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Click here to read "Addressing the Complexities of Chronic Pain," by Dr. James Gagne, an internist at The Canyon. The article was published in Marin Medicine Magazine. (This link is provided solely for educational purposes.)

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Crystal Meth Rehab

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 6.5 percent of those who enrolled in drug rehab did so to get help fighting crystal meth addiction. It is estimated that there are about 1.3 million active abusers of crystal meth based on reported past-month usage in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which means that a large percentage of those who are abusing the drug are not getting the help they need to heal.

The risks of avoiding crystal meth rehab when abuse or addiction is an issue are huge. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), an organization that collects information about drug-related emergency room visits at hospitals across the country, the incidence of admissions to the ER due to the abuse of methamphetamines like crystal meth increased by 50 percent between 1995 and 2002, totally more than 73,000 visits a year or about four percent of ER trips directly related to drug abuse and addiction.

Crystal meth – also known as "ice," "speed" and "crank" – is a highly addictive drug whether it is smoked, injected or snorted. From the first hit, part of its effect is to ignite a craving for more. A sense of euphoria and powerful invincibility is another effect, as is the belief that this power is brought on by the drug itself and that, therefore, more of the drug is needed in order to maintain it. The user generally requires no sleep and little, if any, food which adds to the strained mental state, and quickly creates what is known as "speed psychosis."

At The Canyon, we provide a crystal meth rehab that speaks to both the physical aspect of addiction to meth as well as the mental and psychological problems it creates and/or exacerbates. Through detox and medical treatment as well as comprehensive psychotherapeutic counseling and therapy options, each patient can create a thorough and personalized treatment program designed to help him or her build a new life in recovery. Get more information now by contacting us at the phone number above.

Benefits of Treatment for Crystal Meth Addiction

Crystal meth addiction destroys lives, and the benefits gained from crystal meth rehab provide patients with the opportunity to create a new and positive life for themselves in recovery. From the first moment of care through long-term aftercare services, addiction treatment helps patients to create a new life for themselves without drug and alcohol abuse or addiction.

• Initial stabilization. After long binges on crystal meth, instances of drug-induced psychosis are common as are acute health problems and risks. Crystal meth detox helps bring the patient back to stable by guiding them get through the detox process and associated withdrawal symptoms without relapse.
• Medical care. Those who abuse crystal meth for long periods often have chronic health issues as a result; insomnia, poor dental health and eating disorders are just a few potential problems. Crystal meth rehab can identify these problems and ensure treatment.
• Fighting depression. One of the biggest obstacles to sustained sobriety after crystal meth addiction is the issue of depression, according to a study published in Bio Med Central Family Practice [2008; 9: 45]. Long-term therapeutic crystal meth addiction and aftercare services can give patients the tools to fight the depression that is often a trigger for relapse.
• Co-occurring disorders. In addition to the psychosis that is caused by chronic crystal meth addiction, many patients have a mental health disorder prior to the onset of addiction. In both cases, treatment that addresses the mental health issue in addition to the addiction itself is essential. Dual Diagnosis rehab does just that.
• Life skills. Those living with crystal meth addiction often have a long road to travel in order to piece their lives back together. Many need to update IDs, handle debt or criminal legal problems, increase their education, find a job and more. This process can seem overwhelming but crystal meth rehab helps patients to devise a plan to reach specific life skill goals and then work toward achievement one step at a time.
• Relapse prevention. Learning how to utilize positive coping skills in the face of stress or depression is an essential part of recovery. Creating an actionable plan to implement when triggered to relapse can help patients avoid returning to full-blown crystal meth addiction.

Principles of Addiction Rehab

According to the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, addiction treatment must focus on two things: the physical effects and the psychological effects of drug addiction. In a very short amount of time, crystal meth can wreak havoc on the body and the mind. Those who suffer from it look decades older within months of their first hit and mere weeks can completely alter the mind. Simple things like sleep and food become enemies and hallucinations, both aural and visual, are common. It's almost impossible to keep up with basic commitments, such as providing for a family in any meaningful way or making it to work on time.

Rehab and detox are defined as the gold standard in medical treatment when it comes to treating crystal meth addiction. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, a comprehensive rehab can help you break your dependence upon the drug and learn how best to remain abstinent when you return home.

• Physical Healing. Physical healing is the first order of business at rehab and detox. Detox comes first. The first requirement? That you immediately stop taking crystal meth in any amount. It sounds simple enough, but the withdrawal symptoms that immediately follow – crushing depression, insomnia, aural and visual hallucinations, etc.– can be debilitating and scary if you are without medical supervision. In some cases, medication is appropriate in order to help you rest more comfortably. For everyone, there are a number of therapeutic options available to promote rest and relaxation in order to ease the intensity of the experience and help you transition as smoothly as possible into treatment.

• Psychological Healing. Psychological healing truly begins once you have stabilized physically through crystal meth detox. An array of therapeutic options will be provided for you to choose from – some mandatory, others optional – that will allow you to explore the spiritual and emotional wounds that existed before you began using crystal meth as well as the ones that occurred as a result of your crystal meth abuse and addiction. Though identification of these issues is important, our focus here at The Canyon is to assist you in moving past these issues and learn new and healthful ways of dealing with problems as they present themselves. By learning new tools to deal with the stresses and grief that come simply by living, you can unlock a new you, a new life and a brighter future that doesn't include drugs and alcohol.

One of the biggest problems of starting over after crystal meth addiction is just that – starting over. It's not easy to make such large changes that shatter the foundation upon which you were living before you entered rehab and detox. You will likely need to change your circle of friends, perhaps even your living situation and your job, and find new forms of entertainment and new ways to relax. So many large changes all at once can be scary, but they can also be exciting. The sky is the limit in this new life. There are no limitations and no drug habits holding you back. Rather, you may discover new goals and dreams that may have seemed well beyond your grasp before or you may rediscover the goals and dreams that drove you before you took up crystal meth.

Inpatient or Outpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient residential rehabilitation programs allow you to truly take time away from life to attend to nothing but your health. Without the distraction of bills, phone calls, work, kids, romantic partners, school or anything in the outside world, you are free to focus on yourself. As an inpatient, you will never be without the support of a counselor and medical staff and you will avoid the temptations that can come with being near drug dealers or others who are actively using.

An outpatient drug rehab program is another option, most often used in situations where your presence at home is required either for the sake of small children or elderly dependents. Others try to work a day treatment or outpatient rehab around their work schedule so they can maintain employment. Though it doesn't provide the 100-percent focus that you will find with an inpatient treatment, it can be very effective if you stick to the course when you're at home.

Short-Term or Long-Term Programs

According to the Illinois Attorney General (IAG), research studies have shown that the longer you stay in treatment, the more likely you will be to remain abstinent for a longer period. Relapses after long-term treatment tend to be shorter in duration, if they occur at all. In general, it is recommended that you devote as much time as possible to your treatment and recovery to help ensure that you will maintain sobriety when you return home. In fact, the IAG recommends that rehab includes the following:

• A duration of no fewer than 90 days and as long as a year
• High degree of structure in terms of scheduling, rules and expectations
• Inpatient stay for as long as possible followed by long-term outpatient aftercare treatment and continual follow-up
• An emphasis on life skills that will promote a shift in perspective and complete change in lifestyle
• Group therapy that allows for the practice of positive interactions with others
• Personal therapy that allows for the exploration of personal issues related to addiction
• Access to vocational and educational resources that will increase the scope of opportunity for the patient after treatment

Traditional or Holistic Rehab

Traditional programs are usually not as successful in the treatment of crystal meth addiction as holistic treatment options. Because the relapse cycle can be anywhere from six months to a year after the cessation of use, many patients stop attending high-intensity programs long before the real risk of relapse kicks in. Based on the 12 steps and traditions and the idea that everyone who wants to quit abusing a drug need only subscribe to a certain thought process and pattern of behavior, most traditional programs don’t allow for the variations in behavior and experience that often make crystal meth addiction different from addiction to any other drug.

Holistic drug rehab programs, on the other hand, offer a wide range of treatment and therapy options designed to address the many and varied issues that can affect those living with crystal meth addiction. The mind-body-spirit connection is explored through every type of alternative treatment, including options like acupuncture, massage and bodywork, gentle exercise, organic nutrition and more. Explorative and experiential therapy like equine-assisted therapy, outdoors adventure and ropes courses, cinema therapy, psychodrama and more allow patients who have a hard time verbalizing their issues to more deeply explore the motivations and issues underlying self-destructive behavior like addiction and drug abuse. The more time that is invested in treatment, the more progress will be made on a spiritual and psychotherapeutic level, helping the patient to find a firm ground upon which to stand as they begin a new life without crystal meth.

How to Find a Treatment Center

Too many companies seek to sell addiction treatment services without fully exploring what it is that a crystal meth addict needs to achieve success in the long term. Typically, these programs offer a one-size-fits-all, 12-step-based treatment philosophy that forces you to fit into a mold from the moment you walk in the door. Questions and deviations from the prescribed plan of action are not tolerated. Few are equipped to handle the personalized nature of addiction to crystal meth especially when that addiction is combined with a co-occurring psychological disorder like depression or bipolar disorder.

At The Canyon, our staff is highly educated and experienced in handling intense levels of addiction and psychological issues. By treating crystal meth addiction and mental health issues simultaneously, crystal meth treatment at The Canyon is far more likely to be successful than any other method of treatment. For more information on the details, contact us at our call center today.

Articles on Crystal Meth Rehab

• Crystal Meth Treatment
• Crystal Meth Rehabilitation Programs
• Methamphetamine Overview
• Nicknames and Street Names for Methamphetamine
• Crystal Meth Rehab and Detox
• Methamphetamine Abuse and Its Dangers
• Crystal Meth Rehab in California
• Crystal Meth Rehab Intervention
• Agassi's Crystal Meth Drug Admission
• Dental Warning Signs of Addiction