Methamphetamine Addiction and Treatment

Methamphetamine (often referred to as “meth”) is an extremely addictive substance that is one of the most widely abused drugs in the United States. Meth appears in a variety of forms, and can be ingested in many ways (including by swallowing, snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug). Addiction to meth can be a particularly devastating experience, wreaking significant damage on an individual’s physical well-being, mental health, social development, and professional progress.

There is good news, though, as an addiction to methamphetamine can be successfully overcome with effective professional treatment.

Risks and Consequences of Methamphetamine Addiction

Meth abuse has been associated with a wide range of damaging medical effects, including both short-term and longer lasting repercussions.
In the immediate aftermath of methamphetamine abuse, the effects include the following:

• Decreased fatigue and appetite
• Increased activity and energy levels
• A euphoric “rush”
• Rapid breathing and heightened body temperature
• Potential convulsions or fatal overdose

Continued meth use can also lead to the following long-term effects:

• Tolerance (requiring increasingly larger quantities of the drug to achieve the same high)
• Anxiety, confusion, and paranoia
• An increased likelihood of severe mood swings, violent thoughts and actions
• Delusions and hallucinations
• Cardiovascular damage
• Irregular heartbeat and an increased risk of stroke

Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction

Because meth abuse can result in such widespread devastation, effective treatment programs often incorporate a comprehensive and intensive approach that is best implemented in a residential treatment facility. Because individuals who are addicted to methamphetamine often experience co-occurring mental health challenges (such as delusions and hallucinations), it is necessary to ensure that any effective treatment plan for meth abuse incorporates a multi-dimensional effort to address all issues that may have contributed to or been exacerbated by the abuse.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be among the most effective means of helping addicted individuals overcome their dependency upon methamphetamine. This type of intervention involves therapies (individual, family, and group) that are designed to help the patient gain a greater control over his thoughts and behaviors, and prepare himself to respond in a healthy manner to cravings, stresses, and other pressures that may trigger a relapse.

Also, an effective aftercare plan – including participation in an ongoing support group or other such nurturing environment – is also crucial to continued successful recovery from an addition to methamphetamine.

Finally, the length of time that a person remains in treatment has been cited as an important factor in whether or not a person will achieve long-term sobriety. A number of studies have found that those who stay in treatment for longer periods of time (and who then continue to participate in an ongoing aftercare support program) are much more successful than those who merely use treatment as a means of weaning themselves from the drug, but do not spend the time that is necessary to build a solid foundation upon which to build a drug-free life.

If you or someone you love is struggling to overcome an addiction to methamphetamine, know that help is available – and that the first step along the path back to a healthier and happier life is a matter of educating yourself about the nature of the problem, and reaching out for the help that awaits you. For more information – or to learn about the many treatment options that are available – call 888.484.1047.

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