Important Questions to Ask About Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine is widely believed by substance abuse professionals to be one of the most addictive and dangerous illicit drugs. Despite many educational and prevention programs, methamphetamine abuse and addiction remain a very serious problem in society. There are several important questions to ask about meth addiction that you need answers to.
What are the Signs of Meth Addiction?
According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research at the University of Maryland, there are many obvious signs of methamphetamine abuse and addiction. Some of these include:
- Psychosis
- Poor personal hygiene
- Anxiety
- Skin sores from scratching or picking at tactile hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Cracked and rotted teeth
- Severe weight loss and bad complexion from malnutrition
- Paranoia
- Intense cravings
These signs all indicate a meth addiction that requires treatment.
Is There a Cure?
Methamphetamine addiction is considered chronic disease. This means that there is no cure for it. In this way it is similar to asthma or diabetes. Like these other diseases, meth addiction can be managed if it is handled the right way.
What Treatment Options Exist?
While there is no cure for meth addiction, there are several psychological meth substance abuse treatment options that can help sufferers get their lives back under control. These include:
- Contingency management therapy
- Matrix model treatment
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Group, family, and individual counseling
All of these methods are widely used in treating methamphetamine addiction.
Do These Treatments Work?
All of the behavioral treatments used to combat meth addiction are effective under the right circumstances. There are a few factors to know that can bring about a successful outcome. These are:
- Full participation in treatment
- Adequate treatment length
- Building a strong support network
- Healthy lifestyle changes
Combining all of these factors will give recovering the best chance at beating their meth addiction.
What Happens if you Don't Get Treatment?
The highly addictive nature of methamphetamine makes quitting without treatment all but impossible. This may leave you wondering what will happen if you do not quit. The fact is that continued meth abuse will steal your health, home, and family. It will also take your life. If you are suffering from meth addiction, get help now.