Meth Rehab: Deciding on Meth Rehab

With methamphetamines being the signature drug addiction scourge of the past ten to fifteen years, the need for meth rehab is a vital public health concern. At the same time, adverse changes in insurance coverage and budget cuts to local governments have worked to squeeze access to needed treatment, especially for younger people. Those suffering this addiction have to work harder to find out about their problem and discover what treatment options are available to them.

Military Use

Methamphetamine’s became prominent during the 1930s and 1940s but especially during World War II when they were given to both German and Japanese soldiers by their governments to help them stay awake for prolonged periods. The drug gave heightened alertness and energy but at a significant cost to health. Meth use is known to cause damage to the small blood vessels in the human brain, potentially leading to strokes. It also inflames the lining of the heart.

Symptoms

There are both short and long-term symptoms of methamphetamine abuse. The former include paranoid behavior, even violently so, skin damage running the gamut from rashes and sores to cracking lips, sunken, blood-shot eyes and frequent scratching of one’s skin. The most frequently mentioned symptom, staying awake for several days on end, perhaps ought not be considered a “symptom of abuse” since it is so often the effect users are seeking.

Long-Term

Over time, the methamphetamines user can expect hallucinations, both visual and aural. These may not accompany the moment of use but may come at any time. The user can also expect the most familiar effects of meth abuse, which are extreme weight loss and the rotting of the teeth.

Emotional Addiction

Therapists have learned that in treating addicted patients, it isn’t enough to address only physical aspects of their addiction. They have learned that meth, the “party drug”, creates in its abusers an addiction to the lifestyle surrounding that abuse that is as significant as the drug’s pharmacological effects. This is an abuse that creates small, close-knit and mutually-reinforcing communities of abusers. Those within these communities grow attached to their late-night drug culture.

Negative Social Bond

These social bonds need to be replaced for any real progress to be possible. Accordingly, an important part of meth rehab involves the addict’s social life. The patient should be separated from his or her old life and friends, all of whom reinforce the drug culture. During therapy, it is best to move out of the area for a period.

Treatment can be both individual, working one on one with a therapist, and in therapist-guided groups. One on one therapy is best for sorting the problems that underlie the addiction. These include compulsiveness, being overwhelmed with fears and a diminished sense of self.

Teen Challenge Students Share their Stories

More from “TC Classics”. This is several TC students sharing their testimonies.