Crystal methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or just meth, is a highly addictive stimulant. While the legal ramifications of using meth can be severe and life-changing, the fact that meth destroys families is what might be strong enough to seek help in a meth addiction treatment program. You deserve healthy relationships, and the compassionate meth program team at Greater Boston Addiction Centers can help you get clean, learn valuable life skills, and enjoy long-term recovery. Reach out to our medical professionals online or call 877.920.6583 today.
The Damage Caused By Crystal Meth
Crystal meth can destroy your life. You may end up in jail, paying fines, and with severe body issues. Meth destroys families by driving a wedge between addicts and their loved ones. In addition to personality and behavioral changes, meth addiction has the potential to lead to a number of personal issues, including infidelity and child abuse. The loss of trust from your loved ones is another common problem among crystal meth users.
Crystal meth addiction is an epidemic in America, but there is help available if you are ready to break the cycle of addiction to meth. While treatment isn’t easy, the meth program at Greater Boston Addiction Centers can help you through our progressive addiction treatment program. Our Boston comprehensive treatment center can also help rebuild your family relationships after meth destroys families.
Four Ways Meth Can Destroy Your Relationships
There is no shortage of ways meth destroys families, but here are four of the most significant ways meth harms your most important relationships, including the one you have with yourself.
1. The Financial Toll of Meth Addiction
The cost of meth is low relative to other illicit drugs. This is why some people may start using crystal meth; however, as tolerance increases, people need larger, more frequent doses in order to get the desired effect and the same high. Eventually, individuals addicted to meth may only be able to feel pleasure under the influence of meth.
The cost of keeping up with the physical need for meth leads to financial peril and serious debt for many addicts. Additionally, the lost job opportunities and missed wages as the descent into addiction worsens only deepens the financial toll of meth addiction. You may start to beg, borrow and steal from family and friends, which will destroy these relationships.
2. The Damage to Your Brain
The chronic use of crystal meth will trigger dramatic changes in brain structure and brain function, resulting in:
- A decline of cognitive skills
- Loss of fine motor skills
- Memory loss
- Mood changes
- Violent behavior
- Increased distractibility
As your meth addiction gets more intense and serious, you may also suffer from:
- Permanent psychosis
- Paranoia (such as the sensation of insects crawling under the skin)
- Hallucinations
- Neurological disorders
Because these symptoms can last for years after your meth use has been stopped, your relationships and self-esteem could continue to suffer.
3. Your Appearance Will Change Dramatically
Physical appearance plays a major role in self-esteem and confidence. Because the use of meth alters your body, you may begin to see yourself differently and lash out at those in your life because you are not happy with the way you look. Meth addiction brings about dramatic physical changes, such as:
- Weight loss
- Tooth decay and tooth loss
- Gum disease
- Skin sores
- Premature aging
4. Heightened Libido
Another way that meth destroys families is through sexual promiscuity. Because meth use heightens addicts’ libidos, infidelity rates rise, and with it comes an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. At the same time, meth abuse can also cause impotence.
So not only do meth addicts put themselves at risk for infection, but they also may not be able to perform sexually. This can cause tremendous strain on intimate relationships and lead to divorce or separation.
Meth Addiction Treatment
Meth addiction treatment is a process that involves detoxification, psychotherapy, and ongoing support. During treatment, individuals will have access to medical care and emotional support in order to help them overcome their addiction and learn strategies for preventing relapse. A variety of approaches are used during meth addiction treatment, including behavioral therapies such as contingency management and cognitive-behavioral therapy, as well as medication-assisted treatments such as methadone and naltrexone.
There are a number of different approaches to meth addiction treatment. The first step is usually detoxification, which helps individuals overcome the physical symptoms of withdrawal that can occur when they stop using meth. Once the individual has gone through this process and is physically stable, they will typically begin psychotherapy. This can involve individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, and other approaches designed to help individuals address the underlying causes of their addiction and learn strategies for managing their condition in the long term.
Learn More at Greater Boston Addiction Centers
Meth addiction is dangerous and deadly. Our Boston comprehensive treatment center can help you or your loved one on the path toward recovery before meth destroys families even more than it already has. Contact us today by using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 877.920.6583.
