However, illegal meth is much stronger, more addictive, and very dangerous. Meth use can cause severe damage to the brain and body, leading to addiction, serious health problems, and potentially, death (National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA, n.d.-b). The withdrawal symptoms of meth addiction are intense cravings, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and severe sleep disturbances.

How Is Crystal Meth Made? What’s in It?

The rewarding effects of METH decrease in strength over time with chronic use of the drug due to the development of a variety of neuroadaptations 36. Human studies found an association between D2 receptor deficit and METH seeking (e.g. 67, 68); however, administration of D2 agonists in clinical trials did not produce the desired effects. METH use has increased particularly among people with an existing opioid use disorder (OUD) 16. People with OUD reported that they sought a synergistic high by combining the drugs or that they wanted to balance the effects of opioids with METH effects.

• The dangers of mixing meth with other substances include the risk of severe health complications, such as overdose and cardiovascular problems.
• The detoxification process for methamphetamine addiction is the initial step in recovery, focusing on safely managing withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision.
• In contrast, a more intensive option is inpatient treatment, in which individuals stay at a facility for a set duration.
• Scientific evidence supports CM as the choice of non-pharmacological treatment followed by CBT and then rTMS/tDCS.

1.7. Emerging Non-pharmacological Treatments for Methamphetamine Use Disorder

• This program is ideal for educating patients and their families, school faculty and staff, behavioral and mental health professionals, and more.
• According to evidence from early clinical trials, anti-methamphetamine monoclonal antibodies may reduce and slow the effects of meth in the brain.
• These programs are ideal for severe addiction cases, offering a controlled environment that eliminates access to methamphetamine and other triggers.
• Physically, it causes dental decay, skin sores, and exhaustion due to prolonged stimulant effects.
• This can make it difficult to simply stop using the drug once you’ve started.

Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, speed, or crack, is a powerful stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. While some drugs slow down the body, meth speeds it up by triggering a burst of energy and an intense rush of euphoria. It also boosts alertness, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ reduces appetite, increases activity and talkativeness, and offers a general sense of happiness and well-being.

Video: The cycle of meth abuse

Inpatient treatment involves intensive, round-the-clock care in a controlled environment within a specialized rehabilitation facility. This treatment includes medical supervision, structured therapy sessions, and support for withdrawal management. Our content does not constitute a medical or psychological consultation. See a certified medical or mental health professional for diagnosis. Another effective drug addiction method is contingency management, which uses rewards to encourage positive behavior changes. For example, individuals might receive incentives for staying drug-free.

The Matrix Model therapy provides a framework for engaging people who abuse METH in treatment and helping them achieve abstinence. Patients learn about issues critical to the addiction, relapse, and recovery process. They receive advice from a trained therapist on how to avoid relapse and how to socialize in a drug-free environment. As part of the Matrix Model therapy, families are encouraged to actively participate in the recovery of their loved one. The Matrix model therapy has been effective in reducing METH use and craving during treatment and has meth abuse shown somewhat better retention and abstinence rates than other behavioral interventions 74. Specifically, when investigated as an independent intervention, the Matrix model therapy reduced METH use and improved craving management and control 98.