Understanding the Basics of Methamphetamine Treatment: What Works and Why

Do I Need Methamphetamine Treatment?

Methamphetamine treatment can be very difficult for doctors to treat and for patients to undergo because of the highly addictive nature of the drug. As a stimulant, it targets the central nervous system, causing a prolonged sense of pleasure and euphoria. It also increases one’s focus, energy, self-confidence and sexual ability. The problem with methamphetamine is that like every addictive substance, it has to be taken in increasing amounts in order for the user to achieve the same level and quality of “high” they had. Over time, meth users begin to suffer the effects of their addiction which can range from severe physical changes to mental deterioration. Learn more about what to expect regarding methamphetamine detox, it’s associated side effects and results.

Methamphetamine Treatment

There is no single methamphetamine treatment that can work for all recovering addicts. The type and duration of the treatment will depend largely on the individual. The more serious his dependence, the longer and more intensive his treatment will be. Breaking the addictive cycle to methamphetamine will also require long-term commitment, so the patient will need all the patience, determination and support he can get.

The primary treatment that will be given to the patient will consist largely of methods that will break his chemical dependency. Methamphetamine detox is performed carefully, since sudden withdrawal could cause permanent damage to the brain and raise the risk of death. As such, the patient is often recommended for in-patient treatment in a rehabilitation center. In this phase of the methamphetamine detox treatment, the patient will be monitored closely by medical personnel to ensure his safety.

Methamphetamine Detoxification

During the detoxification phase, the patient will experience symptoms associated with drug withdrawal including craving, depression, fatigue, anxiety, paranoia, irrationality, hypersexuality and cognitive impairment. The duration of the symptoms can last for a few days to about two weeks. To alleviate the severe conditions the patient is experiencing, medications may be given as part of the methamphetamine detox. These medications will help suppress the symptoms and ease the severity of the patient’s reaction as his body begins to wean itself of the drug.

In-patient rehab usually lasts for about one month, after which the recovering addict will undergo an outpatient methamphetamine treatment. Although methamphetamine detox can be physically and mentally taxing, successfully completing that phase is really just the beginning because the patient will have to go through continuing therapy to combat the addiction.

The Methamphetamine Matrix Model

A key component of the basic methamphetamine treatment is the Matrix Model which was initially used to treat cocaine addiction. The Model utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy to change the patient’s pattern of behavior to allow him to develop the confidence and will to avoid using the drug. This phase of methamphetamine treatment is done on an outpatient basis.

This phase is as critical as the initial phase involving methamphetamine detox because the effects of dependence can last to as long as six months. During this period, many recovering patients experience strong craving for meth as they battle depression and anxiety. Many patients give in and use the drug. If this happens, however, the event should not be considered a failure but a good opportunity for the patient to discover and learn what triggers his craving. Doing so will help him predict his behavior pattern so he can find ways to change how he reacts.

The time factor should be considered carefully in order for the treatment to succeed. This is why patients must work closely with their counselors in order to achieve their goals and get enough support. Methamphetamine treatment is indeed difficult but it is not impossible with the right kind of approach.

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