What Are The Treatment Options For Methamphetamine Use
There are several different evidence-based treatments that exist for methamphetamine use disorder. Although the treatments well list here have all been found to be effective, what works for someone else might not work for you. Recovery is often not a straight line, and its important to try different treatments until you find one that works.
Here are some of the most commonly used methods to treat methamphetamine use disorder. If youre trying to beat an addiction to methamphetamine, talk to your medical provider about starting any one of these programs.
Care For Teens And Their Families
Do you have a loved one who needs meth addiction treatment to get their life back on track? If so, you may feel like youre at the end of your rope. It can be incredibly difficult watching someone you care about struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Too many people end up losing their families or opportunitiesand sometimes their lives. Find out what you can do to help a loved one overcome addiction so they have a future to look forward to.
Why Is Crystal Meth So Addictive
There are many different substances that can cause addiction, with some being more potent than others. One of the most powerful drugs currently on the market is crystal meth, with those who use it frequently going on to develop a crippling addiction. You may have thought about why crystal meth is so addictive it is all to do with how this substance affects the brain.
Crystal meth is a synthetic central nervous system stimulant with an extremely high potential for abuse. As it is specifically created to make users feel alert and energetic, it is one of those drugs that can hook people after just one use.
Methamphetamine was first designed in Japan in 1919. It was a more potent and much easier to make a form of amphetamine. It was used extensively during World War II to help keep soldiers alert for hours at a time.
In the 1950s, it was used as a diet pill as well as a stimulant, and it was commonly taken by students, athletes, and truck drivers. However, abuse of methamphetamine quickly became a problem, and in the 1970s, the full extent of the addictive nature of the drug was understood and it was hence made illegal. In recent times though, drug gangs realised the potential for making large profits from this easy-to-make drug that can quickly cause addiction.
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Recovery From Meth Mouth
One of the most devastating physical effects of meth addiction is extensive tooth decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, this oral damage, sometimes called meth mouth, can linger long after a person has stopped using the drug.
Oral damage from meth can be challenging to treat and repair. It may require tooth extractions and the use of dentures. But dental treatment for meth-associated tooth damage is an important part of the recovery process and can help restore a persons self-esteem and confidence.
Conquering meth addiction can be challenging, but taking those difficult first steps toward recovery could be the best and most important decision you ever make. If you need someone to talk to about meth addiction or want to find out more about treatment options near you, consider calling a meth hotline. Many of these hotlines are free to call and available 24 hours a day.
Medical Disclaimer:
How Does Meth Cause Anxiety
Meth is a stimulant, so it causes anxiety in the same way that cocaine and caffeine do. When you consume a stimulant, your heart races and your palms get sweaty. This increase in heart rate can make you anxious or paranoid. If you take too much, you might feel like youre going to die or that your heart is going to beat right out of your chest. This feeling of panic or impending doom can be hard to deal with in the moment and can cause you to hyperventilate or feel like you cant breathe at all.
Like we said previously, meth can also cause anxiety as a withdrawal symptom. This happens for the same reason. Your body isnt producing enough dopamine and you feel paranoid and shaky. You feel like the only thing that will make you feel better is taking more meth. Unfortunately, when dealing with withdrawal symptoms, sometimes you just have to wait it out. If youre working with a doctor while going through detoxification, theyll be able to provide support throughout the process, helping you find ways to calm down.
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What Happens Without Meth Addiction Treatment
Once someone develops an addiction to meth, its difficult to break that dependency without specialized treatment. Without meth addiction treatment, the outlook is bleak.
Not only can someone develop a long-term addiction, their brain chemistry changes due to drug use. For teenagers who are still developing physically and emotionally, substance use disorder can have lasting consequences.
Meth mouth is a common result of meth use, as a users teeth slowly decay from the use of the drug. They also lose a significant amount of weight and may suffer sores from constantly picking at their skin. Developing or worsening mental health disorders is another effect of meth use when timely meth addiction treatment isnt received.
How Do You Know If You Need Treatment For Methamphetamine Use
Even if you dont think you meet all of the official criteria for a methamphetamine use disorder diagnosis, that may not automatically mean that you dont need substance abuse treatment. If your methamphetamine use is getting in the way of the life you want to live, and its been difficult for you to walk away from your use on your own, then it may be time to seek professional help.
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Meth Addiction Treatment Program
Methamphetamine, also known as meth or crystal meth, affects the user both physically and psychologically experts indicate that meth leads to severe short- and long-term impacts. The addictive nature of the drug gravely impacts the users quality of life in numerous ways, from affecting employment to ruining relationships. Additionally, the severe effect on a persons health makes it necessary to seek help from a meth addiction treatment program like the ones offered at TruHealing Centers.
If you or someone close to you is battling a substance use disorder, the meth addiction treatment program at TruHealing Centers is a great place to start. Our team of experts has years of experience helping people learn how to overcome their meth addiction, and we can do the same for you. Learn more by contacting us today by calling or completing our online form.
Which Medications Are Effective In Treating Methamphetamine Use Disorder
No medications have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration to treat methamphetamine use disorder. However, some medications are currently being tested, and the research is promising.
The medications that might be beneficial in helping you recover from methamphetamine use disorder are injectable naltrexone and oral bupropion . More research is needed to be able to confirm this and to approve medication-assisted treatment for methamphetamine use. For now, psychosocial treatments like the ones above remain the frontline treatments for this disorder.
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Seek Support For Your Meth Addiction Today
Without specialist support, methamphetamine addiction is likely to worsen over time, leading to a whole host of devastating, long-term problems. In addition, ongoing meth abuse may also lead you to develop addictions to other dangerous substances, including alcohol and other drugs, as well as engaging in compulsive behaviours such as gambling. Thats why its absolutely crucial that you seek help as soon as possible, in order to regain control and get your life back on track.
What To Expect During Meth Detox
Many individuals may feel hesitant to begin detox, but rest assured that the top priority of any detox center is for patients to feel as safe and comfortable as process when attending treatment. The detox process is broken down into 3 stages to ensure patients receive the form of care thats right for them. Patients will typically undergo a comprehensive review of their current health so doctors know how to proceed with treatment. Next, patients will begin with their personalized detox plan. After the initial withdrawal process, doctors may sit down with the patient to discuss their next steps. The detox process for Meth can be broken down into the 3 following stages:
Evaluation
Upon admission, a medical team will assess the patients health and well-being. Doctors and nurses typically use urine drug screens to determine the amount of Meth that a patient has used recently. From there, the treatment team can develop a detox plan that fits their specific needs. Keep in mind that the doctor may ask a patient questions about their current and past substance abuse. This is necessary for setting up a patients long-term recovery plan. Its also helpful for doctors to know if the patient suffers from any co-occurring disorders, as these can affect the types of detox treatments the patient will receive.
Stabilization
Transition Into Further Treatment
Featured Centers Offering Treatment For Meth Addiction
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How Are Behavioral Therapies Used To Treat Drug Addiction
Behavioral therapies help patients:
- modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use
- increase healthy life skills
- persist with other forms of treatment, such as medication
Patients can receive treatment in many different settings with various approaches.
Outpatient behavioral treatment includes a wide variety of programs for patients who visit a behavioral health counselor on a regular schedule. Most of the programs involve individual or group drug counseling, or both. These programs typically offer forms of behavioral therapy such as:
- cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients recognize, avoid, and cope with the situations in which they are most likely to use drugs
- multidimensional family therapydeveloped for adolescents with drug abuse problems as well as their familieswhich addresses a range of influences on their drug abuse patterns and is designed to improve overall family functioning
- motivational interviewing, which makes the most of people’s readiness to change their behavior and enter treatment
- motivational incentives , which uses positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from drugs
Why People Develop Addictions To Meth
To explore why people develop meth addictions in the first place, its important to remember that addiction is never a choice. Its not a personal flaw, but a diagnosable illness. Like any illness, there are many different contributing factors that can lead to the development of an addiction to meth.
First, there are individual traits that cause some people to develop addictions while others dont. Theres a genetic component at play that makes some people more susceptible to addiction. Personality traits also play a role, with serious risk takers more likely to try meth and then develop an addiction.
Many individuals who have addictions to meth started taking the drug recreationally or to self-medicate a mental illness. It might have been a way to feel better, try to lose weight or deal with social anxiety. Over time, however, casual use leads to a dependence. Once this happens, trying to quit can feel overwhelming.
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Clinicians do not just rely on medications to treat addiction. Behavioral therapies like counseling are often involved as well. And with stimulants in particular, a practice called contingency management, which pays people or provides other rewards if they remain abstinent, has been shown to be effective.
Stefan Kertesz, an addiction medicine physician at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, who was not involved in the new clinical trial, said he could imagine offering the medication combination to patients who expressed a desire to stop using meth, while also recommending therapies like contingency management.
This new trial suggests that for the people with methamphetamine use disorder who are beginning a very challenging process of recovery, a combination of medications can improve their chance of success, Kertesz wrote in an email. And that is promising.
Continuing Care And Levels Of Treatment For Meth Addiction
Upon completion of our inpatient program you will meet with our discharge planners to determine your next step of care. An aftercare plan will be put in place in order to ensure continuity of care and make sure there is no lapse in your treatment. If your next step is returning home, we will provide you with referrals for therapists and community resources so that you can have the support you need to stay sober. Another option is to participate in a longer-term rehab program, where you can build upon the foundation and success you have created with Options staff. Our discharge planners will do their best to help you find a program that will work with your insurance and locate the best program possible.
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What Support Is There To Help Me Stop Using Methamphetamine
If you decide to cut back or stop after using methamphetamine often, you are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Its a good idea to get some help when you do. Counselling and support from a health professional, whnau/family and friends is the best approach to help you to stop methamphetamine use.
- Tell your partner, close friends or family members so they can support you to make the change.
- Contact one of the specialised services that know about how to stop using methamphetamine, such as MethHelp, the Alcohol and Drug Helpline or one of the other support services listed on this page.
- Talk to your doctor. If depression or anxiety is the underlying cause for your drug use, they may prescribe medication for that or to help you sleep during your withdrawal stage. If you have been using other drugs, eg, alcohol or benzodiazepines, tell your doctor as you may need specialist help .
- See a counsellor or therapist to talk to about your methamphetamine use and any other problems in your life that may have led you into using methamphetamine.
What Are The Signs Of Meth Addiction
There are some tell-tale signs of meth addiction that you may be able to spot right away or which may become more prevalent as time goes on.
Look out for the following signs of meth addiction:
- Track or needle marks on the arms, legs, hands, feet or neck
- Euphoric states followed by fatigue or depression
- Respiratory problems, sinus infections or lung infections
- A cough or hoarse voices from smoking methamphetamine
- Paranoia
- Jerky movements or ticks
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Does Insurance Cover Meth Addiction Treatment
Yes, plenty of meth rehab centers accept various forms of in-state and out-of-state insurance plans. To find out whether or not your insurance will cover the full or partial cost of your treatment, simply provide your insurance information in the form below and an American Addiction Centers admissions navigator will inquire on your benefits.
Why Consider Treatment For Meth Addiction At Options Behavioral Health System In Indianapolis In
The long terms effects of methamphetamine abuse vary among individuals, however the fact still remains that meth causes significant damage to every individual who gets addicted. The longer meth is abused the greater the chance for more significant damage. Additionally, some of the associated psychotic symptoms can occur years after an individual has quit using. If you are addicted to meth you may be facing legal problems, job loss, and destroyed relationships. You may have developed a number of negative health consequences or are looking at a growing mountain of debt. Whatever symptoms you may be facing one thing is for sure without treatment things will only get worse.
The compassionate staff at Options has helped many individuals overcome their addiction and go on to lead clean and sober lives. While meth may have helped you cope with some hard times in your life, it is only going to make it worse in the end. We know how difficult it is to decide to get help, but we will be there for you every step of the way. Our amazing team of health professionals will get you through detox, set you up with an effective treatment plan, and teach you the skills you need to get back to a higher level of functioning.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine is an extremely powerful stimulant that causes both short and long-term effects. Short-term effects of meth use include:
- Intense rush
- Extreme increase in physical activities
- Increased body core temperatures
- Increased wakefulness
While not all of the following will be present, the following is a list of the most common and severe long-term effects of methamphetamine abuse:
Mood symptoms:
- Severe depression following a methamphetamine binge
- Euphoria
- Wanting to quit or cut down on methamphetamine use without being able to
- Increased sexual activity
- Avoiding hobbies and activities that were once considered pleasurable
- Legal problems
- Preoccupation with chasing the next high
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Engaging in unsafe activities
- Molecular and functional changes in the brain
- Inability of body to repair damaged tissues
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Insomnia, especially during a methamphetamine binge
- Constriction of the blood vessels in the body
- Respiratory problems
- Loss of elasticity of the skin
- Meth Mouth
- Paranoia, which can be permanent
- Psychosis
How Is Fentanyl Addiction Treated
Like other opioid addictions, medication with behavioral therapies has been shown to be effective in treating people with a fentanyl addiction.
Medications: Buprenorphine and methadone work by binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain as fentanyl, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Another medicine, naltrexone, blocks opioid receptors and prevents fentanyl from having an effect. People can discuss treatment options with their health provider.
Counseling: Behavioral therapies for addiction to opioids like fentanyl can help people modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use, increase healthy life skills, and help them stick with their medication. Some examples include:
- cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps modify the patient’s drug use expectations and behaviors, and effectively manage triggers and stress
- contingency management, which uses a voucher-based system giving patients points based on negative drug tests. They can use the points to earn items that encourage healthy living
- Motivational interviewing, which is a patient-centered counseling style that addresses a patients mixed feelings to change
These behavioral treatment approaches have proven effective, especially when used along with medicines. Read more about drug addiction treatment in our Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction DrugFacts.
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