09 Nov Meth Addiction Common in Saskatchewan
What is Meth, Crystal Meth or Methamphetamine?
Meth is known more formally as crystal methamphetamine. Basically “meth” is a highly addictive, illegal stimulant drug that has a long-lasting euphoric effect. The drug is an odorless, colorless form of d-methamphetamine, a synthetic psychostimulant.
Known informally as meth, ice, or glass, it resembles shiny “rocks” or fragments of glass of varying sizes.
What Makes it So Dangerous?
According to the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA), brain imaging studies on chronic abusers of methamphetamine abusers suggests that dopamine system activity changes in such a way that it can seriously compromise a person’s verbal learning and motor skills.
Crystal meth can also severely affect the structure and function of brain areas linked to emotion and memory.
This may explain why chronic users of crystal meth often develop emotional and cognitive difficulties.
Some brain changes that occur remain long after the user has stopped taking the drug. Some may reverse after long periods of abstinence, but this could take a year or more.
Overcoming a Meth Addiction in Saskatchewan
Overcoming meth addiction can feel like an impossible mountain to climb. When people try to do a meth detox on their own, they’ll often experience the initial withdrawal stages which can cause them to return to their old habits. In public discourse, the opioid epidemic is prevalent, but in Saskatchewan meth use has been on the rise for several years. The good news is that there’s a safer, more systematic approach to beating a meth addiction. Recovery is always possible.
The 3 Phases of Meth Withdrawal
1st Phase
The first 3–10 days of withdrawal is the “crash” period. This period includes a sharp decline in energy and cognitive function. Depression is common during this phase. In some cases, people will experience hallucinations, paranoia, and anxiety. Cravings are typically low at this time because a person usually spends a lot of time sleeping during the crash phase.
2nd Phase
The second phase begins with intense cravings. Having gotten through the initial crash, many people in the early stages of recovery start to desire the intense high that meth provides. Due to the euphoria that the drug offers, consumption is a continuous temptation. Many people feel powerless after they stop using the drug, and will seek to use it again to regain the feeling. This phase can last up to 10 weeks and often includes depression and insomnia.
3rd Phase
The third stage of meth withdrawal is when meth cravings begin to fade, becoming less frequent and less potent, forming an ideal opportunity to begin recovery. It is best to maintain in an environment where you are safe and have others around to help hold you accountable. This phase can last for 30 weeks and, in some cases, much longer. As a general rule, the longer it has been since you have used meth, the easier it will be for you to stay sober.
The private detox programs in Canada that we recommend are backed by medical professionals. They offer privacy and a safe environment where our clients can feel supported and cared for by professional teams who will work with them to get their lives back on track. We also provide aftercare programs in Saskatchewan designed to mend relationships, rebuild finances, and feel whole again. It is possible to build a bright future. A full recovery is possible, and it’s never too soon to start a meth detox program.
The Meth Detox Process
At private detox and treatment centres throughout Saskatchewan the meth detox program is designed to keep patients comfortable and cared for throughout the entire process. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1 — The patient gets a psychological and physical assessment, gets their lab work done, and receives a personalized treatment plan. The patient is then shown to their room which includes a comfortable bed and other items to help their stay be as comfortable as possible. There will be plenty of meals and snacks available—everything to make sure their body is also physically ready and nurtured for the detox process.
Step 2 — The patient is administered medical treatment by our certified professionals to alleviate their withdrawal symptoms. The medication helps to reduce the typical stresses and pains that come with a meth detox, which also helps curb their urge to use again. The patient will have 24/7 access to staff who will regularly monitor and provide medication as needed.
Step 3 — Upon completion of the initial meth detox, the patient is then guided through an individualized therapy program to help ensure ongoing recovery. Depending on the patient’s unique needs, they might need one or a combination of therapies. Some examples are recreational therapy, expressive, group, trauma, motivational, family, cognitive behavioral therapy, aftercare, and even case management for issues like bad credit, helping with a criminal record, or finding employment. The meth detox, combined with the aftercare program, is all about setting the patient up for long-term recovery when they return to their homes in Saskatchewan.
Medical Help May be Needed and Provided During Detoxification From Meth in Private Saskatchewan Detox and Treatment Facilities:
- Receive muscle relaxants or benzodiazepines to help you with tension and/or anxiety.
- Receive intravenous (IV) fluids/electrolyte depletion.
- The stimulant properties of meth can lead to dehydration and muscle spasms.
- Be prescribed medication to treat insomnia.
- You may experience restlessness and sleep disturbances for up to several weeks.
- You can expect to feel fatigued as your body becomes used to the absence of meth, so get plenty of rest during detox.
3 Things to Look for in a Meth Detox Program
Many people struggling with addiction fear the pain and discomfort during the withdrawal period of a meth detox. The anticipation of being judged or looked down upon keeps them from reaching out for help. The thought of repairing all the damage that has been done—bruised relationships, damaged credit, tarnished public records—can give people a sense of, “This is impossible, so why bother.” It all comes down to confidence and comfort. If the person doesn’t feel confident they can actually recover, they’re not likely to try to beat their addiction. And if they do try, if the person is feeling discomfort—either from the aches and pains of the withdrawal, or the perceived shame and guilt from their peers—they’re setting themselves up for failure. When choosing a meth detox program in Saskatchewan or anywhere for that matter, here are three important things to look for:
Medical Assistance
Withdrawal can be uncomfortable and in some cases dangerous. And while nobody should self-administer a medical detox, they also shouldn’t attempt beating the painful withdrawal stages without medical assistance. A successful meth detox program should be supervised by dedicated professionals at every step, monitoring vital signs, administering medication as needed, and guiding you through the first steps to recovery.
Positive Community
Nobody wants to be surrounded by people who are constantly trying to “fix” them. You want to be around people who are just like you, who understand you and what you’re going through. One of the keys to a successful recovery is being part of a community of people who’ve been in your shoes and come out clean on the other side. These people can show you the exact steps you need to take to get back on track (and stay there).
Personalized, Long-term Plan
The problem with one-size-fits-all detox programs is that each person is unique. People have different backgrounds, emotional hurdles, and financial situations. They also have different tolerances, triggers, and physical and psychological needs. According to The National Alliance on Mental Illness roughly half of all people struggling with addiction also have unique mental circumstances that can affect the treatment methods and the duration they need for recovery. When choosing a meth detox program you should look for one that takes the time to assess your personal circumstances.
Make sure the program asks about and takes into consideration the substances you’ve been using, the dosage and duration of use, and your full medical history, and uses that information to create a personal plan designed only for you. With these three things, you can feel confident that your personal meth detox program will get you where you’re going. You’ll know that you will get there comfortably with the proper medical treatment, and with the support of people who genuinely care about you and know what they are doing. There’s many facilities out there, some are great and others not so much. We are local Canadians and we have done the research for you. You can rest assured we will help place you in the best possible private meth detox and treatment centre for your individualized needs. Call us today at 1-888-963-9116.
How to Know When Someone Needs Help with Meth Addiction – Common Signs
- Hyperactivity
- Twitching, facial tics, jerky movements
- Paranoia
- Dilated pupils
- Noticeable and sudden weight loss
- Skin sores
- Rapid eye movement
- Reduced appetite
- Agitation
- Burns, particularly on the lips or fingers
- Erratic sleeping patterns
- Rotting teeth
- Outbursts or mood swings
- Extreme weight loss
Tweaking
Another telling symptom of meth use is “tweaking” – a period of anxiety and insomnia that can last for 3 to 15 days. Tweaking occurs at the end of a drug binge when a person using meth can’t achieve a rush or high any longer. It can cause psychological side effects, such as paranoia, irritability, and confusion due to the desperation to use again. Tweaking from meth can also cause people to experience hallucinations and become prone to violent behavior. Another sign that someone is using meth is the crash phase. During this period, the body is deprived of the dopamine that meth was previously supplying and causes extreme exhaustion. A crash can last anywhere from 1 to 3 days and is characterized by long periods of sleep, intense drug cravings, and depression.
Approaching a Loved One With a Meth Problem
Approaching a loved one who is going through a crystal meth addiction can feel like walking on eggshells. The fear of saying the wrong thing can seem overwhelming, but it is important to reach out to your loved one and show them that you still care. Our trained Saskatchewan drug intervention professionals at Andy Bhatti Interventions have a high success rate at helping their clients achieve long term recovery.
Remember: Your goal is to get your loved one into treatment. Make sure they know that they are loved and that you fully support their path to sobriety. If they relapse, be understanding; cutting an addiction out of your life is a very big challenge to take on, and sometimes people can slip, but it does not mean that they have failed. Recovery is a lifelong process. Someone in recovery has the best chances of long-term sobriety if they have a supportive network of friends and family.
Get In Touch With Us
Our local Regina and Saskatoon interventions are successful and help save lives. Do not hesitate to reach out and call us today for your free consultation 1-888-963-9116 or at support@andybhatti.com. We are waiting to help you now and can be meeting with you in person within 48 hours.