Pubdate: Sun, 19 Jun 2005
Source: Springfield News-Leader (MO)
Copyright: 2005 The Springfield News-Leader
Contact:  http://www.springfieldnews-leader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1129
Author: Pamela Brogan, Gannett News Service
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

METH ADDICTS HAVE OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT

WASHINGTON -- Much of the treatment for meth addiction is still in the 
formative stages, but addicts have several options for getting help. Users 
who are insured should consult their family doctors, said Allison Colker, a 
senior policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Most states require private insurance companies to pay for some substance 
abuse treatment, but policies vary widely in terms of the type and length 
of treatment covered, according to the conference.

Meth users who aren't covered by insurance may seek help through Medicaid, 
the federal health insurance program for the poor. Medicaid also covers 
substance abuse treatment for children under 19 if it is "medically 
necessary," according to Mary Kahn, a spokeswoman for the Centers for 
Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Medicaid provides more limited treatment options for adults.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and 
Mental Health Services Administration has a toll-free number, which is 
1-800-662-HELP, for people with or without insurance who are seeking 
referrals to local substance abuse treatment programs.

Visit www.samhsa.gov/treatment/treatment_public_i.aspx for a searchable 
directory of drug and alcohol treatment programs nationwide.

Many meth abusers who have been arrested and charged with meth-related 
crimes get treatment through one of hundreds of drug courts across the 
country. The courts offer drug-addicted defendants treatment as an 
alternative to incarceration, according to the National Institute on Drug 
Abuse, or NIDA.

Joe Ledl, a state probation officer in southwest Missouri, said drug courts 
allow addicts to get treatment using the resources of judges, lawyers, law 
enforcement and recovery experts in a nonconfrontational setting.

"In the drug court setting, these groups can be combined, rather than 
divided, into a cohesive unit able to maximize the participant's 
opportunity to address his methamphetamine addiction," Ledl said.

Researchers have not yet developed medications to treat methamphetamine 
addiction, but NIDA is working to develop such medications.

NIDA also has invested in behavioral treatments for meth addiction. Dr. 
Nora Volkow, NIDA's director, told a Senate subcommittee in April that a 
16-week treatment program known as the Matrix Model has been used 
successfully to treat meth addiction. The model originated in response to 
the cocaine epidemic of the 1980s.
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MAP posted-by: Beth