Innovative Meth Therapy: New Approaches to Addiction Treatment

With drug dependence, you need more and more of the substance to achieve the same effect (tolerance). You experience mental and physical effects (withdrawal) if you stop taking the drug. Martinez says she’s hopeful more of her clients will now be able to get medical treatment for their meth addiction, rather than wind up caught in the criminal justice system.

The FDA recently announced a new tool through which investigators can determine if proposed treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) work based on whether they reduce “risk drinking” levels. The new tool can be used as an acceptable primary endpoint in studies of medications to treat adults with moderate to severe AUD. From traditional methods like CBT and 12-step programs to cutting-edge techniques like TMS and psychedelic-assisted therapy, the toolkit for treating meth addiction is expanding. Pharmacological interventions, while still in development, hold promise for more effective medical treatments. Holistic approaches recognize the importance of treating the whole person, not just meth addiction the addiction.

Meth Therapy: Innovative Approaches to Treating Methamphetamine Addiction

Synthetic opioids (e.g., illicitly-manufactured fentanyl) have contributed to increases in stimulant-involved deaths 5. Overall, METH is one of the leading causes of drug overdose deaths in the US. It accounted for 10.6% of deaths in 2016, 49.8% of which involved concomitant use of another drug(s) with heroin (21.8%), fentanyl (11.1%), and cocaine (8.3%) being the top 3 concomitant drugs. It accounted for 15% of deaths in 2017 and 50% of those deaths also involved an opioid 17. The Matrix model is an intensive, 16-week outpatient treatment program that integrates a number of evidence-based behavioral therapies. Research has shown that the technique helps reduce methamphetamine abuse.

Shake and Bake Meth: Causes, Effects, Risks

Similarly, CBT diminished relapse and/or cravings in other individuals with METH use disorder e.g. 91, 93-95. Of note, although CM and CBT both demonstrated positive outcomes individually, no clear synergism was observed when CM was combined together with CBT 96; however, when compared, the CM outperformed the CBT, e.g. 82. The positive rewarding effects of METH are mediated mainly by increased dopaminergic neurotransmission, making the dopamine system a favored target for pharmacotherapy in MUD. Serotonin and noradrenaline modulate dopaminergic neurotransmission in the reward circuitry via stimulation of serotonergic and adrenergic receptors in several brain areas 55, 56. In addition to modulating dopaminergic neurotransmission, certain other properties make the serotonin and noradrenaline system targets for pharmacotherapy for MUD. Serotonin stabilizes mood and regulates impulsivity as well as learning and memory 57 and thus has a role in the development and reinstatement of drug taking 56, 58.

How Long Does Meth Rehab Take?

By improving access to treatment and adopting harm reduction strategies, we can create a more supportive and efficient healthcare landscape for those battling meth addiction. The journey to effectively address and manage methamphetamine addiction underscores the critical importance of a comprehensive approach that encompasses understanding, researching, and applying diverse treatment strategies. Personalized treatment strategies, informed by ongoing research, hold the potential to improve recovery outcomes for those affected by methamphetamine addiction significantly. The complexity of addiction, coupled with these unique variations, makes methamphetamine one of the more challenging substance use disorders to treat effectively. By altering negative thought patterns, CBT empowers individuals to change their behavior and make healthier choices, which is crucial for long-term recovery from meth addiction. Methamphetamine abuse results in both immediate and long-lasting effects on an individual’s physical and mental health.

• From the crystal-studded wreckage of shattered lives, a glimmer of hope emerges as innovative therapies battle the relentless grip of methamphetamine addiction.
• Concerningly, these changes in the brain can be long-term and potentially life-threatening.
• Adopting healthy lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, can significantly improve physical and mental well-being.
• In recent years, METH abuse in the United States has been rapidly increasing and is currently one of the leading causes of death in our country.
• “It’s almost like methamphetamines are falling from the sky right now, with the amount that’s coming through the border and on boats and planes,” says Matthew Donahue with the U.S.

Denial and stigma surrounding addiction can hinder individuals from acknowledging their problems. However, support from loved ones, healthcare professionals, or intervention specialists can help individuals recognize the need for help. Access to treatment for methamphetamine addiction is often hindered by socioeconomic factors and stigma. Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) is another exciting development in the field. It’s like yoga for your brain, teaching patients to observe their thoughts and cravings without judgment. By cultivating awareness and acceptance, individuals can develop a more balanced relationship with their experiences, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

A Public Health Approach to Preventing Opioid Misuse: Targeting Pharmacists

In 2019, about 50% of METH users suffered from MUD, including 19,000 adolescents and 125,000 young adults (Fig. 1A, B) 8. Among people aged 12 to 25, the percentage with a past-year MUD remained relatively stable between 2015 and 2019. Among adults aged 26 or older, the percentage with a past-year MUD increased from 0.3% (or 539,000 people) in 2016 to 0.4% (or 904,000 people) in 2019 (Fig.1B) 8. Similarly, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a recent increase in METH-related overdose deaths during the pandemic 11.

3. Potential Future Treatments for Methamphetamine Use Disorder

It’s like giving your body and brain the fuel and tune-up they need to function optimally. Imagine a shield that prevents meth from reaching the brain, rendering the drug ineffective. While still in the early stages of research, meth vaccines could revolutionize addiction treatment if successful.

Susana is a dedicated mental health writer and advocate with over 8 years of experience in the field. She is passionate about sharing accurate and helpful information about mental health, addiction, and recovery. Susana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University and has over 7 years of professional experience working in the addiction recovery field. Her commitment to promoting mental health awareness and providing support to those in need is at the core of her work. The battle against meth addiction is one we must continue to fight, armed with science, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the human capacity for change and growth. The battle against meth addiction is far from over, but we’re making progress.

Understanding the science and social impact of meth addiction, as well as the available treatment modalities and support groups, is crucial in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. Individuals can reclaim their lives and achieve lasting sobriety with the right combination of interventions, therapies, and aftercare. Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management, are crucial components of meth addiction treatment.