If you woke up today and immediately reached for your meth pipe, please understand that a better life is possible. Meth rehab has helped a lot of people get off the pipe, and it can help you, too.

What is Meth?

The National Institute on Health describes meth as a bitter-tasting stimulant that typically comes in pill or powder form. A smoked form of the drug called crystal meth appears to be slightly bluish and glassy. Meth is chemically akin to legal amphetamines that are used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD as well as a sleep disorder known as narcolepsy. All forms of amphetamine come with a high risk of addiction, warns the NIH.

What is Meth Addiction?

Addiction of any sort is a medical issue. In the case of methamphetamine addiction, the best way out is to walk through the doors of a confidential meth rehab facility. There you will find a compassionate staff of medical and mental health professionals who want to help you get past your addiction and on to the rest of your life.

When ingested, meth boosts a natural brain chemical called dopamine. Crucial to motivation and movement, dopamine feels good. Because the rapid boost of dopamine triggered by meth use is short-lived, the brain wants to repeat the feel-good experience as soon as possible. It doesn't take long for tolerance to set in. This is when the brain and body require more of the drug to feel the same effects they used to get with a lot less. Once this happens, it's a downward course into a deep addiction that is best managed at a qualified meth rehab.

Signs that may indicate meth use:

Lack of interest in personal appearance or grooming Obsessive hair twisting and picking at skin Lack of appetite and extreme weight loss Dilated pupils and darting eyes Erratic sleeping patterns Jerky movements and twitching Facial tics and exaggerated mannerisms Incessant talking Angry outbursts and extreme mood swings Psychotic behavior, including paranoia and hallucinations

The signs and symptoms noted above are typical of someone who is currently under the influence of methamphetamine. If someone uses long enough (and it doesn't take very long) they will look malnourished, and their skin will develop a dull appearance. Eventually, their teeth will rot and they may even die, explains WebMD. If you or somebody that you care about is struggling with amphetamine misuse, talk to someone at a meth rehab in your neighborhood today. There is a lot of help for you, but you have to ask for it.

Why People get Addicted to Meth

Not everyone who tries meth one time goes back for more. Those who do typically enjoy the "rush" and other pleasurable feelings associated with amphetamine use. Many people like the way meth helps them work harder, faster and longer. Others enjoy the way it makes them feel in social situations. Unfortunately, these perceived positive effects don't last. As the meth user gets more deeply embedded in the habit, more and more of the drug is needed. Soon, the user feels awful when they don't indulge their methamphetamine habit.

Meth is one of the hardest drugs to quit, and few people are able to transition off the drug without considerable dedication. That's one reason why meth rehab is the right option for those who are truly interested in taking back control of their life. The 24-hour support and supervision provided in meth rehab are just what most people need to stop using and move forward into a successful, productive lifestyle.

How Long Does Meth Rehab Take?

The longer someone has been using meth, the stronger their addiction. For this reason, it's hard to say exactly how long rehab will take for any particular individual. A typical stint in meth rehab may last 28 days or longer.

Meth Detox is not the Same as Detox from Narcotics or Alcohol

When an opiate addict stops taking narcotics, a biological process called withdrawal sets in. A similar process begins when an alcoholic suddenly stops drinking. In both cases, withdrawal is a dangerous process that may be managed at an inpatient drug rehab center that offers medical detox.

"Coming down" from meth is not as much a physical withdrawal as it a mental withdrawal. Once the brain and mind are accustomed to the presence of energy-enhancing drugs such as methamphetamine, the emotions find it very hard to adjust. A "crash" may happen wherein the meth user sleeps for a very long time, especially if they've been up for several nights in a row. Possibly the most perilous after-effect of meth abuse is depression. Fortunately, doctors have the option of treating depressive symptoms and post-meth anxiety with a range of modern medications that may help the former user live a positive life without meth.

At an inpatient meth rehab center, the user is supported mentally as well as physically. Counseling, peer support groups, and incentives to stop using meth are encouraged. Because meth users are typically ill-fed, nutritional options in rehab are healthful and nutritious. It may take a while, but former meth users can learn to live a happy, drug-free life with the help of a qualified meth rehab facility.

As with other recovery centers, meth rehab can be basic, luxurious or somewhere in-between. Most recovery centers provide 12-step peer group meetings where stories are shared and lessons learned. Based on the tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs enable the meth abuser to uncover and amend past trauma while learning how to cope with day-to-day life without an unhealthy reliance on amphetamines.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Because meth has such an adverse on the mind and emotions, many guests at meth rehab arrive with more than one diagnosis. Existing mental health issues may be worsened by meth use, and new mental issues may arise concurrently with methamphetamine abuse. Some of the more severe emotional issues faced by meth abusers are paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. If someone you care about is showing these signs, don't wait to call for help. Not every rehab offers treatment for co-occurring diagnoses, so be sure to ask about the intake policy of any meth rehab clinic that you contact.

Inpatient Therapy Options

Cognitive behavioral therapy zeroes in the way the meth user faces the challenges of life. This goal-oriented, problem-specific approach to recovery requires the active involvement of the patient to be effective. CBT helps rehab guests reduce stress, manage grief and cope with complicated interpersonal relationships, explains Medical News Today. CBT may be provided in a group setting, individual counseling sessions, or both.

Ideally, CBT techniques help the drug abuser become their own therapist, notes the American Psychological Association. CBT benefits patients at meth rehab in numerous ways:

Learn to more clearly identify problems Take note of "automatic thoughts" Challenge underlying assumptions and identify ones that are wrong Learn to distinguish irrational thoughts from facts Uncover the relationship between past trauma and current behaviors Gain a better, truer understanding of other people's motivations Avoid over-thinking and generalizations Establish attainable goals View different perspectives of a situation Face fear in lieu of avoidance Cease blame-taking Learn to identify your real mood and cope accordingly Develop a more positive, goal-oriented approach to living Understand, accept and describe instead of judging self or others

What to Expect in Rehab

When you first arrive at rehab, no matter what drug you're there for, you may feel disoriented. You might feel frustrated, angry and ready to quit before the work of rehab even begins. These feelings are typical and may be exacerbated by the "come down" off meth. The counselors and medical staff at your local meth rehab have heard every excuse in the book, so nothing you say or do is likely to surprise them. You won't be judged for your habit, but your addiction won't be taken lightly, either.

During intake, you may be asked to deliver blood and urine samples. This will allow the medical team to know how recently you have used. It will also establish a baseline against which your progress may be compared. You will speak with insurance specialists or a financial officer to determine how you will pay for meth rehab. Don't worry. Many insurance companies now pay for drug rehab.

Most rehabs offer dormitory style rooms that are shared by two or more guests. Doors don't lock, and you won't be allowed to use your phone any time you like. Expect to be awakened at the same time every day and eat nutritious meals with other recovering addicts. It may take some time to recover your appetite for food, but it's sure to come back once you get meth out of your system.

Get Help Today

If you or someone you care about is struggling with meth, please don't give up hope. Neither should you try to deal with your own or someone else's meth habit alone. The best and surest way to eliminate a painful and dangerous drug habit is by way of an experienced meth rehab center.