Pubdate: Fri, 23 Jan 2009
Source: Jefferson Post, The (NC)
Copyright: 2009 The Jefferson Post
Contact:  http://www.jeffersonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1771
Author: Jesse Campbell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

TREATMENT OPTIONS VARY FOR VICTIMS OF METH USE

Last in a series

As methamphetamine usage continues to rise in the western part of the 
state, various regional and national drug rehabilitation centers have 
upped their efforts to provide treatment and support for users and 
their families.

In the Post's second installment on the examination of the rise in 
methamphetamine usage and production, the efforts of the Ashe County 
Sheriff's office were touched upon as Sheriff James Williams offered 
a stern message to anyone who uses or may be contemplating drug 
usage: "sleep with one eye open."

Although many pundits and law enforcement officials would agree that 
the correctional system may be one avenue for drug cessation or 
deterrence, other options do exist to assist those who may be 
struggling with crystal meth or any other form of drug or alcohol addiction.

Many users have found cessation success in the form of rehabilitative 
services but these programs differ in the form of treatments that are 
offered, and it may be difficult to determine which program is best 
suited for the individual.

According to Drug Rehab Services, the most effective form of 
treatment for methamphetamine addiction may be cognitive behavioral 
interventions. Through intervention, medical officials and 
psychologists attempt to modify the patient's thinking, behavior, and 
attempt to increase his or her skill base so they can cope with life 
stressors that can trigger cravings for the drug, DRS said.

Unlike other forms of substance abuse treatment, there is not a 
standard form of pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine 
addiction, the National Institute on Drug Abuse said. Some experts 
have borrowed from the treatments used to treat patients with cocaine 
dependence, but the successes of these treatments have varied. Acute 
methamphetamine addiction can be treated by medical officials 
observing the user in a safe and quiet monitored environment.

In extreme cases of methamphetamine addiction, such as binge 
consumption or tweaking, anti-anxiety agents such as benzodiazepines 
and abbreviated doses of neuroleptics have proven somewhat successful 
in fighting off short-term methamphetamine induced psychoses, the 
NIDA said. Low dosages of Prozac have also been cited as an effective 
methamphetamine craving suppressant.

Withdrawal symptoms from methamphetamine usage can wreak severe 
psychological and physical havoc on users attempting to come off the 
drug. According to the Recovery Connection, withdraw symptoms from 
meth can range from intense drug cravings and convulsions to nausea, 
insomnia, irritability, and depression. Antidepressant medications 
have been used with patients who have just recently become abstinent 
from drug dependency and refrained from usage but individuals should 
consult a professional about taking such medication.

In cases where patients suffer an overdose from any type of 
methamphetamine consumption, they should pursue emergency medical 
care immediately. Emergency room personnel will often perform 
procedures and administer medication to treat potentially fatal 
complications associated with overdoses such as hyperthermia and convulsions.

Support groups for users of methamphetamine have also proven 
successful in keeping users 'clean.'

The American Academy of Family Physicians released a report in 
October of 2007 that contained information on the successes and 
failures of various treatments of methamphetamine addictions. In 
their findings, the ACFP reported that outpatient behavioral 
treatments have become the standard for abuse and dependence. Other 
forms of treatment have found success in rewarding patients who have 
provided drug-free urine samples.

The Twelve Step program has also enjoyed successes in deterring users 
which acts as a set of guidelines to recover from any type of 
addiction or compulsion, the AAFP said. A system known as the Matrix 
Model has also proven successful in treating patients who have abused 
stimulants. In essence, the model is regimented to fit the individual 
needs of each patient and is based on cognitive principles that 
incorporate both individual and group therapies, the ACFP said.

It is important to remember however that the listed possible routes 
of recovery are only examples and an individual who is struggling 
with any type of addiction should talk with a health care or mental 
health professional about what choice is right for them. None of the 
listed form of treatments is endorsements, these are just examples.

For more information on drug rehabilitative services in North 
Carolina, please contact N.C. Drug Rehab Services 1-877-801-5475 or 
1-866-635-1001 for information on drug treatment centers in North Carolina.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom