Ice, also known as ‘crystal meth,’ has become one of the most addictive drugs on the planet. In addition, it is among the most destructive, and the repercussions have devastated families and communities in Thailand and various countries around the world. Unfortunately, just like alcohol addiction or any drug addiction, there are no ice addiction treatments that offer quick fixes.

At The Cabin, we have witnessed people trying to live with the devastation that ice addiction can cause. We are devoted to supporting as many individuals as possible to address the core issues behind drug addiction through a process of rehab in Thailand that results in lifelong recovery.

First, let’s dive into the origin of crystal methamphetamine and how harmful it is.

The Origins of Crystal Methamphetamine (Ice)

Methamphetamine is a stimulant substance that was developed in Japan in 1919 as a more robust and simpler-to-manufacture type of amphetamine. It was widely used throughout the Second World War to help tired soldiers keep their focus for prolonged periods of time to enable them to continue fighting.

These days, gangs all over the world are distributing the drug through their networks due to the huge potential for significant profits and the fact that the substance is relatively easy to manufacture, which is resulting in crystal meth abuse and ice addiction now becoming a major global dilemma.

Why is Crystal Meth So Harmful?

Methamphetamine is a potent and addictive psychoactive drug. It is a white, odourless, bitter crystalline compound that is water soluble. Crystal meth is typically smoked through a glass pipe, but it is also snorted, injected, or ingested. Ice addiction can come on rapidly regardless of how it is consumed.

As said, ice addiction will frequently deceive users, creating a ‘voice’ inside their head that they are not addicted and that it is only about experiencing joy. As with many drug addictions, this is often the case at the beginning. Users may have initially been intrigued by a substance due to social pressure, so they opted to give it a shot.  Consequently, many users quickly get hooked on crystal meth, even before they discover that it is an extremely harmful substance that can destroy lives.

Who is Most Likely to Become Addicted to Ice?

Anyone who abuses crystal meth runs the risk of getting addicted to crystal meth. Ice addiction has devastated the lives of many people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Even so, there are some sectors of society that may be more susceptible to developing an addiction, such as:

  • People suffering from trauma, anxiety or other mental health conditions are more susceptible to developing crystal meth addiction, and abusing the substance can intensify underlying mental health problems and create new issues. Some people may also attempt to self-medicate with crystal meth, but this is likely to exacerbate the state of their mental health.
  • People who are socially detached: Individuals who do not have solid networks of social support are at increased risk of trying out crystal meth to overcome their difficulties or to try to build a sense of belonging to others.
  • People who were exposed to substance abuse when growing up: some individuals were around drugs from an early age at home, where drug dependency and addiction may have been common, and these people are at a greater risk of developing an ice addiction.
How Does Crystal Meth Abuse Begin?

How Does Crystal Meth Abuse Begin?

People try out crystal meth for a variety of reasons, including peer influence, distraction, or mere curiosity. Besides, some people begin using ice as a means to lose weight or to stay up all night while out partying, but abusing the drug can often lead to building up a tolerance. This necessitates using larger amounts of the substance in order to sustain the same effects, which eventually results in creating dependence and, subsequently, crystal meth drug addiction. This scenario often plays out quickly, and many crystal meth users are taken aback by how rapidly they become addicted, and they should immediately seek out ice addiction treatments.

What Are The Long-Term Health Consequences of Crystal Meth?

Ice is one of the most dangerous drugs for your health both mentally and physically. Among the risks are:

  • Brain damage
  • Coma or Stroke
  • Paranoia
  • Violence
  • Delusions
  • Hallucinations
  • Self-destructive behaviour
  • Malnutrition
  • Anxiety
  • Emotional swings
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Stroke
  • Facial disfiguration
  • Significant weight loss
  • Death

Ice addiction can result in ‘meth mouth,’ which is known to exhibit dental decay and gum disease. This happens because crystal meth addicts frequently abandon their dental hygiene as their obsession with ice grows, and the substance has the effect of drying out the mouth and restricting salivary flow.

Crystal meth is a lethal substance; if you are at risk of developing a crystal meth addiction or are already addicted, you should seek ice addiction treatment before it is too late.

The Cabin Treatment Pathway

Ice Addiction Treatment

The 2 main types of crystal meth addiction treatment are inpatient and outpatient rehab centres. Deciding which one will be best depends on the severity of the ice addiction, how long you have been using it, and how much time you can or are willing to devote to treatment.

Methamphetamine addiction is serious, as the effects of the drug work quickly, and addiction can spiral out of control swiftly. When caught early, before a methamphetamine addict has ‘lost everything’, outpatient treatment may be a viable option. Conversely, residential rehab is recommended for those with a more severe addiction, including those who have hit rock bottom.

Get help now by contacting The Cabin to learn more about our drug addiction treatment and other services, such as trauma treatment and anxiety disorder help. Our team of qualified experts are eager to support you in making the first step on the road to recovery and building a new life free from drug addiction. They can answer your questions during the admissions process, are available 24 hours a day, and are ready to discuss your concerns, working towards the best treatment solution for you or your loved one.

Call us today, we are here to listen.

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