Methamphetamine Use Disorders
Signs & Symptoms
Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as Meth, is a powerful stimulant drug that can have a devastating impact on the lives of people who use it.
Over the past few years, the use of methamphetamine has been on the rise. People can take methamphetamine by:
- inhaling/smoking
- swallowing (pill)
- snorting
- injecting the powder
Because the “high” from the drug both starts and fades quickly, people often take repeated doses in a “binge and crash” pattern. In some cases, people take methamphetamine in a form of binging known as a “run,” giving up food and sleep while continuing to take the drug every few hours for up to several days.
Long-term methamphetamine use has many other negative consequences, including:
- extreme weight loss
- severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)
- intense itching, leading to skin sores from scratching
- anxiety
- confusion
- sleeping problems
- violent behavior
- paranoia—extreme and unreasonable distrust of others
- hallucinations—sensations and images that seem real though they aren’t
A trained substance abuse treatment professional should evaluate the person and make the diagnosis.
Substance Abuse Treatment for Methamphetamine
People can and do recovery from methamphetamine use disorders. For most, this requires engagement in some type of substance abuse treatment to help them enter into early recovery, and learn life long disease management skills.
Treatment for a methamphetamine use disorder should always take into consideration the severity of the disorder, physical and mental health needs, readiness to change, and history of past treatment attempts.
The first element to consider is the need for a medical detoxification program. It is important to understand that “detox” is not a treatment program. Instead, it is the medical management of withdrawal symptoms. This is critical for two reasons – 1) Withdrawal from methamphetamine can include depression, paranoia, hallucinations, extreme fatigue, and suicidal or homicidal thoughts, and 2) Successful completion of detox gives a person the opportunity to be able to better engage in a treatment program. A substance abuse professional can screen symptoms to determine if a referral to a medical detox program may be necessary. Withdrawal symptoms from methamphetamine can last a significant period of time.
The next step is admission into a substance abuse treatment program. There are several different levels of care – residential, day treatment, or outpatient. An assessment conducted by a substance abuse treatment professional can make a recommendation as to which level of care may best meet an individual’s needs.
Within the substance abuse treatment program, evidence-based approaches should be used. Evidence-based approaches mean the treatments provided have been researched and there is evidence the treatment works.
Some common treatment approaches to treat a methamphetamine use disorder include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and the use of motivational incentives. At this time, there are no proven effective medications to specifically treat methamphetamine addiction. Traditional 12 step work is also a common approach.
Many substance abuse treatment programs – including Arbor Place – give clients exposure to what it means to work a 12 step program and how AA / NA meetings can help build a person’s recovery support network. Often, these are vital components of successful lifelong recovery programs.
At Arbor Place, we have professionals who can work with you to treat methamphetamine addiction. Don’t wait – things can get better.
Methamphetamine Overdose
An overdose occurs when the person uses too much methamphetamine and has a toxic reaction that results in serious, harmful symptoms or death.
Methamphetamine overdose can lead to stroke, heart attack, or organ problems—such as kidney failure—caused by overheating. These conditions can result in death. Emergency help should always be called for if an overdose is suspected.