Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that is devastating the lives of the people it touches every day. Over the last few years, methamphetamine, (or meth as it is commonly called), has gained in popularity with a cross-section of society. It has become the great equalizer, destroying the lives of the rich, the poor and the middle-class. The most shocking news is that it seems suburban mothers are quickly becoming the latest victims of the ravages of meth.

The statistics on methamphetamine use are staggering. Data from a 2000 Drug Warning Network (DAWN), report stated that patients were being seen in hospitals for meth-related episodes at an alarmingly increasing rate. Their report showed that in 1999 there were approximately 10,400 emergency room visits related to meth, but went up to 13,500 in 2000. That is a 30% increase, and that was six years ago. The problem has grown by leaps and bounds since then.

One of the most disturbing aspects of meth, is the fact that it is so alarmingly addictive. Abusers of this drug have said they became hooked after their first use. Meth grabs its victims by the throat and isn’t easily shaken off. One of the reasons it has become so wide spread is the ease of getting it, and at a price anybody can afford. This isn’t like Cocaine, which was considered the “yuppie” drug back in the 80’s. The damaging effects of meth can be seen in a user within a matter of weeks of their initial use, and by that time, they are already hooked.

The effects of methamphetamine can be severe and even brutal. After taking meth, the user can expect a high that will last from 6 to 8 hours, and after that begins to wear off they may experience high agitation, which can lead to violent behavior. So, this means that methamphetamine abuse isn’t just a danger to the abuser, but it is dangerous to society as a whole. That is why it is crucial to get the addict into rehab. Rehabilitation may be their only hope for survival.

Continuing use of meth has some very serious short-term and long-term effects, effects that can ultimately lead to their death. Some of the short-term effects a meth user may have are; increased respiration and hypothermia, which can lead into the more severe long-term effects of; paranoia, hallucinations, mood disturbances and possibly stroke. In order to save the addicts life, intervention and recovery are vital.

When in the middle of the throes of addiction, most people are in deep denial. This is why intervention is so essential. They have to be forced to face the reality of their situation, and the deadly path they are on. Ultimately, if they don’t get off the meth, there is bound to be one of three outcomes; 1) jail, 2) institutionalization, or 3) death! But, it doesn’t have to end this way. There are places they can go to get help, and return to the person they once were.

Rehabilitation and recovery happen for meth addicts every day. With the help of highly trained medical personal and deep psychological counseling, an addict can come out of the shadow of their addiction and back into the light of sobriety. There are several different ways they can approach rehabilitation. The most recommended being a residential drug treatment facility.

In a residential drug treatment facility the patient stays for an extended period of time and receives a multitude of help and services. But, the first thing they will need to do before they start the program is detox. Detoxification is a medically supervised withdrawal from the methamphetamine in their system. It is one of the three keys to a successful recovery, which also includes family support, relationship repair and length of stay. There is a correlation between an addict’s length of stay at a rehabilitation clinic and long-term sobriety. That’s why the residential treatment centers are preferred. But, if for whatever reason they cannot commit to a long-term situation, there are also day clinics that offer much of the same help.

Some of the components of the program in a residential drug treatment center are:

• Assessment/Evaluation
• Medical Experts
• Individualized Drug Treatment Planning
• One on One Drug Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Introduction to Community Services
• Emphasis on Peer Support
• Transition and Continuing Care
• Lifetime Aftercare
• Legal System Advocacy

Much of these same services are offered to an addict who wishes to avail themselves of the day program. The biggest difference is that they don’t live there. In a day program, or out patient program, the patient comes in to the drug treatment center up to 8 hours a day 6 days a week. Although this works, statistics show that the residential drug treatment centers have a higher rate of success, which they attribute to the around the clock supervision and support. Aftercare is a vital part of rehabilitation for an addict.

With aftercare, the addict continues to go to group counseling where they can discuss the issues they are dealing with in a safe and understanding environment. They are surrounded by other people who have gone through what they have gone through, so they may feel more comfortable opening up and sharing what they are really feeling. This takes away that feeling of isolation so many addicts experience. Aftercare is credited with playing a major role in keeping an addict clean.

Methamphetamine rehabilitation has been proven to work. Before you or a loved one is lost to this drug forever, seek the help that is out there.

Filed under: Drug Rehab, Drug Treatment, Drug Treatment Center, Drug Treatment Program on February 23rd, 2007