If you think that you or a loved one could be addicted to ice, then it’s important that you know what the drug is and what continued use may cause.
Below, you will be able to find out just what ice is, what are the things to look out for before determining whether you or someone close to you could be addicted to ice and lastly, what treatment can be done to help an individual get rid of their addiction.
What is Ice Addiction?
Ice, a methamphetamine commonly known as speed, tik or meth, is a central nervous system stimulant that has similar effects as amphetamines.
Usually smoked in glass pipes, light bulbs or on foil, ice works by stimulating the brain and when taken, brings feelings of pleasure and sharpened focus.
The drug is highly potent and one can easily become addicted to it, the latter also being attributed to its cheap prices.
Signs and Symptoms of Ice Addiction
Before accusing someone of being addicted, it’s important that you know all the signs and symptoms that could be linked with an addiction to ice.
Behaviour and actions such as being hyperactive and irritable, sudden and rapid loss of body weight, strange movement and wanting to sleep excessively are all side effects of using ice.
Look out for aggressiveness, as after the individual has used the drug, agitation and in some cases violent behaviour may also be exhibited.
Long term use of the drug may also lead to the rotting of teeth, gum disease and lung disease. Also, because the drug causes the users body temperature to rise, blood pressure and heart rate may also increase which may cause heart disease.
The psychological factors caused by using ice excessively includes side effects such as stress, obsession.
Because the drug is so highly addictive and potent, the risk of suffering an overdose is high. When an overdose occurs, the user may suffer serious side effects such as heart attacks, strokes and in some cases, death.
Ice Addiction Treatment
If you believe that the indicators above is visible in yourself or a loved one, that it’s important that professional medical help is sought after.
The best way to treat an addiction to ice is by attending an inpatient program, which involves a residential stay at a rehabilitation centre.
During your stay, a supervised medical detoxification may be done in order to minimise or remove any cravings and withdrawal symptoms that might be experienced due to the drug not being available.
Therapy and counselling will also be done in order to educate the addict about their addiction and will show the person ways on how they can avoid using the drug in the future.
The length of stay will vary from person to person, depending on the type of addiction suffered.
Once that has been completed, it is highly recommended that outpatient treatment (secondary care) and tertiary care is done, which will help prevent a relapse from occurring after the individual has been discharged and will also assist in slowly helping the individual back into society.
For more information on how to get you or a loved one into rehab, call us now and we will happily assist in finding the best treatment available.