Methamphetamine overdose deaths tripled between 2015 and 2019 in the U.S. The youngest users who died were just 18 years old. In Australia, drug-related deaths have kept increasing ever since the country recorded its highest number of overdose deaths in 2017.
These deaths were driven by both meth and prescription misuse. At the time, the statistics were already at a worrying 7.5 deaths per 100,000 Australians.
What makes these statistics that much worse is knowing how difficult it is to overcome a meth addiction. It cannot and should not be attempted as a sole effort, even if the addicted person has a strong support system of family and friends.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a meth addiction, know that help is available for you. Entering a rehab facility like HARP (Hills & Ranges Private) will ensure you get the needed treatment, therapy, and medications.
It is also crucial to understand the available medication options, as there is no FDA-approved medicine for meth addiction. The medications that are used help treat symptoms of withdrawal and other conditions related to the addiction.
What Role Does Medication Play in Meth Addiction Treatment?
Drugs for addiction treatment are not as commonly used for meth addiction as they may be for other addictions, including opioid addiction. This is mainly because the most effective treatment for meth addiction has always been and still is behavioural therapy.
However, as stated above, medications are often needed to support a patient’s recovery. This is particularly true when a patient shows symptoms of a mental health disorder or if other treatment methods do not work well.
Most Common Medications for Meth Addiction Treatment
One of the names you will likely hear as you search for information about meth addiction treatment is bupropion. Also known as Wellbutrin or Zyban, this medication is traditionally used as an antidepressant.
- Pros: Bupropion shows promise in reducing meth cravings. It is also generally well-tolerated by patients.
- Cons: Bupropion does not work for everyone, so there is no guarantee it will work for you or your loved one. This medication may also cause unpleasant side effects like insomnia and anxiety.
Bupropion is typically recommended when a person struggling with an addiction also struggles with depression. It has the potential to address both issues at the same time.
Other common medications include:
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is another medicinal option for the treatment of meth addiction.
- Pros: It already works well for opioid and alcohol addiction and is FDA-approved. It also shows great promise in reducing the euphoric effects of meth.
- Cons: Just like Bupropion, Naltrexone does not work for everyone. It also comes with side effects like headache, nausea, and dizziness.
Naltrexone may be effective for patients with a history of poly-substance use, especially opioids.
Modafinil
- Pros: Modafinil may help reduce meth cravings and improve cognitive function.
- Cons: The effectiveness of this medication is still being studied, and most results are mixed. Also, the drug itself is addictive if used for long periods.
Patients suffering from extreme fatigue and cognitive impairment due to their meth addiction may find relief using Modafinil.
Mirtazapine
- Pros: Being an antidepressant, mirtazapine may reduce meth use and help with sleep disorders such as insomnia.
- Cons: Mirtazapine may cause weight gain and a sedating effect.
For some patients, mirtazapine helps with severe insomnia or depression related to meth use.
Topiramate
- Pros: Topiramate, or Topamax, is used for epilepsy and migraine prevention. Some studies show that it may help reduce meth cravings and assist with mood stabilization.
- Cons: Topiramate may cause diminished appetite and cognitive impairment in some people.
This medication may be considered for patients who do not respond well to other treatments or have co-occurring mood disorders.
Behavioural Therapy Remains the Gold Standard of Meth Addiction Treatment
While drugs for addiction may be useful in some instances, behavioural therapies remain the foundation of effective recovery. These therapies include the following.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This treatment helps patients recognize and avoid triggers, manage their cravings, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Contingency Management: This therapy offers tangible rewards for positive behaviour, such as maintaining sobriety.
- Matrix Model: The matrix model combines various therapeutic techniques, such as CBT, family therapy, and motivational interviewing. It is an intensive program that produces good results.
Behavioural therapies are often the first line of treatment because they address the psychological aspects of addiction. They can be used alone or in combination with medications as needed.
Determining the Right Treatment Path
Given how complicated addiction is, a patient must be thoroughly assessed. An assessment can determine the path forward for those struggling with meth addiction and also identify whether medications are needed or not.
At this point, a joint professional team, such as the one at Hills & Ranges Private, becomes invaluable. The HARP team consists of medical professionals, therapists, and
counsellors (to name a few).
These professionals work together to evaluate each patient’s circumstances. They consider a patient’s addiction severity, co-occurring disorders, and previous treatment history.
This collaborative approach ensures that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their needs. When patients get the right therapies that cater to their body and mind, it maximizes their chances of a successful recovery.
For some patients, this may mean focusing solely on behavioural therapies. Others may need additional help in the form of medication to address specific challenges.
Why Choose HARP for Meth Addiction Treatment?
If you or a loved one need urgent help for meth addiction, HARP is the answer. HARP offers a discreet, comfortable location for all patients. The facility also offers customized evidence-based treatment programs, including CBT and other therapies like the highly successful, exclusive 5i curriculum.
Patients have the opportunity to undergo one-on-one or group counselling sessions. Throughout the rehabilitation process, patients are closely monitored to ensure they stay healthy and positive about their recovery.
HARP’s goal for each patient is to address the root causes of addiction through personalized care and therapy. Medication is used as a ‘last resort’ to manage physical and mental symptoms of addiction.
HARP also ensures that patients do not become isolated by allowing them to stay in touch with loved ones.
Ready to take the next step towards your recovery? It starts with taking the following quiz: Measure Your Level of Addiction.
