Methamphetamine, popularly known as meth, is a highly addictive psychostimulant consumed through snorting, smoking, or injection. 

Once consumed, meth affects the central nervous system by initiating the release of dopamine by up to ten times the normal levels. This creates an intense euphoria unlike any normal pleasurable activity, thereby increasing the chances of dependence and chronic addiction. 

But is it possible to treat meth addiction? 

Meth is one of the hardest drugs to quit due to its ability to deplete dopamine reserves. However, through professional assistance, It is possible to treat meth addiction successfully. 

Detox, therapy, and support groups are some of the methods used to treat meth addiction. 

Read on to learn more about meth addiction treatment and how you (or a loved one) can access these services and overcome addiction. 

Why Is Meth So Addictive?

Methamphetamine is easily one of the most addictive drugs due to its ability to influence the release of dopamine and serotonin, the brain’s feel-good chemicals. 

By increasing overall dopamine levels, meth creates an unmatched euphoric rush, leaving a user feeling happy and motivated. 

Meth also initiates the release of serotonin, a chemical that regulates mood, memory, and appetite, which ensures you remain in a state of happiness for the duration of the high. 

But as soon as the effects of meth wear off, feelings of anxiety and depression immediately kick in due to the depletion of dopamine and serotonin. This leads to a craving for more meth and consequently a chronic dependence on the drug, if easily accessible. 

Ways To Treat Meth Addiction

Detox

Detox is the first step in meth addiction treatment as it allows for the complete removal of the drug from your system. 

And since the risks of severe withdrawal symptoms are usually high upon quitting the drug, it’s best to receive detox services from a licensed institution. 

Having a medical professional on standby effectively reduces the risks of fatal outcomes due to withdrawal, as you’ll be monitored on a 24/7 basis until your body is fully stable. 

Doctors can also prescribe medications like benzodiazepines to help ease the withdrawal symptoms. 

And while meth withdrawal symptoms aren’t usually as severe as other drugs, it’s still important to receive treatment in a licensed facility with round-the-clock supervision. 

Therapy

Meth addiction treatment requires a blend of different therapies to be successful. 

Through the help of compassionate therapists, recovering meth users get to identify underlying reasons for their drug use, all while receiving the required emotional support to get by. 

Therapy helps patients develop positive coping mechanisms by changing thought and behavioral patterns. 

Let’s take a look at some of the commonly used types of therapies: 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on the ‘here and now’ challenges of addiction. A therapist will help a patient learn more about his weaknesses and how best to improve mental resolve to overcome cravings and challenges in the future. 

Contingency management intervention: This type of therapy is reward-based and works by rewarding patients for participating in treatment and maintaining sobriety. It works well as a complementary program for other types of behavioral therapies. 

Matrix model: The Matrix Model is a behavioral treatment method that combines a variety of treatment models like family education, 12-step, peer counseling, and the promotion of positive, non-drug-related activities. 

Experiential Therapy: Besides psychotherapy, most inpatient rehabs also use experiential therapy to promote holistic healing. Examples of commonly used experiential therapies include yoga and meditation, art and music, equine, and adventure therapies. 

As can be seen, therapy is a crucial part of meth addiction treatment that promotes holistic healing. 

Without therapy, it will be practically impossible for a recovering patient to maintain sobriety, especially once the withdrawal symptoms kick in. 

Support Groups

Overcoming meth addiction is a lifelong journey that doesn’t end with inpatient treatment. While maintaining sobriety in a rehab’s controlled environment might be easy, everything changes when a recovering patient is thrust back to the real world. 

As a result, it’s crucial for a patient in the advanced stages of recovery to join a support group. 

Meth-specific support groups like Crystal Meth Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are examples of common support groups that suit recovering meth addicts well. 

Support groups help promote long-term sobriety as peers get to work together and hold one other accountable. 

Is Intervention Necessary When Dealing With Meth Addicts?

Unfortunately, convincing a meth user that he or she needs assistance is easier said than done. 

Most people with meth problems are usually in denial and might become hostile and even violent if not well approached. 

Some leading rehab facilities offer professional intervention services that can help convince your loved one and get him or her to join a rehab. We’d recommend using this method if a beloved friend or family member is in denial about their addiction to meth and its negative impact. 

Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Treatment: Which Is Better?

Inpatient rehab facilities are usually ideal for treating long-term addiction. These facilities provide round-the-clock services to patients and often integrate a variety of therapies to make treatment less stressful for clients. 

Moreover, inpatient rehabs usually offer both short (30 days) and long-term (90 days) treatments options, which can be modified to suit a patient’s unique needs. Most of these facilities also boast numerous amenities like gyms, game rooms, and outdoor recreational facilities that add a bit of spark to addiction treatment. 

Outpatient treatment is advisable for patients transitioning from inpatient treatment. However, this type of program can also work for people who are yet to become fully dependent on meth. 

When Should You Seek Meth Addiction Treatment?

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Meth is a highly addictive drug that can ruin your life (or that of a loved one) within weeks or months of addiction. As such, it is crucial to seek immediate treatment to prevent your body from becoming dependent on the psychostimulant. 

The good news is there are several leading rehabs in the country that offer meth addiction treatment services.

Contact a rehab center today to learn more about the treatment methods offered and admission requirements.