Licensed facilities meet state and federal regulations, ensuring you receive qualified treatment. Having a stable, substance-free, and supportive home environment is also crucial for outpatient treatment success. Amphetamine was initially used as a nasal decongestant but is now used to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. Meth has similar effects to amphetamine in that it causes feelings of pleasure and euphoria and makes the user more talkative, confident, and energetic.
Meth Therapy: Innovative Approaches to Treating Methamphetamine Addiction
One of the most devastating physical effects of meth addiction is extensive tooth decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, this oral damage, sometimes called meth mouth, can linger long after a person has stopped using the drug. Ongoing clinical trials are testing combinations of naltrexone and other drugs, including bupropion, which is used to treat depression and nicotine addiction. Researchers are also developing new drug compounds to treat and cure meth addiction. Treatment for crystal meth and methamphetamine addiction involves detox, behavioral therapy and peer support. The FDA has historically favored abstinence as the endpoint in trials to develop medications for substance use disorders.
Side Effects of Meth Addiction: Acute and Chronic Consequences Explained
It also teaches them strategies for maintaining abstinence and improving self-control. Quitting meth suddenly can cause distressing withdrawal symptoms that are similar to those of cocaine withdrawal, but meth can cause longer and more intense periods of depression. People addicted to meth may also develop facial sores, extreme weight loss, and overall poor health, which can worsen these symptoms.
Follow-Up Care
Naltrexone, which is already used for treating opioid addiction, blocks opioid receptors in the brain and is proven to reduce cravings in some patients. Researchers have found that a combination of two medications is effective at treating meth addiction. Early intervention in METH abuse by lowering METH intake is essential not only for preventing METH overdose, but also for subsequent interventions, as greater treatment participation is achieved when METH use is low 133. Consequently, behavioral therapies should remain the first line of treatment for MUD.
Conclusion: Seeking Help for Meth Addiction and Oral Health
To date, there have been very few clinical trials involving people who abuse METH heavily and only recent trials have shown promise for these individuals 35. More clinical trials with people who abuse METH heavily and more studies in animal models of heavy METH use are warranted. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any medications to treat meth addiction. However, researchers are investigating new medications in clinical trials that may prove useful during detox and recovery. Most treatment centers today provide behavioral therapy and counseling for methamphetamine and crystal meth addiction.
- One of these studies examined the social network correlates of substance use disorder treatment attendance and outcomes during prison re-entry.
- Recovery from methamphetamine addiction is a long-term process that often requires ongoing support and lifestyle adjustments.
- Individuals in CBT learn to identify and correct addictive behaviors by applying a range of different skills that can be used to stop METH abuse and to address a range of co-occurring problems.
- Despite multiple research studies and clinical trials performed, there is no FDA-approved pharmacotherapy for MUD.
- Advancements in neuroscience are deepening our understanding of how meth affects the brain, paving the way for more targeted and effective treatments.
The drug takes a toll on the body, leading to malnutrition, weight loss, dental problems, and skin issues. Additionally, the mental health of meth users is often compromised, with many experiencing anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis. Unlike some other substance use disorders, such as opioid addiction, which have several FDA-approved medication options, methamphetamine addiction currently lacks such targeted pharmacological treatments. Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, has shown some promise in treating meth addiction. It’s like a bouncer for your brain, blocking the euphoric effects of the drug. Some studies have found that naltrexone can reduce meth use and cravings, particularly in individuals with a specific genetic makeup.
Getting into rehab to treat your meth addiction is one of the best steps you can take to regain control of your life. AdCare’s admissions process is simple, and you can get started right away. You’ll just need to provide your name, contact information, date of birth, insurance provider, and your member number. In 2020 in the U.S., an estimated 1.5 million individuals 12 years old or older had a stimulant use disorder involving methamphetamine.7 If you are struggling with meth addiction, you should know that treatment can help. Methamphetamine addiction is a severe and complex disorder, affecting millions worldwide.
The holy grail of meth addiction treatment would be a medication that effectively reduces cravings and helps maintain sobriety. While we’re not there yet, researchers are making exciting progress on several fronts. These programs can help people who are transitioning from inpatient treatment. These classes focus on addiction and mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders. The severity of these side effects and how long they last depend on many factors, including the substance used, the longevity of use, and the amount taken. Those with substance use disorders usually suffer withdrawal meth addiction symptoms that can last for days or even weeks after their last dose, encouraging them to use the drug repeatedly to alleviate their suffering.
4. Health Problems Associated with Methamphetamine Use Disorder
METH enters the dopaminergic terminal via the dopamine transporter (DAT) where it subsequently enters dopamine storage vesicles via vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) (black arrows). Dopamine is released from the storage vesicles to the cytoplasm and subsequently to the synaptic cleft via METH-induced reversal of the DAT and activates postsynaptic dopamine D1 and D2 receptors. (A higher resolution/colour version of this figure is available in the electronic copy of the article).