Methamphetamine, more commonly known as meth, is a synthetic stimulant substance that is known for the physical and psychological destruction it can cause. Unlike many other substances of abuse, using meth just one time can get someone hooked. Our meth treatment can help you break free from addiction.
For decades, people have been producing meth in their basements, old abandoned buildings, and other secretive places throughout the United States, in particular in the South and Midwest. States such as Indiana, Tennessee and Missouri top the list of highest meth production in the country, however that does not mean that meth isn’t being produced in other states, or that it isn’t being trafficked in through other countries like Mexico.
Meth is one of the easiest synthetic drugs to produce simply because the ingredients for it can be found at any drug store or home improvement store. While there are different concoctions for meth, the most common way to produce meth begins with a pseudoephedrine base, followed by the addition of the following:
- Acetone (found nail polish or paint thinner)
- Lithium (found in batteries)
- Toluene (found in brake fluid)
- Hydrochloric acid (used to remove rust from steel)
- Red phosphorous (used in explosives)
- Sodium hydroxide (used to dispose of roadkill)
- Sulfuric acid (found in toilet bowl and drain cleaner)
- Anhydrous ammonia (used in fertilizer or countertop cleaner)
Someone who is a regular meth user is 4.67 times more likely to die than those who do not use drugs, primarily because of the toxicity found in the chemicals that comprise it. There are severe dangers that come along with snorting and smoking it, however injecting it is often considered to be the most dangerous, as it can lead to blockages to vital organs such as the heart, brain, and liver. Meth injection can also lead to the development of hepatitis or HIV.
Continuing to use meth with no intent of stopping will eventually lead to death. The disease of addiction takes no prisoners, and without receiving proper treatment, the end result is often dismal, if not fatal.
Meth Treatment
Ending a meth addiction is nearly impossible to do on one’s one. The grip that meth has on one’s overall functioning can make even the most dedicated individuals continue to use even if they do not want to. To stop using meth, it is highly recommended to do so in the care of trained detox professionals.
Detox
Detox is the process of clearing the body of all addictive substances. When an individual begins to withdraw from meth, the symptoms that he or she can experience are notorious for being excruciating. Very rarely will someone experience an “easy” detox because of these symptoms, which can include anxiety, excessive sleepiness, jitteriness, severe cravings, and depression, to name a few.
The goal of detox offered through meth treatment is to stabilize the client both physically and mentally. Medical professionals can provide services that include medication-assisted treatment. This includes the administration of popular anti-depressants such as Wellbutrin, Provigil, and SSRI’s like Paxil and Prozac. These medications do not typically achieve their full effect until 2-4 weeks, however, can get an individual started.
Psychologically, meth treatment will provide the appropriate supports during the detox period, including experienced psychiatrists who can offer beneficial care to clients. These individuals can not only help guide their mental health care, but they can also help clients establish skills that will help them cope with the struggles they are currently experiencing.
Therapy in Meth Addiction Treatment
When a client has completed detox at a meth treatment and he or she is mentally and physically sound enough to participate in further care, he or she can begin therapy.
There are several evidence-based therapies that have proven to be highly successful in treating meth addiction, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), the Matrix Model, and contingency management intervention.
Cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT, is a highly common form of therapy that helps individuals identify and then modify negative behaviors and thought processes. This is a short-term type of therapy, as once clients gain an understanding of how to manage dysfunctional behaviors, they can apply the skills they learned through CBT.
The Matrix Model is by far one of the most utilized forms of therapy for meth addiction treatment. This is a program that runs for four months and includes implementation of individual, group, and family therapy, as well as 12-Step programming, drug tests, and other services designed to completely transform one’s lifestyle.
Our meth treatment program also provides contingency management intervention, which is a unique form of therapy often used to treat those addicted to stimulants. A therapist will encourage positive change in the client by offering a reward if he or she makes that change or reaches a treatment goal. While it sounds very simple, contingency management intervention has proven to be extremely successful in the treatment of meth addiction.
Aftercare
Even if a client is doing better than before, that does not mean that he or she is not facing a set of new challenges that have resulted from his or her meth addiction. Meth treatment provides aftercare plans for clients that help them set a strong framework for their everyday lives, as well as developing an air-tight plan for relapse prevention. To help address the remaining physical and psychological damages caused by meth addiction (e.g. depression, cardiovascular problems), the aftercare plan will include ways to continue to treat those issues after leaving the program.
Live the Life You Deserve Through Our Meth Treatment Program
Sometimes, you might feel like reaching out for help, while other times, you might want to hole up and use. Going back and forth between the two only perpetuates your continued meth use. And, the longer you use, the closer you get to the end of your life.
Meth treatment can help. We know how overwhelming it feels to have a meth addiction and seemingly no way out. But there is treatment available that can get you off meth and get you moving towards a happier, healthier future.
Do not waste one more second. Call us right now.
