When methamphetamine abusers enter treatment, they encounter a variety of physical and mental health issues, many related to the biological effects of methamphetamine on the brain. Withdrawal symptoms, lasting between 2 days and 2 weeks, include depression, fatigue, anxiety, drug craving, and severe cognitive impairment.
Also, research shows that protracted brain dysfunction persists for months after methamphetamine use stops. Other clinical issues mayinclude continuing paranoia, hypersexuality, irritability, drug craving in response to conditioned cues, and violence.
While methamphetamine-specific approaches to treatment are rare, some successes have been seen. For instance, science-based behavioral and psychological approaches have shown great promise—many of these were developed to treat cocaine abusers but have been adapted to methamphetamine abusers.
The Matrix model, a method of outpatient cognitive-behavioral therapy backed by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), a division of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is the only program with evidence of effectiveness for methamphetamine addiction.
The model, which was first developed in the 1980s as a cocaine treatment under a NIDA grant, serves as the primary treatment protocol for a network of clinics in Southern California.
The basic elements of the four- to six-month approach (a two-month approach is also being developed) consist of a minimum of three group or individual therapy sessions per week, where patients are coached through their recovery. They are taught about their addiction and trained to manage cravings and avoid risky activities, like drinking alcohol, that could trigger relapse. The method also uses family therapy, urine testing and 12-step activities.
OTHER APPROACHES:
Detoxification and Residential Drug Treatment
Rehabilitation, after detoxification, is usually the next step in the recovery journey. An individual case manager may work closely with the patient to address the accompanying behavioral, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the addiction problem. Inpatient treatment traditionally consists of a 28-day stay in a hospital or residential treatment facility, during which daily activities such as self-help groups, group psychotherapy, individual counseling, art, recreational and experiential therapies, educational discussions and relaxation techniques are provided in a structured format. Generally supportive and sometimes confrontational in nature, inpatient treatment is aimed at combating clients' denial and initiating participation in the 12 steps of recovery originally delineated by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
The major goals of most inpatient treatment programs are detoxification from the influence of chronic substance use and beginning the process of engaging with self-help programs such as AA and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Treatment components include didactic learning about the processes of addiction and recovery as well as experiential techniques. Often the client's family is involved in special "Family Days" to acquaint them with these issues. Most residential programs, both long-term and halfway houses, are staffed at least in part by people who are themselves in recovery. Adolescent and Adult Treatment Programs are tailored to the specific age group.
Outpatient Services
An outpatient drug rehab is a program designed to provide long-term abstinence from meth and other drugs and alcohol. Outpatient drug rehab programs use many techniques. These techniques include a wide range of approaches including problem-solving groups, specialized therapies such as insight-oriented psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 12-step programs. Similar to other drug rehabs, the individual may stay in the program for several months or longer. Those who attend an outpatient drug rehab do not live at the drug rehab as they would an inpatient drug rehab. Outpatient drug rehab programs vary in the types and intensity of services offered. Low-intensity outpatient drug rehab programs may offer little more than drug education and counsel. Other outpatient drug rehab models, such as intensive day treatment, can be comparable to residential programs in services and effectiveness, depending on the individual's characteristics and needs. All in all, the ultimate goal of an outpatient drug rehab is to help the individual recover from drug addiction so that they may re-enter society and lead responsible, successful drug and alcohol free lives.
Family Programs.
Programs are designed around the premise that when the patient returns to the family environment, the dynamics of the family will change. Chemical dependency is a family illness and all members of the addicted person’s family are affected. Understanding the disease concept is an integral part of the family’s education. Every family member faces their own issues as they relate to the patient’s dysfunction and process. Learning how to distinguish between codependency and the appropriate display of love and support is also an important issue for the family in recovery. Every treatment center has a different program and they can range from weekend stays to week long stays.
Aftercare Programs
Success in recovery is an on-going process. This means that the patient is never “cured” but has begun to build a foundation for recovery during the residential stay. Often a structured day or evening outpatient program is recommended by the treatment team upon completion of residential care. Referral to a sober living environment may also be advised. At the very least a specific plan for participating in alumni aftercare groups and 12-Step meetings in the community is essential.
Most people try in vain to stop drinking or using drugs on their own. Through treatment, one can experience the powerful strength of support , recovery and learn the coping skills and strategies to stay clean and sober for a lifetime.
If you would like further information on these types of programs, please call: 1.888.484.1053 or fill out the CONFIDENTIAL ASSESSMENT FORM.
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