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Can You Recover from Methamphetamine Addiction?

Addiction is a treatable disease. And that is the case for methamphetamine addiction as well, even if methamphetamine treatment is different from the treatment of other substances. Learn more about methamphetamine, meth treatment, and the recovery process in this article.

A Five Stage Model For Recovery

Dr. Richard Rawson, Ph.D., an Associate Director of UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, developed a 5-stage model of recovery for use in cocaine addiction. Authors like Joseph Sharp have effectively adapted this model for use with other stimulants, including methamphetamine.

In this model, it is common for people attempting methamphetamine recovery to face two stages simultaneously. This is particularly common during transitions between stages. Recovery is an individual process, so, suggested timelines may differ.

     

      1. Withdrawal – Days 0-15 – The “sleep, eat, and drink” stage – During which some of the damage of meth abuse must be overcome.

      1. The Honeymoon – Days 16-45 – Withdrawal symptoms have faded, but a long road lies ahead, and cravings can become more intense when overconfidence sets in.

      1. The Wall – 6 Weeks to 4 Months – Still more relapse can occur as cravings intensify, spurred by boredom, depression, and despair.

      1. Adjustment – Months 4-6 – The Wall has been conquered, and this time is spent adjusting physically, socially, and emotionally to life without meth. Cravings begin to subside substantially

      1. Ongoing Recovery – Months 6-12 – Meth addiction may seem like a thing of the past. But recovery is a long-term, ongoing process. Addiction has no cure. During this time, the recovering addict must find a balance between reflection and forward thinking, to prolong and maintain recovery.


    Recover from Meth Addiction. Call us now, specialists are available 24/7. Call (855) 931-0402


    What Is Methamphetamine?

    Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant. It is a derivative of the ephedra plant.

    Like many of the currently abused recreational drugs, methamphetamine became popular as a stimulant for use in battle. Methamphetamine was injected into soldiers on all sides of the global conflicts of World War II. It was used to keep soldiers awake in battle, and its use contributed to the explosive behavior of Japanese kamikaze pilots.

    There have been many popular medical applications for methamphetamine. Meth as a stimulant was a popular treatment for depression and sleep disorders. Obesity and other binge eating disorders were treated with meth as they can be an effective appetite suppressant. Methamphetamine also improves focus, and has been used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD).

    Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

    Though both amphetamine and methamphetamine are derivatives of the ephedra plant, they are slightly different at the molecular level. These molecular differences allow the body to process methamphetamine faster, making it both more potent and more psychoactive.

    Both amphetamine and methamphetamine can cause increased metabolism and increased heart rate. And both have been historically abused for their stimulant use. Amphetamines, in particular, are still abused by college students, wall street bankers, pilots, athletes, and professional truck drivers.

    Neither amphetamine, nor methamphetamine, can be legally obtained without a prescription. Amphetamine, being less potent and therefore less addictive, is more frequently prescribed. Both substances, however, are highly addictive.

    Increased Recreational Production of Methamphetamine

    The active ingredient in amphetamines and methamphetamines became a Schedule II controlled substance during the early 1970s. Though still available via prescription, many different and varied people had developed both a chemical dependence and a physical dependence, for productivity in their daily lives.

    The precursor of methamphetamine, ephedrine, continued to be found in over-the-counter drugs, as in many of the popular cold remedies. During the early 1980s, motorcycle gangs on the West Coast cooked ephedrine to produce the crystallized form of methamphetamine, known as crystal meth. Mexican drug cartels also became a key source of bulk ephedrine for meth labs in the US.


    Recover from Meth Addiction. Call us now, specialists are available 24/7. Call (855) 931-0402


    The Dangers Of Methamphetamine

    Besides addiction, there are other, severe consequences of methamphetamine use.

    These include:

       

        • Dental issues and tooth decay

        • Paranoia and hallucinations

        • Rapid or irregular heartbeat

        • Memory loss

        • Aggressive/violent behavior

        • Irregular mood

        • Decreased appetite, weight loss, and malnutrition

      Along with these specific side effects, meth use can carry other dangers. These dangers include diseases or other bacterial infections from shared needle use, as well as ill effects from the abuse of other drugs alongside methamphetamine.

      Withdrawal

      One of the primary differentiating factors in methamphetamine addiction withdrawal, when compared to the withdrawal symptoms of other substances, is the strong dopamine response. Long-term meth abuse can cause significant damage to the dopamine receptors in the brain. Methamphetamine addicts, during withdrawal, will not only have less dopamine to give them pleasure, but also less ability to experience the effects of dopamine. The result for many former meth addicts can be anhedonia, an inability to experience pleasure.

      So, while the sickness due to methamphetamine withdrawal can be less significant, when compared to withdrawal from heroin addiction, the effects of anhedonia can last for years.

      Sleep, Eat, and Drink”

      After a long period of sleep deprivation, decreased appetite, and dehydration, caused by meth abuse, the initial stages of methamphetamine addiction withdrawal are often notable for the increased sleep, caloric intake, and drinking that occurs. It is not uncommon for people facing meth withdrawal to gain a lot of weight during this period.

      Like other substances, methamphetamine withdrawal involves periods of intense cravings. Anhedonia symptoms during these cravings can lead to a swift relapse.

      Overdose

      Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant, and when too much is consumed at once, the results can be fatal. Rapid, irregular heartbeat can lead to heart attack or stroke. Body temperature can rise sharply, also resulting in fatal heart responses or kidney failure. Seizures from methamphetamine use can lead to fatal brain damage.

      Why Is Meth So Addictive?

      The brain has certain centers dedicated to the regulation of pleasure. These centers are designed to motivate people to repeat certain activities. Examples of these activities include sex (to stimulate population growth) or eating certain foods (to stimulate growth or health). In either case, a chemical known as dopamine is produced to induce pleasure.

      Methamphetamine use also stimulates the release of dopamine, only amplified. The feeling of euphoria when using methamphetamine is accompanied by increased awareness, focus, and often productivity, or even increased sensation from sexual contact.

      As the effects of the drug wear off, a chemical imbalance presents itself. For someone using methamphetamine, the result can be high tension, anxiety, and irritability.

      The dopamine flood has additional consequences for the brain’s dopamine receptors. Chronic methamphetamine abuse causes these receptors to become damaged. Initially, the brain will require more dopamine, and therefore constant supplies of methamphetamine, to produce the same, pleasurable responses. The result of this damage is chemical dependence.

      Because these dopamine receptors can become so severely damaged, the chase of the high provided by methamphetamine can be futile for a chronic user. Many of meth’s psychological side effects are a consequence of severe chemical depression.

      Crystal Meth In Society

      One of the societal challenges posed by the rise in methamphetamine use over the course of the past 30 years is in how cheaply and easily it can be produced. Ingredients can be found in popular over-the-counter cold medications. Anything that contains ephedrine can be used as a base for meth production.

      The rise of online communications has spread the ease of production through user guides and video tutorials. Ultimately, the production of methamphetamine always involves dangerous chemicals. When not treated with the caution required, crystal meth production can lead to destruction of property and severe injury. As meth is commonly manufactured at or near a home, family members, children, and neighbors are all at risk.

      All of these reasons contributed to the crafting of the 2005 Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA). This act regulates the sale of over-the-counter medications used for the production of methamphetamine. These medications are now kept in a safer location, often under lock-and-key, and cannot be legally purchased without a valid ID.

      The crackdown in the United States has made production more difficult, at least recreationally, in local US neighborhoods. However, just over the border in Mexico, where regulations are fewer and more difficult to enforce, production remains simple and profitable.

      Methamphetamine Stats

      The use of methamphetamine increased by 3-4% between 2010 and 2015. While this may seem like a small increase, heroin use only increased by 1-2% during the same time period.

      In Oklahoma, meth was involved in more than 300 overdose deaths in 2016, surpassing the combined death rates for both oxycodone and hydrocodone.

      In Minnesota, more than 11,000 patients sought treatment for methamphetamine abuse in 2015, double the number that sought treatment a decade before.

      * Source – Center for Disease Control

      Evidence Based Meth Treatment

      Traditional addiction treatment approaches have proven to be less effective when attempted with people struggling with methamphetamine addiction. However, methamphetamine recovery is certainly possible. Treatment protocols for meth have been developed and supported by medical trials.

      Methamphetamine Addiction Detox

      Withdrawal from methamphetamine is unique when compared to other substances. Sickness symptoms are normally not as severe. And there is no current FDA approved medical intervention for meth addiction.

      A lack of the usual withdrawal symptoms does not mean that methamphetamine withdrawal is easy. Methamphetamine is extremely addictive, and the chemical cravings are intense. Damaged dopamine receptors adversely affect the mood of an individual in methamphetamine addiction treatment, and professional support can be a great aid in dealing with depression.

      Behavioral Interventions

      Since there is currently no common medical intervention for treating methamphetamine addiction, behavior interventions take on greater importance. One-on-one therapy allows the individual to address co-occurring disorders, while developing skills for coping with cravings. Peer support groups and family therapy develop sober social skills and a greater understanding of healthy social interactions.

      Additional behavioral interventions may include 12-step programs, equine therapy, or music therapy.

      Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

      CBT aims to change behaviors, by identifying triggers for use, and developing avoidance strategies, and skills to cope with stress. Another important goal of CBT is to educate the former user on the many negative consequences of meth use, and the objectives and potential positive outcomes of meth abstinence.

      The Matrix Model

      The Matrix Model was developed specifically to treat stimulant addiction, and has been shown to be successful in treating methamphetamine dependence. During treatment, the therapist acts as both a teacher and coach, developing an atmosphere of positivity and encouragement. Sessions are designed to promote self-esteem, dignity, and self-worth. The Matrix Model incorporates other treatment approaches, including substance abuse education, group therapy, and self-help.

      A Long-Term Approach To Methamphetamine Recovery

      As discussed earlier, one of the unique challenges of methamphetamine addiction treatment lies in the damage done to the dopamine receptors in the brain. The inability of an individual to perceive pleasure, as a result of the damage done to these receptors, can lead to depression and relapse.

      The bad news is that damage to these dopamine receptors can take as long as two years to heal, in the appropriate treatment environment. The good news is that in most cases, damage is not permanent, and a person who has struggled with meth addiction can, indeed continue to experience pleasure at or near the rate of the general population.

      Total brain function, and not simply the dopamine receptors, can be adversely affected by chronic methamphetamine use. Impulse control and attentional focus, in particular, have been found to be difficult for those with a history of meth abuse.

      Again, the chances of short-term recovery can be slim, and frustrating for anyone battling methamphetamine addiction. Studies have shown, however, that brain recovery can occur after a year of abstinence.

      Rehabilitation statistics for former methamphetamine addicts are not good, with approximately a 12% success rate. But given the size of the methamphetamine abuse issue, even a small number of successful recovery attempts should be celebrated.

      The Matrix Model in particular has shown a success rate that is higher than the rate offered by other approaches (as high as 50-60%).

      Most importantly, recovery from methamphetamine is possible, and increasingly so with the right treatment and recovery plan.

      Let Recovering Champions help you with your Methamphetamine Recovery Plan Right now!

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