How the Principles of Addiction Apply to Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine addiction is a devastating disease. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that is extremely addictive.

Fortunately, the basic principles of addiction and addiction treatment apply to treating it. It does not deviate much from other stimulants or amphetamines.

Methamphetamine is a Treatable Disease

All drug addiction is treatable, this includes methamphetamine. It might be a more powerful addiction than many other drugs but it is still a treatable if not curable disease.

Every Addict Responds Differently to Treatment

No single treatment will work for everyone. A balanced treatment approach is best to find out what works and what doesn’t.

Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction Needs to Be Readily Available

In areas where methamphetamine addiction is probable it is important to make sure that treatment is available in a timely manner. The longer it takes for someone who wants treatment to get it, the more likely they are to relapse.

Methamphetamine Treatment may be Forced or Sought Involuntary

Principles of Addiction

Counseling is an effective form of methamphetamine addiction treatment.

You do not necessarily have to want treatment to receive it. Many times meth users are hospitalized involuntarily because of the health issues that the drug causes.

Medications may be Used to Treat the Underlying Causes of Methamphetamine Addiction

There may not be medications to treat meth addictions like there are some other addictions but there are medications to treat the underlying mental illness that goes along with meth addiction.

To be Effective, Treatment Must Treat the Person not Just the Addiction

If you just treat the addiction, what caused the addiction will still be there. If the person is in the same circumstances, they will go back to using methamphetamine.

Stopping Treatment Too Soon is often Detrimental to Recovery

Treatment for methamphetamine needs to be complete and long enough for the person to learn to deal with their triggers and the circumstances that caused the meth use in the first place. If you stop treatment too soon or confront your triggers before you are ready, you will relapse into your addiction again.

If there is an Underlying Disorder, it Needs to be Treated Along with the Methamphetamine Addiction

If someone is using meth as a form of self-medication, the underlying disorder needs to be treated to prevent relapse. If depression, anxiety, or another disorder is cause the meth use, that disorder needs to be treated as well as the addiction.

 

If Possible, Methamphetamine Withdrawal Should be Treated with Medications

Detox or withdrawal is an extremely dangerous time for any addict. To prevent immediate relapse, the symptoms of withdrawal need to be treated. This is to make the addict more comfortable during the painful process of withdrawal.

Counseling is One of the Most Effective Forms of Treatment for Meth Addiction

Therapy and different forms of counseling are the best ways to treat methamphetamine addiction. You can find this treatment by calling 800-816-1059(Who Answers?). We can help you find the treatment that you need.