Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive stimulant drug. It is commonly called meth or crystal meth, and less frequently speed, crystal, ice, Tina, and coffee. Methamphetamine was not illegal in the United States until 1983. It was actually used as a prescription drug in the 1950’s for a few conditions including alcoholism, obesity, and narcolepsy.

The high from methamphetamine is very strong and can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. These facts contribute to the rising rates of meth addiction in the United States today. Meth addiction creates a rush by dramatically increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Addicts get a feeling of excessive energy and alertness. Injecting and smoking the drug make a person more likely to experience meth addiction because that makes it reach the brain faster. Tolerance to methamphetamine begins to build up after only six weeks of use. There is a hard “crash” after prolonged use of this drug, making it nearly impossible to quit without the help of a drug treatment program.

Most people suffering from a meth addiction need to spend time in a residential rehab facility in order to successfully recover. An intervention may be necessary to get them there. They will need to go through a detox period to rid their body of methamphetamine and the toxins that have accumulated there due to meth addiction. This is often a very difficult and painful process, though many treatment facilities offer medication to make the patient more comfortable.

Successful meth treatment typically includes behavioral and psychological counseling. This method seeks to change the addict’s way of thinking and thus behaving. New life skills are taught, such as how to deal with stress and daily life. Some individuals find support groups a helpful part of a meth addiction treatment program. The rate of relapse for meth addiction is high.