Methamphetamine, also known as Meth, or Ice is a highly addictive substance due to its powerful impact on both the mind and body. When consumed, meth causes a dramatic increase in dopamine levels, leading to a rush of pleasure and adrenaline. However, this intense high is often followed by an equally intense crash, characterised by severe symptoms such as anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and various physical and mental complications. Methamphetamine binges can last for days, creating a dangerous cycle for those addicted.
Recovering from meth addiction is possible with the help of specialised treatment and support. Many individuals have successfully overcome their addiction through treatment programs like those offered by us at Horizon Rehab Center here in Thailand. With the guidance and expertise of our experienced addiction therapists, individuals can learn to break free from the hold of meth addiction and take steps toward a healthier future.
Is Methamphetamine, Crystal Meth, Ice, and Ya Ba the Same Thing?
Ice and Crystal Meth are, in fact, street terms for Methamphetamine. ‘Ice’ is a term used for the drug in countries like Australia. Whereas ‘Crystal Meth’ is a term used mainly in the US and UK.
Ya Ba (or ‘crazy drug’), on the other hand, is a mixture of Methamphetamine and Caffeine, sold in tablet form, it's a potent and dangerous drug sold in Thailand and other countries in South East Asia.
The truth is there are numerous street terms for Methamphetamine. Too many to list here, which may give an indication of how widespread its use has become in recent years. According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the number of individuals who reported using methamphetamine in the past month increased from 595,000 in 2016 to 964,000 in 2019, representing a 61% increase in just three years.
Compounding the widespread use of the drug is the devastating mental and physical effects it can have on the people who use it (more on this below). For this reason, Meth has been described by many as one of the most destructive substances ever consumed by humans.
Signs of Meth Addiction
As mentioned above, there can be devastating physical and emotional effects to using meth, even if its just occassional use. Loved ones should be aware of some of the telltale signs that people may discply when they’ve using meth. Some of these signs and symptoms may include
Gradual changes in the body: Meth use can cause significant changes in a person's physical appearance, such as a loss of appetite, weight loss, acne, or "meth mouth" (tooth decay and/or loss). It can also cause symptoms such as dilated pupils, sweating, and an elevated heart rate.
Changes in behaviour: Meth use can cause a person to become more talkative, anxious, or agitated. They may also exhibit paranoid or delusional thinking, or display aggressive or violent behaviour. Meth use can also lead to insomnia and decreased appetite.
Psychological changes: Meth use can cause changes in a person's mood, such as euphoria or depression. It can also cause hallucinations, confusion, and memory problems.
Using Paraphernalia: People using meth may have various tools and materials associated with the drug such as pipes, syringes, or small plastic bags that may contain powder or crystals.
It's important to note that not everyone who uses meth will display all of these signs and symptoms, and some of these changes may be subtle. In addition, someone who has been using meth for a longer period of time will be more difficult to notice than someone who is using it for the first time or someone who is just starting to abuse.
Long Term Health Effects of Meth Addiction
Long-term use of Methamphetamine can lead to significant brain damage. This can be from the drug itself or from malnutrition. Other long term health effects of meth abuse include:
Stroke, which can be fatal.
Paranoid and delusional thinking, which can lead to violence and rage.
Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Self-destructive behavior such as self mutilation due to psychosis, or emotional distress.
Malnutrition and significant weight loss.
Sexually Transmitted Infections due to unsafe sexual practices while using
Anxiety.
Irregular heart rate.
Facial disfiguremen.
In severe cases, death.
We understand that it is difficult for someone who has never been addicted to meth to understand how anyone could allow themselves to fall victim to such a fate. However, this is a testament to the drug's highly addictive and dangerous nature. We hear often that people who have fallen prey to Meth addiction did so after just one occasion of using. They reported feeling such profound pleasure that they found themselves using again shortly after.
Why People Choose a Residential Meth Rehab for Treatment?
Inpatient, or residential, addiction treatment is widely considered the most effective approach for individuals seeking thorough recovery from drug addiction. Unlike outpatient treatment, which offers limited support and leaves individuals exposed to the stresses and distractions of their daily life, inpatient treatment provides a safe and structured environment in which individuals can focus solely on their recovery.
Inpatient rehab centers offer a variety of services, including round-the-clock care from trained addiction professionals, individual and group therapy sessions, and recreational activities to support the healing process.
Inpatient rehab also provides a safe, sober living environment, which can help individuals learn new coping mechanisms and skills that will be beneficial once they return home.
The benefits of inpatient rehab compared to outpatient rehab include:
Constant access to professional support: Inpatient rehab centers provide 24/7 care from trained addiction professionals, ensuring that individuals have access to support whenever they need it.
A structured and controlled environment: Inpatient rehab centers offer a structured and controlled environment that is free from the distractions and temptations of daily life, making it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery.
A chance to disconnect from daily life: Inpatient rehab centers provide an opportunity for individuals to disconnect from the stressors of their daily life and focus solely on their recovery.
Enhanced privacy and confidentiality: Inpatient rehab centers provide a private and confidential environment where individuals can feel comfortable discussing their addiction and recovery process with professionals and peers.
How we Treat Methamphetamine Addiction at Horizon Rehab Center?
Upon arriving for residential Meth addiction treatment at Horizon Rehab Center in Thailand, a comprehensive psychological assessment will be conducted to evaluate your needs. A treatment plan will be developed by your therapist, who will carefully monitor its effectiveness throughout your stay.
Depending on your using history and the severity of your addiction, you may require a medical detox to clear your body of substances before moving onto your next phase of treatment. The next phase involves your primary treatment of individual psychotherapy and group therapy as well as holistic therapies to support your recovery journey.
Detox from Methamphetamine
Prolonged use of addictive substances can result in physical dependence, a condition in which the body adapts to the presence of a certain drug. Upon starting treatment, a medical evaluation will be conducted to identify the need for detoxification.
If necessary, the detox process will take place here at our fully liscensed medical rehab facility under the care of our onsite medical team of detox specialists and affiliated hospital. Patients will be housed in comfortable and relaxing accommodations to ensure a peaceful environment during the preparation for therapy.
Primary Treatment for Meth Addiction
Addiction treatment at Horizon Rehab Center is a multi-faceted approach that aims to help patients understand the nature of addiction, identify and address negative patterns, and learn new tools for recovery, while also addressing the harm caused by addiction. The program includes a combination of therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and 12 Step methodology.
The treatment is composed of:
Individual counselling sessions where patients can discuss their issues with their therapist.
Experiential and process groups, where patients can share their experiences with others and realise that they are not alone in their struggles.
AA and NA meetings, to help patients build a sober support network and receive guidance and support from peers.
These therapies are specifically designed to help patients gain insight into their addiction, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build a support system that will help them stay sober after they leave treatment.
Wellness Therapy
There is no doubt that traditional therapy for addiction has a proven track record for effectiveness - hence why it is forms an integral part of our treatment program. However, we also believe that is more the story of addiction recovery. Our clinical team (many of whom are in addiction recovery themselves) strongly believe that taking actions that support self-care and nurturing play a vital role in building a life in recovery that is worth ‘staying clean’ for. We believe self care is a verb, not a concept…and so we help clients through our wellness programs such as yoga, fitness, meditation and art therapy to learn actions and activities that can support them throughout their lives.
Recovery from severe addiction is not easy - It requires action and dedication. However, it need not be complicated. With the right tools, such as the proven tools we teach here at Horizon, we give clients all the tools they need to make a start. We also teach clients how to become resourceful and create their own tools that will help them throughout their lives.
Contact Us Today
When it comes to Methamphetamine addiction, the sooner someone puts their hand up and accepts help, the better the outcome tends to be. This the vital first step and our dedicated team of addiction specialists are here to help you take the journey into recovery.
Contact us today and speak with our admissions counsellor, who can answer any questions you may have about our program and the next steps.