how to treat meth addiction

They do not return to normal for a long time during the recovery period. If you meth abuse have a loved one struggle with meth addiction, call American Addiction Centers (AAC) today at . Researchers say they have identified the first medical treatment that shows promise in helping some people recovering from methamphetamine addiction. According to evidence from early clinical trials, anti-methamphetamine monoclonal antibodies may reduce and slow the effects of meth in the brain. The goal of treatment is to help you lead a healthy life without using meth. Treatment may also address other underlying conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.

  • Meth users who smoke crystal meth, for instance, experience an extremely euphoric rush.⁴ Smoking meth puts the drug directly into the blood in the lungs which then travels into the brain and other organs.
  • Meth use can also increase your risk of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that can make it hard to control your movements.
  • We’re available 24/7 so no matter when you call, we’re ready to help you get started on a new path.
  • They offer help from a drug abuse counselor in an outpatient setting.
  • Treatment may also address other underlying conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
  • “This advance demonstrates that medical treatment for methamphetamine use disorder can help improve patient outcomes.”

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  • However, it is important to note that although meth use does physically alter the brain, there is a difference between physical dependence and addiction.
  • Volkow says one theory is that naltrexone reduced physiological cravings for meth, while buproprion’s “antidepressant effects” eased the anxiety people experience when they stop using.
  • You’ll likely wake up early, eat together, and participate in therapy sessions and activities.

Behavioral therapies can also enhance the effectiveness of medications and help people remain in treatment longer. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the most effective meth addiction treatment approaches are behavioral therapies and contingency management programs. Although there’s no cure for drug addiction, treatment options can help you overcome an addiction and stay drug-free. Your treatment depends on the drug used and any related medical or mental health disorders you may have. For people with addictions to drugs like stimulants or cannabis, no medications are currently available to assist in treatment, so treatment consists of behavioral therapies. Treatment should be tailored to address each patient’s drug use patterns and drug-related medical, mental, and social problems.

how to treat meth addiction

Physical effects

how to treat meth addiction

For diagnosis of a substance use disorder, most mental health professionals use criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. Alcohol could potentially boost the effects of meth by heightening its euphoric effects. But it may also lead you to feel more anxious and agitated — not to mention increase your risk of alcohol poisoning or overdose. You may not feel alcohol’s effects as you typically would, so you might drink more alcohol than your body can process. Because addiction can affect so many aspects of a person’s life, treatment should address the needs of the whole person to be successful. Counselors may select from a menu of services that meet the specific medical, mental, social, occupational, family, and legal needs of their patients to help in their recovery.

The Importance of Hope in Meth Addiction Recovery

how to treat meth addiction

Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, speed, or crack, is a powerful stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. While some drugs slow down the body, meth speeds it up by triggering a burst of energy and an intense rush of euphoria. It also boosts alertness, reduces appetite, increases activity and talkativeness, and offers a general sense of happiness and well-being. If someone has concerns that they or a loved one may have SUD, NIDA’s website can offer support and guidance to help them find a treatment program and manage their condition. It is not indicative of a character defect or moral shortcoming and a person cannot manage the condition through sheer willpower.

how to treat meth addiction

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Provide constant assistance by assuring them that you will listen without casting any judgment and urge them to seek assistance. Your acceptance and patience can greatly impact their decisions to choose a more healthy way of life. About 60-80% of people in recovery from addiction will experience at least one relapse, which is a normal part of the recovery journey. Post-rehab care and support are important in the recovery process to help maintain sobriety and prevent relapses.

How do the best treatment programs help patients recover from addiction?

In fact, it is a man-made drug that was originally developed in the early 20th century for medical purposes and was used as a nasal decongestant in inhalers to treat respiratory conditions. The medically correct term for drug addiction is substance use disorder (SUD). However, it is important to note that although meth use does physically alter the brain, there is a difference between physical dependence and addiction. Addiction (clinically called a substance use disorder) refers to the compulsive, uncontrollable use of meth despite all of the harm that it causes.

how to treat meth addiction