A Medication-Assisted Treatment For Meth Addiction Shows Promise : Shots Health News : NPR

Crystal meth addiction leads to some of the most severe consequences of any other drug on the market or on the streets today. Since the effects of the drug start and fade quickly, people often take repeated doses in what is known as a binge and crash pattern. In fact, some people go on a “run,” which involves bingeing on the drug every few hours for several days at a time, without food or sleep. However, recreational use of meth is illegal because it is a highly addictive drug that impairs brain function and changes the person’s thoughts and actions. This new medical treatment strategy arrives at a time when addiction to methamphetamines has come roaring back, fueled by cheap imports from Mexico. For the first time, a medication regime has been found effective for some patients with meth addiction in a large, placebo-controlled trial.

So, once that euphoria wears off, they may take more in order to continue enjoying that feeling. People who use meth often need a professional counselor or drug treatment program to help them get better. Meth addiction is one of the hardest drug addictions to treat, but it can be done. If you know someone who can’t control their drug use, ask for professional help.

Levels of Care in Meth Addiction Treatment Programs

Snorting produces a euphoric high, instead of an intense rush, within 3–5 minutes of ingestion. A person who takes methamphetamine orally can feel the effects within 15–20 minutes. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), around 2.6 million people aged 12 years and older used methamphetamine in the United States in 2019. NIDA meth addiction also estimated that 1.5 million of them (approximately 57.7%) have a misuse disorder. Brittany Tackett is a transformational life coach, writer, and speaker in the mental health field. She holds a Master’s in Psychology with specialization in Transformational Life Coaching and also has an International Certificate in Behavioral Studies.

Methamphetamine was developed early in the 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Like amphetamine, methamphetamine causes increased activity and talkativeness, decreased appetite, and a pleasurable sense of well-being or euphoria. This means that people in recovery from meth addiction may have problems learning and controlling impulses.

Side effects

You can have a toxic or deadly reaction when you take too much meth. The risks of overdose are higher when you mix the drug with opioids or other stimulants such as cocaine, ecstasy, or amphetamines. Withdrawal can make you feel so bad that you can’t stop using meth. If you have serious psychological symptoms, you may hurt yourself or someone else. Medical detox can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms comfortably and in a safe place, lessening your chances of relapse.

Studies have found that CBT is effective at reducing meth use, even after only a few sessions. The goal of treatment is to help you lead a healthy life without using meth. Treatment may also address other underlying conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety. Ongoing meth use can lead to mild to severe withdrawal symptoms once you stop taking the drug. Methamphetamine is an addictive drug that has energizing (stimulant) effects. As a powder, it can be snorted or dissolved in water and injected.

What are the Risks of Meth Addiction?

Researchers say it’s not entirely clear why these drugs worked more effectively in tandem. “Patients who are struggling with meth use disorder should definitely have a conversation with their treating physicians to consider whether this option is something they should try,” Trivedi said in a statement. Unlike opioid addiction, for which medication-assisted treatment is the standard of care, no medication has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use with meth. Talk to a doctor or other medical professional for a recommendation. You can also search for a treatment center close to where you live. It’s a free online tool provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.