According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “among people aged 12 or older in 2020, 0.9% (or about 2.6 million people) reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months.”[1]
Methamphetamine is an extremely potent substance that can rapidly cause dependency. Meth addiction can lead to an array of physical and mental health complications, from drug-induced psychosis to severe dental problems and changes in brain structure and function.[2] Because meth abuse can become so detrimental so quickly, seeking professional treatment is extremely important.
Meth addiction treatment requires a continuum of care, including medical detox, evidence-based therapies, group counseling, and extensive relapse-prevention planning. Here is what you can expect from a South Florida meth rehab center.
How Does Meth Detox Work?
When you are addicted to meth, your brain and body grow accustomed to the presence of the substance. This means that your body will be operating as if methamphetamine is essential to function properly. If you suddenly stop using the drug, your body will go into withdrawal.
While the physical symptoms of meth withdrawal are not as severe as other drugs, the psychological symptoms can be intense. Withdrawal symptoms will begin to appear within 24 hours of your last dose, peaking on the 7th or 10th day of detox. After about 2 weeks, most of the symptoms should subside.
Common symptoms of meth withdrawal include:[3]
- Extreme anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Intense cravings for meth
- Red and itchy eyes
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation or behaviors
- Insomnia
- Little energy and increased fatigue
- Loss of motivation
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
During medical detox, nurses and support staff will monitor your symptoms to avoid any withdrawal complications. If you experience severe symptoms of meth withdrawal, you may be given benzodiazepines to soothe feelings of paranoia, aggression, and anxiety. Other medications may be provided to limit symptoms of insomnia or depression.
What to Expect During Meth Addiction Treatment in South Florida?
Once you complete meth detox, you will move onto inpatient addiction treatment where you will address the causes and effects of your substance use disorder. Inpatient rehab for meth addiction usually focuses on evidence-based behavioral therapy, treatment for co-occurring disorders, and extensive relapse prevention planning.
Behavioral Therapy
Meth rehab centers in South Florida use evidence-based behavioral therapies to help you overcome the lasting psychological effects of meth addiction. “Evidence-based” means that the therapeutic method has been proven effective in treating addiction.
One of the most common behavioral therapies used during meth addiction treatment is known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you how to develop healthy coping mechanisms to replace your negative patterns of thinking and behaving. CBT has been proven effective in reducing stimulant abuse after only a few sessions.[4]
Other evidence-based therapies used to treat meth addiction include:
- Contingency management (CM)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- The matrix model
- Family behavior therapy
- 12-step facilitation therapy
- Addiction education groups
- Group counseling
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Services, “approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.”[5] If you have a co-occurring disorder that means that you suffer from an addiction and at least one other mental health condition.
Many people who struggle with meth addiction also have other mental illnesses like anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and even substance-induced psychosis. Dual diagnosis care is an integral aspect of meth addiction treatment in South Florida.
If you participate in dual diagnosis treatment, you will receive treatment for your addiction and your mental health condition at the same time. Most of the time, this involves attending counseling groups focused on the specific mental health condition you are recovering from. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help you deal with symptoms on a short or long-term basis depending on your individual needs.
Relapse Prevention Planning
Relapse prevention planning is one of the most important aspects of meth rehab. Research has found that methamphetamine users face a high risk of relapse. In a study published by the National Library of Medicine, 61% of the surveyed individuals relapsed within one year after receiving treatment for meth addiction.[6]
Because relapse rates are so high, meth recovery centers in South Florida emphasize the importance of providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to maintain long-term sobriety outside of the rehab facility.
Relapse prevention plans include:
- Identifying triggers and situations that led to drug abuse
- Adopting healthy coping mechanisms to work through triggers
- Creating a list of sober supports to call when things get rough
- Attending weekly addiction support groups and therapy
- Developing a sober support system by attending an alumni support group
- Learning how to practice self-care consistently
Get Connected With a Top-Rated Meth Rehab Program in South Florida
If you or a loved one suffer from meth addiction, it’s time to seek help. Professional addiction treatment can provide you with the support and tools you need to overcome the effects of meth addiction and regain control of your life.
At Mandala Healing Center, we use a continuum of care including meth detox, individual counseling, group therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and relapse prevention planning. This will provide you or your loved one with everything you need to live a life free of drugs and alcohol.
Contact us today for more information on how to get started.
References:
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-scope-methamphetamine-misuse-in-united-states
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-are-long-term-effects-methamphetamine-misuse
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3071736/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4445690/
- https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4550209/