms, no two individuals experience the same journey. Therefore, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all model.
When a client joins the Inspiration family, they are treated with respect and without stigma. We admire the courage it takes to regain control of one’s life, and our team takes pride in maintaining a supportive and safe environment for everyone on their journey to overcoming SUD.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) uses a combination of medicines to combat Substance Use Disorder. Although there is no specific medicine for crystal meth addiction, several medicines can treat the symptomatic conditions caused by withdrawal:
- Clonidine: Eases anxiety, irritability, and racing thoughts.
- Trazodone: Improves mood and appetite, and combats insomnia.
- Buspirone: Reduces anxiety and rapid heartbeat.
- Tizanidine: Reduces muscle spasms.
- Imodium: Alleviates diarrhea and irritable bowels.
- Wellbutrin: Helps stop obsessive thoughts of using meth.
- Modafinil: Alleviates insomnia
Counseling
Counseling is a key component of recovery in addition to MAT for crystal meth addiction. Our licensed professional counselors are trained in substance abuse and mental health counseling and conduct individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Clients can see their counselor, care coordinator, and medical practitioner on the same day at the same location. Our clean and inviting offices provide a safe environment for clients to attend counseling sessions. Individual treatment plans developed by our physicians and counselors address the physical and psychological impact of SUD. Continuing individual counseling sessions help clients develop coping skills, identify triggers, and formulate relapse prevention plans.
Group Counseling
Group counseling allows clients to hear from others facing similar challenges and process new ideas presented by counselors on living healthier lives without meth. The support gained through open communication in group sessions is effective in both the initial stages of recovery and throughout long-term sustained sobriety.
