Struggling with methamphetamine addiction can be challenging to overcome on your own. It’s important to know that there are ways to get help and get better if you or someone you care about is going through this.
Methamphetamine abuse is a serious and complicated problem that needs help and support from professionals. Because it can be so bad for your physical and mental health, it is very important to get help from trained professionals who can give you the right treatment and advice.
If you want to beat your methamphetamine addiction, you need to know everything there is to know about the treatment choices. There are many ways to help people break free from the circle of addiction and start on the path to long-term recovery, ranging from therapy and counseling to medication-assisted treatment.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a strong stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Methamphetamine was developed early in the 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. (1) It works by increasing the levels of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain associated with pleasure and reward.
It is often used illicitly as a recreational drug due to its powerful effects on mood and perception. Sometimes, doctors might prescribe methamphetamine to help people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focus better and stay calm. (2)
However, methamphetamine is highly addictive and can have serious consequences for physical and mental health, including addiction. As with many stimulants, methamphetamine is most often misused in a “binge and crash” pattern.
Because the pleasurable effects of methamphetamine disappear even before the drug concentration in the blood falls significantly, users try to maintain the high by taking more of the drug. (3)
What Are the Treatment Options For Methamphetamine Addiction?
Dealing with meth addiction can really take a toll on your body and cause long-term health issues. It’s a serious condition that requires professional help to overcome.
Not sure where to begin? Let’s look at a few options one can explore.
Treatment options vary based on individual needs, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Contingency management interventions
- Family therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Inpatient/Outpatient programs (4)
If you choose outpatient treatment programs, you can go to therapy while still doing your regular activities. These programs involve counseling, behavioral therapies, and support groups. On the other hand, inpatient treatment programs are more intense and structured, with around-the-clock medical supervision in a residential setting.
If you need a higher level of care or are struggling with severe addiction, these programs can help you. No matter where you receive treatment, it’s important to address both the physical and psychological effects of methamphetamine addiction. The goal is to see positive results in both the short term and long term.
Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction
Meth use can have really bad effects on a person. If you’re struggling with meth addiction, there are ways to get help like detox, medication, behavioral therapies, support groups, and residential treatment. By combining these treatments and having a strong aftercare plan, you can work towards staying sober long-term.
However, it is important to remember that recovery from methamphetamine addiction is an ongoing process, and relapse should not be seen as a failure. Rather, it is an opportunity to regroup and start over in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
Types Of Treatments For Methamphetamine Addiction
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) notes that methamphetamine use can have an incredibly destructive effect on the body. (5)
This highly addictive stimulant can lead to:
- Extreme agitation
- Heightened heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and body temperature
- Anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis
- Convulsions
- Cardiovascular collapse
- Stroke
- Death
Therefore, effective treatment programs are important to help individuals return to a life of sobriety and health. These can include:
1. Detox
When dealing with a substance use disorder, detoxification is the first important step. It involves getting the drug out of your system. Methamphetamine detox usually happens in an inpatient facility where medical staff can watch for methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms and give you medication to help with cravings.
2. Medications
There are no approved Federal Drug Administration (FDA) medications available to treat methamphetamine use disorder. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, an extensive clinical trial involving injection of naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) and oral intake of bupropion proved to be an effective and safe treatment for adults struggling with moderate or severe methamphetamine use disorder. (6) According to the study, we might have a good way to deal with the health problem of meth addiction if we combine these drugs with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management interventions.
3. Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral health therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management (CM) interventions can really help with methamphetamine addiction. These treatments have been proven to be effective and can be a valuable part of someone’s recovery journey.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help people who are having problems with drugs or alcohol. It can be done one-on-one or in a group setting, and it includes finding triggers, learning how to deal with them, and dealing with urges.
People who want to change their drug-using behaviors have found it to be a life-changing process.
Researchers who released a study in the National Library of Medicine say that CBT has been successfully used with people of all ages, from kids and teens to adults and entire families. (7) So anyone in any age group can receive help.
Contingency Management (CM)
In Contingency Management (CM), you can earn vouchers or prizes for staying away from drugs. To help you stay clean and not use drugs again, the plan is to give you rewards for doing well. It’s all about giving you something good to work toward and supporting good behavior.
A lot of studies over the past 30 years have shown that CM can help treat a wide range of substance use disorders (SUDs), including opioid, cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco use disorders. If you have more than one SUD, it can also help.
Studies comparing CM with other psychosocial interventions for SUD produced significantly higher abstinence rates over the course of treatment, higher retention in treatment, and higher abstinence self-efficacy.
With its ability to support and boost individual behavioral changes, CM has been proven to work over time. This is seen in the negative drug tests for stimulant use disorder (SUD) individuals who have gone through this treatment.
4. Aftercare
If you’ve gone through methamphetamine addiction treatment, aftercare is crucial for your long-term recovery. Aftercare programs will help you smoothly transition from a structured environment to living independently while staying sober.
You have various aftercare options to choose from to help you maintain your abstinence from drugs, including:
- Outpatient therapy
- Sober living homes
- 12-step meetings
- Support groups
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes the role of sober living environments for recovery. (8) They mention that research has uncovered that individuals who receive recovery housing are likely to experience lowered rates of substance use relapse and incarceration. They also display improved levels of employment.
12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous or Crystal Meth Anonymous offer a supportive environment for those battling methamphetamine addiction. They can connect with others facing similar challenges, share their stories, and find encouragement to maintain their sobriety.
When To Seek Treatment?
If you or someone you love uses methamphetamine, ask these questions:
- Is drug use interfering with daily activities?
- Are cravings and withdrawal symptoms impacting life in a major way?
- Is the methamphetamine causing physical or psychological harm?
If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, it is time to seek professional help.
How to Find a Treatment Center
If you are ready to find a treatment center for methamphetamine addiction, there are several options. You can search online for accredited programs or contact your local mental health department for referrals.
Additionally, you may contact your insurance provider for more information about coverage for inpatient and outpatient services.
Finding the right treatment center is essential to treating methamphetamine addiction, so do not hesitate to ask questions or seek more information. The best centers will provide comprehensive care that includes medical and psychological interventions as well as support services.
When considering a facility, ask them the following questions:
- How much experience do you have working with methamphetamine addiction?
- What types of treatments and therapies do you offer?
- Are family members welcome to participate in treatment?
- Do you provide aftercare services or referrals for continuing support?
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are frequently asked questions about methamphetamine addiction treatment:
1. Does Insurance Cover Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment?
Yes, in most cases, health insurance will cover some or all of the cost of methamphetamine addiction treatment. It is essential to check with your insurance provider to find out what services are covered and what financial assistance is available.
2. Are Medications Used in Methamphetamine Treatment?
Although there is no approved medication that specifically treats methamphetamine addiction, medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics may be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings.
Medications may also be used to treat co-occurring disorders in meth users. Research continues into medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for methamphetamine addiction.
3. Are Drug Treatment Programs Effective for Methamphetamine Addiction?
Yes, drug treatment programs have proven to be effective for methamphetamine addiction. Treatment should focus on reducing cravings and preventing relapse, as well as helping individuals develop the skills needed to live a healthier life in recovery.
Drug treatment may include individual or group counseling sessions, behavioral therapies, lifestyle changes, support groups, and aftercare services.
Are you or a loved one struggling with methamphetamine addiction? Zinnia Health is here to help. Our cutting-edge treatment provides a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that focuses on helping you discover the root causes of your drug abuse and heal emotionally. Our team of experienced counselors and clinicians provides a personalized treatment plan with the goal of helping you live drug-free. We strive for physical rehabilitation and mental healing by introducing relapse-prevention skills that will help sustain sobriety in the long run. Contact us today at (855) 430-9439 for a referral to a substance abuse treatment center near you.
Citations
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-methamphetamine
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000792.htm
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/how-methamphetamine-misused
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-treatments-are-effective-people-who-misuse-methamphetamine
- https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/methamphetamine
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/combination-treatment-methamphetamine-use-disorder-shows-promise-nih-study
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/
- https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep23-10-00-002.pdf
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