Fergie, Former Crystal Meth Addict

Fergie, former Crystal Meth Addict and world famous female singer of the band Black Eyed Peas, recently stated during an interview with i News:

“At my lowest point, I was suffering from chemically induced psychosis and dementia. I was hallucinating on a daily basis. I’d just be sitting there, seeing a random bee or bunny.”

Chronic methamphetamine abuse has a devastating effect on the central nervous system and the most effective way to treat the problems associated with chronic methamphetamine abuse is total abstinence. Whether snorted, smoked or injected, methamphetamine quickly crosses the blood/brain barrier where it can exert powerful effects on several neurochemical systems.

Crystal Meth also puts a strain on relationships and breaks down family systems, through the chronic and compulsive desire of the addict to use the drug regularly. Potentially making them hide this secretive self from those they love, so they can continue with the behaviour which is breaking down the very thing which they hold dear.

Whilst abusing drugs a person does not stop to think about the consequences of their actions and the affect their behaviour and mental state is having on those important to them.

“It took a year after getting off that drug for the chemicals in my brain to settle so that I stopped seeing things.”Fergie

Having an extended half-life, crystal meth allows addicts a longer and more sustained high. The complex physiological responses involve excessive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. With repeated use, it depletes the brains dopamine stores and damages dopamine and serotonin nerve terminals. The User may then have a reduced ability to experience pleasure which can cause them to slip into a deep depression.

‘It has been estimated that 40% of methamphetamine users have abnormalities on neuropsychiatric tests.’ NCBI

There can be long term effects from meth use which can last for several years.

As well as hallucinations it can also bring on persecutory delusions – which can be one of the lasting consequences of using the drug. It also affects the addict’s ability to determine consequences and skews rational thinking.

Other Potential Symptoms of Crystal Meth Abuse:

Auditory hallucinations

Strange or unusual beliefs

Thought reading

Visual hallucinations

Delusion of reference

Thought insertion

Negative psychotic symptoms

Disorganized speech

Disorganized or catatonic behaviour

Do you recognise any of these symptoms in those you love or within yourself?

Part of the program which DARA offers, focuses on how to reorganise thoughts through re-structuring the cognitive function, whilst participating within the program as an inpatient.

The goal of CBT is to enable people to replace unhelpful and self-defeating thoughts with more realistic and helpful ones.

DARA uses CBT techniques to address clients’ harmful thought patterns and help clients, recognize and practice alternative ways of thinking and regulating distressing emotions and harmful behaviour.

The qualified and experienced Clinical Staff will build a trusting, therapeutic relationship with each of the clients they work with and will also be around for quick check-ins and informal chats, during the day within the facility and each client will be supported and encouraged in various ways. Through the psycho-educational program, during one to one counselling sessions and then they will have the opportunity to put their new skills in place, within the community with the other clients, during their stay.

It’s helpful whilst developing and integrating a new way of thinking to be somewhere where what you are doing and trying to achieve, is understood and those around you – both clients and staff are there to not judge but offer support and assistance in the process. YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN YOUR RECOVERY.

Five of the many ingredients that fuel Meth mayhem:

Acetone: This is used in paint thinner and nail polish remover and is extremely flammable.

Acids: Think Hydrochloric and Sulfuric

Lithium: Used in the production of batteries. If lithium comes into contact with the skin serious burns are guaranteed.

Pseudoephedrine: A very common ingredient. It is a decongestant found in medicines for colds and flu.

Toluene: An essential component of brake fluid. DARA Rehab

Within the supportive environment of DARA Rehab, a Methamphetamine User can make the commitment and develop the resolve to remove the use of this invasive and devastating drug from their lives.

What DARA will offer Clients on an Inpatient Basis:

A personalised and tailored treatment plan created with the insight and professionalism of one of the highly trained Counsellors
Non 12 Step Rehab Program
Psycho – Educational Topic Groups
Group Therapy Sessions
Wellness and Wellbeing behavioral activation, advice and skills to take away
A Sense of Community

Call our 24 hour hotline now for a confidential assessment:
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