Overcoming an addiction to methamphetamine is a serious challenge. It can be one of the most difficult things a person will experience during their life. Success requires an addict to participate in a process requiring perseverance as well as a focus on personal growth.
Methamphetamine Problem
The use of methamphetamine is a growing problem in the United States. It is estimated to be involved in over 100,000 emergency department visits. Methamphetamine is the 4th most common drug for emergency room visits. Research shows over a million people are addicted to methamphetamine. Over 100,000 people start using methamphetamine each year.
Recovery Periods Vary
There is no single answer to the question of what length of time is needed for someone to recover from their addiction to methamphetamine. The approach to recovery will be unique and based on the individual. With some people, dealing with the underlying issues that caused their addiction may require quite a bit of time.
Important Factors
The way an individual responds to dealing with their addiction to methamphetamine is going to depend on some important factors.
- Does the addict sincerely want to change?
- Is the individual willing to take personal responsibility for being an addict and their major life choices?
- Does the person have the ability to have healthy mechanisms put in place?
- The seriousness of the addiction
- The rate of recovery progress during treatment
- The presence of coexisting mental or medical health issues
- The presence of any physical issues
- Work, home, school responsibilities
Personal Responsibility
Any issue associated with addiction requires the addict to take responsibility for their life decisions. It is a central facet of a successful recovery. Most people fail when it comes to dealing with the problems associated with their addiction. Too many people like to blame other factors. If a person believes forces they can’t control have taken away their ability to resist methamphetamine addiction, they may not change. These are people who won’t take the steps required to live a life that is sober and healthy.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
During the recovery process, acknowledging trauma is not the same as using it as an excuse to be a methamphetamine addict. It can be difficult to accept this on a personal level. An addict needs to learn how to treat their life experiences in healthy ways. This is what is necessary to have a successful recovery. It is common for addiction to be the result of an addict having unhealthy coping mechanisms. When addicts learn how to deal with the stress associated with every-day living in a healthy way, it can help them have a successful recovery.
Desire For Change
It is important to know if an addict sincerely wants to change their behavior in the long term. They need to honestly want an end to their substance abuse. It is common for an individual to participate in a treatment program only because they want to appease the people around them who believe they have a problem. When starting recovery, an addict needs to state they are the one who wants to make a change in their life. Should the underlying issues associated with their addiction not be dealt with in a treatment setting, the benefits of it will fade in just a matter of time.
Counseling And Therapy
Individual therapy will involve meeting with a therapist to discover the underlying issues associated with a person’s methamphetamine addiction. Group counseling helps the addict with developing sober social skills. This will help their growth by proving interpersonal interactions.
Matrix Model
This is a type of therapy designed to treat individuals addicted to stimulants such as methamphetamine. In this program, the therapist is both a teacher and a coach. They provide an addict with encouragement and support during their recovery process. The addict and therapist form a real relationship. There are certain things included in the Matrix Model.
- Family education
- Social support groups
- Relapse prevention
- Early recovery skills group
- Self-help
- Family and group therapies
- Frequent drug screening
- Drug education
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is focused on the connection between a person’s thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. Its goal is to correct negative patterns such as an addiction to methamphetamine. An experienced therapist will teach the addict about positive coping mechanisms. They are to be used when an addict experiences triggers or cravings. There are certain things an addict involved in CBT will learn.
- Identifying and avoiding situations where the use of methamphetamine is a temptation
- Developing effective ways to handle cravings
- Understanding the consequences of continuing the use of methamphetamine
- Recognizing cravings
The need for people to have treatment for methamphetamine addiction is increasing. A successful recovery begins with acknowledging the problem and seeking help. If this is you or a loved one we can help. Call us now at 123-456-7890. Our counselors are available to speak with you 24 hours a day. Call us now at 833-285-1315.
