The synthetic drug methamphetamine is a stimulant and highly addictive. It produces a euphoric effect, and because it can last up to 24 hours, it is incredibly attractive to those struggling with drug addiction. Those who have succumbed to the use of methamphetamine smoke it, inject it, take it orally, or snort it. It is more common for those suffering from a methamphetamine addiction to inject or smoke the drug because it produces an immediate rush.
The scariest part is that nearly 10 million Americans alone have used methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime. These include children aged 12 to 17.
Between 2022 and 2023, one percent of Australian residents aged 14 and older had consumed both methamphetamine and amphetamine. Even worse, Australia had the sixth-highest average when it comes to stimulant consumption compared to 24 other countries, including the U.S.
Dealing with a methamphetamine addiction is incredibly hard, not only for the person struggling with it but also for their loved ones.
Those addicted to methamphetamine must get help in the form of a rehab facility where a well-rounded approach treats the body, mind, and emotional state.
If you want to help a loved one through the process of getting clean from methamphetamine, HARP can help. This article will help you understand how HARP approaches methamphetamine addiction and what types of drugs for addiction may be used during the rehabilitation process.
What Is a Methamphetamine Addiction?
Methamphetamine (meth) is often manufactured using pseudoephedrine, which is the main ingredient in several cold medicines. However, meth sometimes contains dangerous ingredients such as acids, metals, rubbing alcohol, gasoline, and starter fluid.
This makes the drug incredibly hazardous to an addicted person’s health. If your loved one injects or snorts meth, it changes their brain function. It alters how their brain sends signals to the rest of their body.
The affected main parts of the brain are the frontal and prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus. Because meth is a stimulant, the brain’s neurotransmitters release feel-good hormones, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. This makes your loved one feel good, almost invincible, which is why they continue using it to get the same high.
Unfortunately, continued meth use means your loved one will:
- Use more meth and for longer periods
- Become unable to stop using meth
- Spend most of their time looking for ways to get high on meth
- Stop going to work or school
- Choose the drug over their relationships
- Get themselves in difficult situations to get their hands on meth
The longer your loved one uses meth, the more havoc the drug will wreak on their health. Their blood pressure will continue to increase, and they will experience a fast heart rate. Their body temperature will rise, and they will find it hard to fall or stay asleep.
Eventually, your loved one will experience an urge to act or behave violently or aggressively. They will be permanently agitated or irritable and find their muscles breaking down and their blood circulation not working as it should.
Long-term meth abuse can also lead to internal bleeding, coma, and death.
How HARP Can Help Your Loved One Break the Addiction Cycle
HARP (Hills & Ranges Private) offers a holistic approach to meth addiction. The facility’s addiction treatments involve various strategies that include therapy, counselling, and medication.
Drugs for addiction are used depending on the individual’s needs and are given to support their recovery throughout the rehab process.
It is important to note that no medications are FDA-approved to treat meth addiction specifically. However, several drugs show promise in helping patients manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Some of the drugs that may be used for addiction treatment include the following:
- Antidepressants: Bupropion, in particular, has been proven to help reduce drug cravings.
- Modafinil: This medication is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It also helps calm cravings and disruptive sleep patterns that patients experience while going through withdrawal. This medicine can also be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
- Fluoxetine: This drug can help patients overcome panic attacks and ease anxiety during the withdrawal process.
Even if the HARP clinical team decides to proceed to medications, they will not rely on medicine alone to help your loved one through withdrawal. HARP offers several behavioural therapies, such as counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and its unique and exclusive 5i curriculum.
Clinicians and counsellors across different industries developed the 5i curriculum, combining the latest in mental health science and AOD with proven abstinence strategies and CBT.
The Role of Medication in Meth Rehabilitation
Medication is not always necessary for treating meth addiction, and it is not the sole way to help your loved one recover. This is why, at HARP, a medical professional team decides what is best for each patient.
If they find that their loved one is suffering severe withdrawal symptoms, the team may prescribe medication to make it easier for them.
If your loved one suffers mental health issues in addition to their addiction, medication can help treat these. Common mental health issues related to meth addiction include anxiety disorders and depression.
Should your loved one be at a higher-than-normal risk of relapsing, medication to reduce their cravings may be needed.
Keep in mind that medication may not be required if your loved one experiences mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. It is also your loved one’s choice whether they want to use mediation as part of their treatment.
HARP’s Collaborative, Personalized Treatment Approach
HARP offers your loved one a private journey towards a drug-free life. The centre partners with highly reputable detox facilities to ensure seamless care during the detox process. Should your loved one’s addiction be so severe that they have suicidal thoughts, the HARP team will monitor them closely to ensure their safety as they recover.
Most importantly, your loved one will not be isolated while they go through withdrawal. HARP allows patients to stay in contact with their family and friends and catch up with work as they get better.
Your loved one will have their own personalized treatment plan and access to HARP’s world-class recreational facilities. As they recover, they will be able to enjoy a day spa, meditation, and even a private gym.
There is equine and music therapy to choose from, and HARP itself is located in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia.
Book a confidential call with the HARP team today, and get your loved one on the road to recovery fast.
