Meth Treatment

Because the damage done by meth addiction happens in many areas, treatment is broad and includes immediate detox and subsequent care. The emotion, physical, and social problems meth causes all have to be addressed before sobriety can be maintained.

Detox (drug detoxification)

Detoxification is the first step in meth addiction treatment. This is usually handled as a medical matter on an inpatient basis. The physical symptoms of withdrawal will gradually resolve after about a week.

Therapy

As the patient progresses through detox, they are able to accept some help with their problems. Meth addiction isn’t a standalone condition. Drug use will almost certainly have ruined relationships and financial status. Counseling directed at staying off the drug is important, but a full assessment and course of therapy is best.

Therapy is usually a combination of individualized sessions and group meetings. Psychologists recognize the value of sharing meth experiences and stories about recovery. Many will incorporate a 12-step program into a larger course of treatment.

A common approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This attempts to teach useful life and coping skills to head off drug use. Patients are taught to view their drug use in a fuller and more realistic fashion and are educated on the physical and psychological effects of addiction.

A newer form of group therapy is called witness group. This approach invites loved ones to share their stories along with addicts and is meant to help both the addict and their significant others. In this practice, therapists ask questions to direct a group conversation, allowing the members to come to their own answers naturally. The purpose is to treat the larger social sphere instead of just the addict.

The Matrix Model¹ has shown promise by combining individual counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, drug testing (monitoring), 12-step support, and encouragement of non-drug activities.

There are currently no medications available specifically to treat meth addiction. Prescriptions are given based on symptoms, with anti-depressants the most common.

photo by Rotorhead

References

• "A multi-site comparison of psychosocial approaches for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence," Addiction, Vol 99, Issue 6, 2004

Related Pages

Meth Addiction

Meth Symptoms

Meth Withdrawal

Meth Addiction Statistics

Meth Addiction Support Groups

Methamphetamine (Meth) Addiction Statistics and Facts