How meth addiction treatment works

Nearly one million people in this country have a methamphetamine use disorder. To effectively treat substance use disorders, experts in the field recommend a combination of medication and psychosocial therapy. Unfortunately, while there are medications available for treating addictions, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, currently there are no medications on the market that treat the specific effects of methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. 

How Meth Addiction Treatment Works

To be effective, substance use disorder therapy must identify and address the underlying causes of the user’s behavior. Treatment, either through group and/or individual therapy, should teach patients how to identify high-risk situations and triggers and how to develop the skills to prevent a relapse. Methamphetamine treatment may begin with a detoxification (detox) process. Because withdrawal syndromes can be very unpleasant and risky, medical supervision is critical to an effective and safe detox process.

There is no cure for addiction. In fact, recovery from substance use is an ongoing, lifelong process. However, evidence-based behavioral therapy treatment, such as the 12-Steps, helps patients manage their addictive behaviors successfully. While the recovery journey is as individual as the person being treated, studies have found that patients who spend longer in treatment programs have a better and more lasting rate of recovery. 

If you or a loved one are showing signs of a substance use disorder and/or would like more information on treatment program options, take the first step toward recovery and call Rosecrance  at 866.928.5278.