Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment

For the first time ever, science has teamed up with several government agencies to track the occurrence of illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. The outcome: statistical data on high-risk areas that are more likely to house laboratories and their number-one customers… addicts.

Normally a science reserved for monitoring the outbreak and spread of disease, epidemiology has proven to be a very effective tool for studying the black-market avenues by which meth labs thrive.

New Experiment Identifies Locations of Deadly Meth Labs

Dr. Daniel Sudakin, epidemiologist, medical toxicologist, associate professor at Oregon State University, and author of the study, assimilated over 2500 incidents on record at the state’s poison control center, medical examiner’s office, narcotics enforcement division and hazardous substances surveillance system.

Data related to methamphetamine deaths, manufacturing labs, toxic fumes, accidental ingestion of the chemical ingredients, by-product waste dumps, and drug overdoses spanning the past nine years were entered into a special computer program to look for clusters of locations and/or time frames of activity.

The Importance of Consolidated Investigations

“This OSU study incorporates information about when and where these incidents occurred, giving us a bigger picture of what’s going on across the state,” Sudakin explains. “It also includes rural areas, which tend not to be studied as much as urban areas in terms of meth use and production.”

Using the technology, counties with the most incidents of meth-related activity were quickly identified as local hot-spots – primarily rural, sparsely-populated, agricultural areas of the state. By studying the patterns from an epidemiologist’s perspective, researchers, law enforcement officials, and health care specialists can gain a better understanding of how and where to focus their resources.

So along with the 2005 law that requires prescriptions for cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, Oregon health officials will now be better able to provide drug prevention and addiction treatment information to individuals in rural towns. Knowing the dangers that the dealer’s won’t tell you about is the next step, and having access to affordable rehab when the dangers have been ignored is the second.

Tell Us: Do you think technology like this could be effective for combating other types of drug addictions?

A few weeks ago we talked about 5 Signs of Addiction to CNS Stimulants like crystal methamphetamine, and since then I’ve fielded a few questions on the insidious nature of this drug. A common problem among those whose drug of choice is crystal is that they are often fooled into thinking that they can quit alone because the withdrawal symptoms are more emotional than physical like opiate withdrawal. Unfortunately, it’s just not true. The relapse rate for those addicted to crystal is about three months long. You may be able to hold off, not use, “white knuckle it” as they say in recovery, but the mental addiction to the drug is difficult to overcome on your own.

Here’s why.

Crystal Meth and Dopamine Production

It’s all about dopamine, the happy chemical in your brain. You know how you crash into an overwhelming depression for days and days after a run on crystal meth? It seems like the crash parallels the run in intensity and duration and, for some, it’s the kind of depression that is suicidal and desperate. That’s because the intense amoung of dopamine that is stimulated by crystal meth through smoking or injecting the drug is what makes you feel so good while you’re high. Take it away, and your brain crashes. No more dopamine stimulation, no more dopamine, hence the depression.

Crystal Meth Plays Tricks on Your Mind

After about three months, according to studies, the dreaded crash has faded from memory and for some reason, crystal meth addicts begin to romanticize the high associated with the drug. Some are convinced that they can’t be really happy without it, that they won’t be able to handle basic tasks much less big projects. It’s a drug that seems to mess with your head even more than your body when you stop taking it.

Treating Crystal Meth Addiction

A crystal meth detox can be an overwhelming experience, one that you may require help with. If you feel suicidal, contact a medical professional immediately. If you need help breaking the mental hold of crystal meth, contact a drug addiction facility like The Canyon. The Canyon provides a relaxing and vacation like spot for you to get away from temptation and get the help you need. A dual diagnosis treatment facility, The Canyon specializes in treating those who are struggling with mental issues as well as addiction to drugs. We can answer any questions you have, whether it’s your drug use that has you concerned or that of someone you love. Contact us today for more information.

For more about the work being done to find new treatments for crystal methamphetamine addiction and other studies, check out the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) and Medical News Today.