Methamphetamine is an illegal stimulant drug that typically comes in the form of a white powder. Crystal meth is a condensed, more potent, form of methamphetamine that appears in a crystal or rock form. Another difference in crystal meth vs meth is how people use the drug. Meth can be taken orally or dissolved into an injectable liquid whereas crystal meth is commonly snorted or smoked.

According to the Center for Disease Controls and Prevention, between the years 2015-2018, 1.6 million Americans reported using methamphetamine.  Even more recently, approximately May 2018 to May 2019,  “there were 24.6 percent more deaths involving meth and other drugs in its class than in the previous year, compared with 9.4 percent more deaths involving fentanyl and other synthetic opioids”.  Today, crystal meth ranks in the top 5 of the most addictive, illegal drugs in the world. 

The Methamphetamine High 

Crystal methamphetamine can be smoked, injected, snorted, or taken in pill form. The use of methamphetamine results in a high in which the user experiences: 

• Decreased appetite
• Euphoria 
• Alertness 
• Focus
• Excessive sweating 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Sense of invincibility/ grand sense of self

Signs of Crystal Meth Addiction

A Long-term Crystal Meth addiction can cause irreversible damage or even death. There are indicators that an individual is abusing this drug. These signs include:

• Brain damage 
• Liver damage 
• Confusion 
• Facial scars or ‘picking’ scars 
• Weight loss
• Tooth decay 
• Memory loss 
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Violence 

Crystal Methamphetamine Treatment 

Treatment for crystal meth addiction is similar to other substance abuse programs as it emphasizes behavioral therapy. Unlike opioid addiction treatments, there is no medical supplementation available to reverse the long-term side effects of methamphetamine abuse; therefore, it is extremely important to seek help immediately if you or a loved one is struggling with this addiction. At Asheville Recovery Center, treatment specialists utilize a 12-step program and practice holistic rehabilitation. 

Services at the center include: 

Partial Hospitalization Program

At Asheville Recovery Center we offer a partial hospitalization program for clients who need post-residential treatment as well as for clients who need primary treatment but are unable to enroll in inpatient programs. Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction.

Our day program is full-time, offering all of the clinical hours provided in residential treatment (from 9 am to 5 pm) with the benefit of allowing clients to return home to a structured sober living environment at night. This gives individuals the opportunity to build a community of peers and practice life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and self-care, while still participating in immersive and intensive clinical addiction and trauma treatment.

Outpatient Rehabilitation

During intensive outpatient treatment, clients live at home or in a sober living residence which can help keep them accountable for their recovery commitment. Our staff coordinates with local, reputable sober living homes to ensure that our clients are living in a safe place and that their needs are being met, even when they are not at clinical sessions. During this time, clients are also encouraged to become involved in local twelve-step fellowships, to find sponsors, and to begin working the steps of recovery through participation in these groups. IOP is a place where clients can process their experiences in twelve-step fellowships and support one another in those individual journeys.

Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with a crystal meth addiction, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call (828)518-6996 and speak with an addiction expert today. You no longer have to struggle with this addiction alone.