Ice, or crystal methamphetamine, is a highly stimulant drug that has several serious side effects. People who use ice can quickly develop an addiction, especially if they seek the intense high it provides. As they continue to use ice, their tolerance increases, and the body manifests withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop using it. With higher doses and more frequent use, the risk of becoming addicted to ice increases significantly.
In this blog post, let’s explore how to overcome ice addiction using evidence-based treatments.
What Is Ice Or Crystal Methamphetamine?
Crystal methamphetamine, often called ‘ice,’ is a stimulant drug that increases the speed of communication between the brain and the body. It is more potent and addictive than the powdered version, which leads to more severe side effects.
This form of methamphetamine is clear and has no smell. It is a strong synthetic stimulant that can look like small pieces of glass or shiny blue-white rocks. People misuse crystal meth because it creates long-lasting feelings of euphoria.
How Is Ice Used?
Ice can be administered through oral ingestion, nasal inhalation, intravenous injection, or smoking. To enhance the drug’s effects, individuals opt for increased dosages, more frequent use, or alternative methods of consumption.
How Does Ice Work In The Brain?
Ice is a strong stimulant for the central nervous system (CNS). People who smoke or inject it experience a quick, intense feeling known as a rush. If taken orally or snorted, it provides a longer-lasting high that can last up to half a day. Both the rush and the high come from a significant release of dopamine in the brain, which is linked to pleasure.
Although ice makes the individual feel excited, alert, and happy, heavy and regular use of this substance can damage or even destroy the brain’s receptors, which makes it hard for users to feel normal without the drug. Research suggests that the effects of ice may typically last between four and 10 hours, depending on the amount taken, and can take one to two days to completely leave the body.
Understanding Ice Addiction
Ice addiction is characterized by compulsive use of ice to the extent that it impairs major areas of one’s daily functioning. It is also accompanied by increasing use or tolerance as well as withdrawal symptoms when the individual attempts to stop using it.
The frequent use of ice, along with the chemical reactions it triggers, alters the brain’s decision-making processes. Over time, this substance shifts the brain’s reliance on the hindbrain, a specific part of the brain that governs involuntary functions. As a result, the brain begins to perceive the consumption of meth as essential for survival, similar to the need for breathing. This response, coupled with the desire for the drug’s euphoric effects, is what constitutes an addiction.
Signs And Symptoms Of Ice Addiction
The signs and symptoms of ice addiction can vary based on how often and how much ice is used. However, there are common issues that often appear among individuals with this condition.
Most people with ice addiction experience an intense urge to use ice, paranoia, insomnia, mood swings, skin sores, sudden bursts of energy or hyperactivity, thinning hair, decaying teeth, poor nutrition, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, trouble keeping stable relationships, a drop in work or school performance, and neglecting responsibilities like chores and hygiene.
Long-Term Effects Of Ice Use
Using ice regularly can lead to significant weight loss from a lack of appetite, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth and dental issues, frequent colds or flu, shortness of breath, muscle tightness, and heart and kidney problems. In addition, the individual may eventually develop ‘ice psychosis’ or a condition characterized by paranoid thoughts, hallucinations, delusions, and aggressive behaviour.
Treatment Options For Ice Addiction
Many rehab programs take a thorough approach to address ice addiction and its underlying problems. They use medication-assisted treatments and various therapies such as individual and group therapy, behaviour modification, family therapy, and life skills training to help achieve recovery and prevent relapse.
Detox
Detoxification is how the body naturally removes harmful substances. The detox process for ice usually lasts between 40 to 60 hours, depending on how long the drug stays in the system. It is important to note that during the detox process, the individual may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as tiredness, depression, anxiety, and an increase in appetite. These symptoms indicate that the body is eliminating ice and working to restore health.
Although some individuals choose to detox at home, it is not generally advisable as there is no medical supervision to assist them in safely dealing with withdrawal symptoms.
Residential Treatment
Considering that ice is highly addictive and significantly depletes the brain’s natural dopamine levels, which may lead to intense cravings, many individuals benefit from the continuous and structured treatment of residential care.
This treatment allows them to concentrate fully on their recovery and in developing strategies to prevent relapse. Residing in a treatment facility with round-the-clock staff support enables them to manage withdrawal symptoms, triggers, and cravings with professional medical and psychological care.
Therapy
One of the most commonly used therapies for ice addiction is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It is an evidence-based treatment that helps people understand how their thinking patterns influence their feelings and actions. It guides individuals to recognize negative thoughts and create strategies to turn them into healthy ones.
Another effective therapeutic approach is motivational interviewing (MI). MI was created to assist those dealing with drug and alcohol problems by encouraging them to reflect on how their choices impact their lives. It also involves a supportive conversation with a therapist in exploring ambivalent feelings about making changes. The combination of CBT and MI helps people manage their ice addiction symptoms and promotes overall quality of life.
Aftercare
Aftercare planning is essential in ice addiction treatment. It ensures people have the necessary support to remain sober once they finish treatment. This planning usually involves creating a support system with family, friends, and others in recovery. Treatment programs often offer referrals to options like 12-step meetings and sober living facilities. They may also continue to provide counselling and support. Generally, effective aftercare planning is vital for maintaining sobriety and avoiding relapse.
Benefits Of Ice Addiction Treatment
There is a wide range of benefits when you decide to get your ice addiction treated at a rehab facility. Some of them include:
Stable And Supportive Environment
The presence of a stable and supportive environment is crucial for individuals seeking to recover from ice addiction, particularly for those who are embarking on this journey for the first time. Such an environment can effectively protect individuals from potential temptations while providing a safe and secure space conducive to their recovery.
Monitored Treatment Progress
In the course of ice addiction treatment, professionals and experts will assess and keep track of your progress closely. They will create a personalized treatment plan for addiction recovery that targets your unique difficulties and adjust it as necessary.
Coping Mechanism
Therapy serves as a valuable resource for people with ice addiction to cultivate effective coping strategies for managing cravings and triggers. Such strategies may encompass relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices.
Get Help For Ice Addiction Today
Addiction affects not only the individual but also their family members. It is crucial to seek the necessary treatment to avoid causing harm to yourself and your loved ones.
Whether you require treatment for ice or another drug use problem, receiving care at The Orchid is highly recommended. Our treatment centre provides a comprehensive treatment plan to help you promote long-term recovery, maintain sobriety, and prevent potential relapse.
Contact us today and learn how The Orchid team can journey with you toward recovery.
FAQs
How Addictive Is Ice or Crystal Meth?
Ice is a highly addictive substance. It triggers the release of various chemicals in the brain, creating an intense euphoria. Over time, the brain adjusts to the presence of ice and only operates normally when the drug is being used. When a person stops using ice, their body reacts and manifests uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Which Substances Cause Similar Effects To Ice?
Cocaine and powerful stimulant medications, including amphetamines and methylphenidate, elicit comparable effects to that of ice.
What Are The Risks Of Combining Ice With Other Substances?
Using ice along with stimulants like cocaine can increase the risk of heart problems and drug-related psychosis. It can also heighten the chance of developing other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or panic attacks.
How Long Is Treatment For Ice Addiction?
The duration of treatment for ice addiction varies from one person to another. Certain individuals may find a one-month rehabilitation program effective, whereas others might require extended stays in a treatment facility to achieve optimal recovery outcomes.
Is It Possible To Recover From Ice Addiction?
The quick answer is yes. There is a wide range of treatment programs that can help your recovery from ice addiction and maintain your sobriety.
