Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and powerful central nervous system stimulant. It usually comes in bluish-white rock fragments (crystal meth), pills, or a white and odorless powder that can be dissolved in liquid or injected. Meth is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the U.S. In 2017 alone, approximately 1.6 million people reported using meth in the past year and 774,000 people in the last month.¹ While these numbers are alarming, the high rate of cocaine use is understandable because the drug is so addictive. As a Clearbrook rehab in Massachusetts, we know that long-term methamphetamine abuse can lead to various problems, and even short-term use can lead to addiction. We’re sharing tips on how to quit meth that is both safe and effective.

Why is Meth so Addictive?

Similar to other amphetamines, abusing meth can cause increased activity, decreased appetite, enhanced sociability, and increased feelings of pleasure and happiness. Unlike other amphetamines, however, higher concentrations of crystal meth pass into the brain compared with similar doses of other amphetamines. This activity makes crystal meth faster-acting and more potent. A meth high occurs because the drug increases dopamine levels in the brain, promoting enhanced motivation, reward, and pleasure. When meth is injected or smoked, a person can feel the effects almost immediately, though the rush is short-lived. Snorting or orally taking meth can also produce euphoric symptoms within minutes, but they’re not as potent. Because a crystal meth high usually only lasts for a few minutes, users tend to continually ingest it to maintain their symptoms. Without professional addiction treatment, it’ll be more difficult for a person with meth addiction to regain their sobriety.

How to Quit Using Meth

Methamphetamine affects a person’s emotional state of mind and produces physical changes in the brain that make addiction difficult to recover from. Quitting meth cold turkey is not only extremely difficult, but it’s also dangerous. Long-term drug abuse of any kind usually contributes to withdrawal symptoms when the person suddenly quits. Meth withdrawal symptoms are normally uncomfortable enough to motivate a person to continue using meth to avoid these symptoms, even if they are aware of how harmful their habit is. Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms include shakes, nausea and vomiting, depression, suicidal thoughts, and severe drug cravings that can take a toll on a person’s mind if medical assistance is lacking.

Clearbrook Treatment Centers Massachusetts aims to help as many people as we can safely achieve long-term sobriety. Below are some safe and effective tips on quitting meth that have helped our patients change their lives for the better.

Crystal Meth Detox

A medically monitored detox is a detox treatment that’s led by medical personnel who are equipped to administer medication (as needed) to alleviate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Clearbrook Massachusetts offers medical detox for meth and many other drugs that help patients safely get through the withdrawal phase of recovery, which is usually the toughest phase. Our expert staff provides clients with 24-hour care and medical attention to prevent complications and promote treatment completion.

Treatment for Crystal Meth Users

Following detox, most patients are placed into a rehab program for meth. The two main levels of drug treatment are inpatient and outpatient treatment. The former tends to be most effective for individuals who have just completed detox and have struggled with long-term drug abuse. Our meth addiction treatment includes additional therapy programs that address the underlying factors of addiction, such as mental health and emotional instability. In addition, many people tend to use drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms for other issues they’re facing, so additional therapeutic support is beneficial.

Build a Support System At Home

Quitting meth isn’t just about getting detox treatment or going to rehab. Life-long recovery also requires having a support system at home. Unfortunately, many patients who lack supportive family members and friends tend to struggle with staying sober on their own. Unfortunately, a weak support system is often the result of unaddressed hurt and pain among addicts and their loved ones. The great news is that our rehab center also offers a Clearbrook family program in Massachusetts for families of addicts to promote healing and recovery among everyone who’s been affected by addiction. Our family support program includes addiction education and sessions with our licensed therapists to help patients’ family members and spouses understand how addiction affects people and help both parties make amends.

Go to Recovery Meetings and Addiction Aftercare Programs

Additionally, long-term sobriety requires continuous support after rehab. The alumni program at Clearbrook Massachusetts utilizes individual therapy sessions and group sessions with other members of the recovery community to assist patients in their struggles. Addiction recovery is a difficult process that can be made even more strenuous without additional support. While the help of family, friends, and spouses is important, we find that our patients’ chances of staying sober are improved when they’re exposed to others in the recovery community. We want to motivate our patients to keep going, no matter what.

What Happens When You Quit Meth?

Many things will change when you quit meth. Some benefits of meth addiction treatment include:

• Improved dental health and hygiene
• Improved skin
• Healthier body weight
• Lowered risk of cardiovascular disease
• Lowered risk of cancer
• Reduced risk of arrest, divorce, loss of child custody, or other legal complications as a result of drug use or possession
• Improved relationships with family, spouses, children, and friends
• Improved financial situation

Once the veil of addiction is lifted, patients can see all of the good things in life they were missing out on because of drugs. If you or someone you love is currently battling addiction, let us help. Call our Clearbrook addiction treatment center now at 570-536-9621 for more information about our residential drug treatment.