What Is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug that has been around for decades. It’s similar to amphetamine, which is also a stimulant. The main difference between the two is their chemical structure; methamphetamine has been altered slightly, so it’s a little more potent and easier to produce.
The most common form of methamphetamine is powder and can be snorted, smoked or injected. It’s also available in pill form, but those are more often used as decoys because they don’t contain any of the active ingredients of the drug. The effects of meth are similar to cocaine—it increases energy levels, alertness, and gives users a sense of euphoria. But unlike cocaine, meth doesn’t cause an immediate high—it takes longer to kick in and lasts longer (up to 12 hours).
The effects of methamphetamine last for about eight hours after use. When taken regularly over time, users develop tolerance to the drug, so they need more and more in order to feel its effects. This can lead to addiction if left untreated, but treatment is available. The physical effects of meth use include weight loss, skin sores and infections, tooth decay and damage to the mouth and throat due to chewing on glass or eating non-food items. Meth users also have increased blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature.
Why Choose The Blanchard Institute For Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment?
Methamphetamine addiction is a serious, life-threatening condition. It’s estimated that about 15% of all people who try meth will become addicted to it. And even though meth is illegal in most states, it remains one of the most commonly abused drugs in America. If you or someone you love is struggling with this addiction, it’s important to know that there are safe and effective treatments available.
Many people who suffer from methamphetamine addiction also experience other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Our Methamphetamine treatment programs can help to address these conditions in addition to the addiction itself.
The best way to find an effective treatment program for your loved one is to do some research on the different types of treatment options available and what they offer. In this article we will discuss some of the most common treatments used for methamphetamine addiction as well as why The Blanchard Institute can provide you with the help you need to overcome your addiction.
Best Known Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment Options
1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the preferred treatment for methamphetamine addiction. CBT is an evidence-based approach that works because it helps you to learn how to change your behaviors, thoughts, and feelings in order to improve your life.
The first step to recovery in methamphetamine addiction treatment is recognizing that you have a problem. This may seem obvious, but many people don’t realize they have an issue until it’s too late. If you think you might be struggling with meth use, it’s time for some honest self-reflection. Do you find yourself obsessing over getting more meth? Do you feel like you’ll never be able to relax without it? Are your relationships suffering because of your use of the drug? If any of these apply to you, then it’s time for some serious reflection on what your use of meth is doing to your life and whether or not it needs to change.
Once you’ve determined that yes, indeed, there are some issues related to using meth that need addressing, CBT can help get them under control so that they don’t spiral out of control any more than they already have been.
2) The Matrix Model
The Matrix Model is a treatment program that uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). It was developed by Dr. John Kelly and his colleagues at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque to help people with methamphetamine addiction, but it’s now being used to treat other types of substance abuse, too.
The model starts by identifying the patient’s reasons for using meth, then developing strategies for changing those behaviors. The therapist works with each patient to help them identify their triggers for using meth and come up with alternative behaviors that will help them resist the urge to use. They also help clients learn how to resist negative emotions and stressors that might lead them back into addiction.
The success rate for this methamphetamine addiction treatment program is high. About 70% of patients show significant improvement after completing it, and some evidence suggests it may be more effective than traditional treatments like 12-step programs or group therapy alone.
Get Professional Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment from The Blanchard Institute
The Blanchard Institute offers personalized methamphetamine treatment options along with medication management services to help you or your loved ones find a path to sustainable recovery in the Charlotte, NC and Lake Norman, NC area. Our team of experienced therapists will work with you to determine the best treatment option for your unique needs, whether that’s cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy or another type of psychotherapy for methamphetamine addiction.
Additionally, we are in-network with a variety of insurance providers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Tricare, Aetna, Magellan, Carelon, and more. Verify your insurance benefits or call our friendly admissions team at 704-288-1097 to schedule a same-day assessment
Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment FAQ’s
Yes. Statistics from treatment providers and at least one government-funded study suggest that methamphetamine addicts in treatment recover at roughly the same rates as abusers of other “hard” drugs. Research suggests that certain brain areas take longer to recover after meth use than after use of other drugs. However, many former users succeed at staying abstinent and proceeding with drug-free lives. Methamphetamine treatment is one of the first steps to recovery and attainable at The Blanchard Institute.
Currently, there is no medication approved in the United States to treat methamphetamine abuse or dependency. As you might imagine, doctors and pharmacologists are searching actively for drugs that could make methamphetamine recovery easier. Researchers across the country are currently conducting studies to determine whether existing drugs can support meth recovery. They are also exploring whether they can develop new medications to help manage the symptoms people experience when they become abstinent.
People use methamphetamine in a variety of ways because it comes in several different forms. They may smoke, snort, inject, or swallow it. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, smoking is currently the most common method of using meth. If you or a loved one require methamphetamine addiction treatment, contact The Blanchard Institute at 704-288-1097.