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NATIONAL METHAMPHETAMINE TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER
Recovery / Treatment
Recovery / Treatment
"Meth Inside Out"
(from UCLA Intigrated Substance Abuse Program)
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RESOURCES
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Q: What kind of treatment is available?
A: Today's methamphetamine treatment regimens are based on abstinence and behavior modification. Users who wish to kick the meth habit need to surround themselves with support and be prepared for a difficult ride.
Meth withdrawal is generally characterized by the following symptoms:
- The inability to experience pleasure from things such as food, social interaction or sex.
- Long periods of depression, grief or restlessness
- Extreme craving for methamphetamine
In cases of meth addiction or use over a long period of time, the cravings can be so powerful that only a fully supervised residential treatment will work. Because that tends to be the most expensive type of treatment, a large segment of the lower-income meth-dependent population does not have access to it.
Researchers at the UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Program have developed a regimen called the Matrix Model which contains multiple elements of support for drug-dependant patients. Included in the program. Included in this comprehensive behavioral treatment approach are:
- behavioral therapy
- family education
- individual counseling
- 12-Step support
- drug testing
- encouragement for nondrug-related activities
Matrix and other styles of meth treatment have proven to be effective, if difficult. The major hurdle for meth users is getting past the anxiety associated with withdrawal. To date, no medication has been effective in reducing either the use or withdrawal symptoms of the drug.
While treatment regimens will be similar, their settings can differ a great deal. Some treatment programs include lengthy residential stays in a treatment facility. Those are the most expensive. Some users can get help with shorter-term inpatient stays to get over the worst of the withdrawal, then continue with outpatient counseling and other behavior modification. Still other addicts can weather the difficulty of a fully outpatient program.