WHAT WE TREAT
Our tailor-made methamphetamine (crystal meth) addiction treatment programmes are designed to help you navigate the withdrawal procedure, overpower the physical side effects and address the root causes of your addiction.
The below focuses exclusively on our crystal meth treatment programme. If you are struggling with a prescription medication-related methamphetamine issue, please learn more about how we can help you our prescription drug addiction treatment.
Crystal meth is a highly addictive stimulant drug that belongs to a class of drugs known as methamphetamines. Some methamphetamines are used in prescription medications (which can be addictive in their own right) to help individuals struggling with conditions such as ADHD. However, crystal meth is made using several toxic substances such as antifreeze or battery acid, heightening the risks involved.
Negative side effects include (but are not limited to):
• Hallucinations, panic, and psychosis.
• Bizarre, aggressive, and erratic behaviour.
• Infectious diseases and abscesses.
• Depression.
• Brain damage.
• Facial sores and scratching.
• Tooth decay ‘meth mouth’.
• Permanent damage to blood vessels.
• Heart attacks or strokes.
• Death.
Once crystal meth enters the body, it releases large quantities of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which makes us feel highly euphoric, energetic, confident and inhibition-less. However, over time, crystal meth alters the brain’s biochemistry, leading to dependency. Once the brain’s reward system has become dependent on the substance, it can be very difficult to feel calm, content, or happy without it.
While crystal meth is very physically addictive, it also creates a strong psychological addiction; particularly in those of us who are struggling with depressive, anxiety, or eating disorders. For instance, if you are struggling with a constant inner-critic judging your every thought and draining you in the process, that inhibition-less euphoria provides you with a much needed sense of purpose and enjoyment. However, the risk, of course, is that this kind of enjoyment is highly destructive and unsustainable. Many people who use crystal meth also take the drug over several days and remain perpetually high throughout this time. Not only is the lack of sleep detrimental to your well-being, but this can lead to tolerance: needing to continually increase the dosage of a substance to achieve the same ‘high’. With tolerance comes the development of withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, physical illness, and depression once the drug wears off. Many individuals who find themselves dependent on crystal meth also end up dependent on other drugs, particularly heroin, valium, and other ‘downers’, which they originally employed to manage their highs (i.e. to ‘comedown’).
Through our combination of medical, psychological and personal care, we are proud to be the only clinic in the world that addresses co-occurring conditions and every possible root-cause of crystal meth addiction. Working together, we can help you overcome this addiction. Recovering from a crystal meth addiction will absolutely be one of the hardest things you ever do, but it will also be undoubtedly the greatest.
bespoke treatment
How we treat crystal meth addiction
We can’t tell you exactly what your four-week stay will involve because our patients have no pre-defined treatment path. As each journey with crystal meth dependency is unique, every individual who comes to stay at Paracelsus Recovery has a bespoke treatment plan curated just for them.
We understand how tough it is to overcome the hold crystal meth has taken on your life and our treatment programmes are created with this in mind. Each day is thoughtfully structured to include a range of carefully tailored therapeutic elements to help you heal on every level. These therapies are designed to work together, addressing all aspects of your well-being and guiding you through the recovery process. See below for more details.
Our approach considers the whole person: mind, body and soul
Paracelsus Recovery was the first treatment centre in the world to create fully 360-degree treatment programmes. We lead the way with this method because our number one aim has always been to address the specificities of your crystal meth dependence and restore your health. This means, alongside a carefully managed withdrawal from methamphetamine, we carry out an in-depth medical and psychiatric assessment to help us figure out your needs and what treatments would work for you.
This information shapes a highly personalised treatment programme designed to help you understand the root causes of your crystal meth addiction and how to break free from it. This includes biofeedback, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), pharmacological support, and nutritional therapy. To make the withdrawal process as comfortable as possible, we use supporting infusions (IVs) and various therapies.
We address not only the root causes of crystal meth addiction but also its effects, such as the neurological or physical damage that often results from substance use. These are treated alongside the deeper factors driving your addiction. Our approach combines intensive psychotherapy, biochemical restoration, and complementary therapies, all designed to reduce stress and support your recovery.
15+ team members, all dedicated to your health and well-being
We are the only residential treatment centre in the world to provide a minimum of 15 dedicated professionals to each client.
With a team-to-client ratio of more than 15:1, we provide around-the-clock support to get you on the road to recovery. A live-in therapist will also be available for emotional support 24/7 from when you arrive to when you leave. No matter the unique blend of treatments you receive, they will be delivered with the Swiss medical excellence we are known for.
Comprehensive programmes as unique as you are
Guided by our core principles of pragmatism and empathy, we pride ourselves on truly meeting our clients where they are and providing them with the treatment they need to recover.
We can provide treatment for methamphetamine addiction and any co-occurring dependencies and mental health conditions at our residential drug treatment centre in Zurich.
FURTHER READING
