Methamphetamines are a class of drugs that are potent central nervous system stimulants. Although these drugs have some therapeutic uses, particularly in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactive disorder, they can also be abused due to their ability to generate a sense of euphoria. Methamphetamine abuse has challenges not associated with other forms of drug abuse, and so the treatment of this addiction requires some unique approaches.
Screening
One of the main obstacles for treating methamphetamine addiction is that many users do not seek treatment or do not realize that they need it, according to MethResources.gov. As a result, methamphetamine treatment often begins with a process known as SBIRT, which stands for screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment. The screening aims to determine how severe the addiction is and what level of treatment is needed. The brief intervention attempts to educate addicts on substance abuse and to convince them to seek treatment. The referral to treatment step provides information that helps the methamphetamine user find an appropriate treatment facility.
Obstacles
Another obstacle in the treatment of methamphetamine addiction is the fact that the drug stays in the body for a longer period of time. As a result, patients addicted to methamphetamine often experience physiological changes that result in a relapse between 45 and 120 days after the last use of methamphetamine. Consequently, methamphetamine treatment programs often require a longer treatment period than programs designed for other stimulants, such as cocaine.
Matrix Model
Methamphetamine treatment programs often adopt a variety of different psychological approaches for treating the addiction. One of the most widely researched strategies, according to the UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Program, is called the Matrix Model. This treatment strategy uses cognitive-behavioral therapy to help methamphetamine users comprehend the negative consequences that drug abuse has on their physical and social well being. This strategy also helps users to identify situations and thought patterns that lead to methamphetamine abuse and gives them strategies to avoid relapses. Contingency management, which gives positive reinforcement or rewards for adhering to the program has also been found to be an effective aspect of the Matrix Model
Medications
No medications are specifically indicated for blocking the effects of methamphetamine or for prolonging abstinence in methampethamine addicts, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Medications, such as bupropion, are approved by the FDA for other purposes that may have a beneficial effect for methamphetamine addicts. Bupropion may be able to reduce the "high" induced by methamphetamine as well as reduce drug cravings.
Relapse
Methamphetamine addicts in treatment programs have a high rate of relapse. Patients who return to treatment after a relapse, according to the Illinois Attorney General, should be taught to view the relapse not as a failure in the treatment but as a way to learn more about their addictions. Identifying what triggered the relapse provides an opportunity for recovering addicts to develop strategies for avoiding these situations.
