Crystal Meth addiction treatment

The treatment for crystal meth (crystal methamphetamine, "ice", "batu", or "Tina") addiction is not a lot different than other forms of addiction. There are, however, some promising medications that look like they may have some benefit in terms of reducing craving and risk of relapse. Crystal meth addiction is highly treatable.

Hawaii, unfortunately, was the gateway to the rest of the US for crystal meth. This is true because crystal meth had been an asian drug before it came to the US. When I came to Hawaii in the early 90's, I was seeing patients who had been addicted to crystal meth for 10 years or more! Most of the patients that we saw were men who were experiencing fairly severe paranoia and psychosis. We were also involved in some of the first studies with brain PET scanning in long-standing crystal meth addicts. Crystal meth has unfortunately evolved to become a problem across the US and through all age and socio-economic classes, including young women who use crystal meth as a weight loss drug.

The crystal meth addicted brain looks like Swiss cheese on the PET scans. No joke. Crystal meth is a horrible substance. It is made from a conglomeration of horrible household and over the counter products that cause serious brain damage. It is highly addictive and it is cheap. Not a good combination! However, with abstinence and treatment, the brain has the possibility of recovering its function.

I strongly recommend a good, holistic drug rehab for those suffering from crystal meth addiction. One that has experience in the treatment of crystal meth addiction. With the right addiction treatment, you or a loved one can get much better. You can have your life back again.

John Neuhaus, M.D.

Crystal Meth and Gay Men: Can't stop Tina?

Crystal Methamphetamine, or "ICE," or "Tina" still remains a significant problem in the gay community. A quick search on Amazon.com will show you the number of books written on the topic. The immediate, intense effect on apparent self-esteem and sexual performance makes the drug immensely popular among gay men who are emotionally struggling with an affirming relations with sexually and non-sexually intimate others. Crystal Meth is a treatable addiction and admitting to a holistic drug rehab could assist you with detox and addiction treatment!

Cystal meth is a stimulant drug that makes the Kama Sutra look like an issue of National Geographic! Those who use crystal meth and their partners, report an intense, exotic experience and have a hard time returning to non-meth sex!

Some reporters have spoke about the connection between crystal meth and a collective "community of grief" in the era of AIDS and the losses that most of us had to endure and continue to endure. The drug is a synthetic way of feeling great for a while. However, you become a slave to the drug as it eats away the intelligent network of your brain and other staggering physical destruction secondary to the drug. Also, it terribly alters your mental status and the meth addict often engages in non-safe sexual behaviors and becomes careless about their careers and loved ones.

A most recent case is the international correspondent for CNN, Richard Qwest, who was found in NYC's Central Park with crystal meth and in a public sexual exhibition. He is currently in treatment and we wish him well. It shows you the power of the drug and the disease of addiction.

There is a treatment for crystal meth addiction...its called RECOVERY! Many clients have come to our facility, gay men who were addicted to crystal meth and often had co-morbid diagnoses of sex addiction and HIV. Crystal meth is often used with other addictive substances including: alcohol, marijuana, heroin, etc.

If you, or a loved one has an addictive problem, please call our 24-Hour HelpLine at (866) 478-9898 and speak with one of our counselors.

Recuperatio Primoris! (Recovery above all else!)