Meth: Rehab & Recovery

For more information, read our guide to the addiction rehabilitation process

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), methamphetamines and amphetamines were the primary substance of abuse for 9% of rehab admissions in 2015. 66% of the primary substance abusers also reported secondary use of other substances, primarily depressants like marijuana (36%) and alcohol (26%), which both have a negating effect when combined with a stimulant like methamphetamine.

Any use of methamphetamine outside of the narrow prescription of Desoxyn for ADHD is dangerous behavior that can lead to an addiction quickly. If you feel a craving for the substance when you don’t have it, or you spend your free time thinking of ways to acquire it, it’s likely you have an addiction.

“Methamphetamine use disorder” is the clinical term used for methamphetamine addiction and the criteria for this diagnosis include craving, spending lots of time to obtain or use the substance, reduced effect of the substance with repeated use (tolerance), withdrawal symptoms, persistent desires or efforts to cut down or stop, negative impacts of use on relationships with family and friends, physical health, or job performance, use in dangerous settings etc.

Getting an assessment for methamphetamine addiction is no different than the first step of any other drug rehabilitation; it starts with speaking to a medical professional. Whether it’s a family doctor or an addiction specialist at a rehab facility, a professional assessment is critical in determining the addiction level you’re dealing with and the best rehab solution to address it.

The first step in methamphetamine treatment is detox, which is a period of allowing the body to cleanse itself of all traces of the substance, and of caring for oneself to get through the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. A thorough meth detox takes 7-10 days to rid the body of all the chemicals left over from the abuse.

For more information on the specifics of detox, read our guide to drug and alcohol detox

Methamphetamine is accompanied by a drawn-out withdrawal process that can make the detox stage hard to get through. The worst symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal peak at anywhere from 1 to 2 days after quitting and can take weeks to fully subside. Unfortunately, there’s no FDA approved medication to lessen the effects of meth withdrawal, but some medications, like Naltrexone (used in alcohol relapse prevention) have been found to potentially reduce the cravings for meth and assist in rehabilitation.

Although there’s no FDA approved medication for assisting in stimulant detox, there are certain drugs that can help with the symptoms, including:

• Sleep aids (e.g. trazodone, mirtazapine, hydroxyzine) – can help with insomnia
• Antipsychotics – can treat psychosis (hallucinations and paranoia)

The third step in the rehab process is therapy. Therapy’s goal is to treat the root cause of the drug addiction and improve long-term success after rehabilitation. The National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests no fewer than three months of rehab for the best chance at recovery.

For methamphetamine addiction, behavioral therapy is the most effective option. Unlike heroin or alcohol, there are no FDA-approved drugs for pharmacological therapy in meth addiction cases. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is currently funding research for drugs that could be used to assist in meth addiction therapy, but for now, the institute can only recommend behavioral therapies.

Behavioral therapies, or “counseling” can take place one-on-one or in a group led by a certified professional in order to pinpoint and eliminate the behaviors that lead to drug abuse. The most highly recommended behavioral therapies for methamphetamine addiction by the National Institute of Drug Abuse are:

• Contingency Management: This practice focuses on rewarding the patient with items for continued sobriety. This is the favored practice for recovering meth addicts.
• Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy: This form of therapy is focused on helping patients to avoid relapse by identifying each person’s unique “triggers” and managing stress. The goal is to help patients develop the skills necessary to cope with situations that lead to drug abuse.
• The Matrix Model: This therapy was formed specifically for abusers of stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. It includes elements of relapse prevention, family and group therapies, drug education, social support groups, and 12-step programs. It differs from other programs in that it’s an intensive 16-week program with a rigid structure.

Comorbid depression and paranoia can negatively impact recovery. Medication and counselling for these comorbidities can significantly improve outcomes.

There are no FDA-approved drugs for pharmacological therapy for rehabilitation. However, a handful of studies point to the possibility that some medications, such as mirtazapine or naltrexone, may reduce craving for methamphetamine and support recovery.

Aftercare, the final step in the rehab process, is an ongoing commitment to recovery after completing an inpatient or outpatient program. Aftercare is a lifelong dedication to sobriety and can take many forms from counseling to support groups. Aftercare is often a critical piece in fighting to stay clean.

The high relapse rate makes aftercare measures like consistent counseling, support groups, and in some cases, moving to a sober living facility so necessary. Relapse is generally caused by:

• Stressful Events: Events that are unexpected and cause significant stress make the user want to escape by getting high.

• Lack of a Support System: Without supportive loved ones to help, people may return to bad relationships and situations that encouraged them to use drugs in the first place.

• Triggers: Seeing people or specific places associated with drug use triggers positive memories of using the drug and makes relapse more likely.

• Unaddressed Mental Health Issues: Unless the patient gets any mental health needs addressed, they have a higher chance of returning to the drug addiction.

Meeting with a counselor even once every few weeks after rehab can be a great way to continue recovery and maintain your focus and motivation towards maintaining sobriety.

Support groups can be beneficial in maintaining sobriety after rehabilitation. 12-step faith-based groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous have a long track record as strong support groups, but there are many options available that aren’t faith-based. Making connections with people who have walked a similar path as you can be inspiration and source of encouragement.

Sober living homes (also referred to as recovery residences) are group homes that help recovering addicts transition from treatment facilities to living on their own while maintaining sobriety. They are especially helpful for those who don’t have a supportive and positive environment to live in after rehab.

Residents can stay for a couple of months of for years, as long as they follow the rules and don’t relapse (most homes have a zero tolerance policy for using substances). Other rules usually include completing chores, attending mutual support groups regularly, and paying an equal share of the cost of renting the home.

Some halfway houses are listed in our database, and you can find them by using the appropriate filter in our tool below. Otherwise, head to our guide on sober living homes to learn more about sober living homes, and to find a certified recovery residence near you.

Our directory of rehab programs includes a comprehensive list of available treatment centers and programs as provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In the directory, you will find tools to filter the programs by setting, price, and location.

For more information about finding and choosing the best rehab, visit our guide on the subject 

Methamphetamine and crystal meth addiction doesn’t just cause serious harm to the user, but also to those who are around them – that’s why it’s imperative that you get the help necessary to begin the journey towards recovery.

To learn more about methamphetamine and the addiction it can cause, read our guide to Methamphetamine and Crystal Meth Addiction

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