Every year in the United States, more than 1.2 million people use methamphetamines. Although a methamphetamine addiction can be a consuming and dangerous affliction, there is help available.
Treatment centers can address the problem and help patients achieve sobriety, but first those patients need to show up. By learning more about how to find help for methamphetamine addiction, both those addicted to meth and their loved ones will be ready to begin the journey to recovery.
Acknowledge the Need for Treatment
Arguably the most important step in the process of finding help for a methamphetamine addiction is acknowledging the need for treatment. Many individuals use methamphetamine recreationally, but they don’t believe they are truly addicted. Others may know deep down that abuse or addiction are at play, but they don’t want to confront this issue or the long-term health effects they are experiencing.
Often, the best way to truly understand the need for treatment is to look for signs of addiction. Some of the indications that individuals are addicted to methamphetamine can include the following:
- Evidence of small white plastic bags, syringes or crumpled aluminum foil
- Long periods of activity without sleep or tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Significant weight loss in a short period of time
- Increase in nervousness or anxiety
Understand the Commitment of a Rehab Program
The next step in finding help for a methamphetamine addiction involves understanding the scope of treatment and what kind of commitment it will entail. After a meth detox, which can take roughly a week to complete, patients will need to attend a rehab program. On average, these residential programs last approximately 30 days.
Although there are some rehab centers that advertise rapid programs and quick fixes, it’s important to realize that recovery isn’t instant. To truly recover, and to be prepared to maintain sobriety for years to come, patients need to establish lasting habits and create plans that will get them past the inevitable cravings that arise in the future. This can’t happen overnight. Prospective patients should be aware that recovery requires participation for at least a few weeks in order to be successful.
Identify Appropriate Treatment Methods and Therapies for Methamphetamine Addiction
There are countless treatment centers and rehab programs that offer help to those individuals who are struggling with drug addictions. However, not all of these programs offer evidence-based treatment methods and a comprehensive range of alternative therapies. The best centers will offer both, letting patients choose the methods they are most comfortable with on their individual journeys to recovery.
The basis of an addiction treatment program should be evidence-based. Most reputable programs will rely on methods like pharmacological treatment and behavioral therapy. Group counseling, accountability in the form of blood and saliva tests and dual diagnosis treatment are also integral to the treatment of patients.
Many quality rehabs also offer alternative therapies, group programs, and amenities that can help patients stay active, relieve stress and develop new skills. Access to a golf course, a fitness facility or regular yoga classes can be more than just enjoyable, as they can also serve as a form of therapy that’s instrumental in the treatment of a methamphetamine addiction.
Look for an Emphasis on Relapse Prevention
Too often, prospective patients and their loved ones focus exclusively on achieving sobriety. While getting sober is the first phase, learning to maintain sobriety is just as important. Therefore, consider whether treatment programs also place an emphasis on relapse prevention. Preventing relapse can come in many forms, such as:
- Utilizing aftercare services
- Learning to relieve stress in healthy ways
- Visualizing benefits of sobriety
- Focusing on bigger goals
- Achieving personal fulfillment through family, career, religion or sports
Explore Financial Options for Treatment
The final piece of the puzzle when searching for the right treatment for a methamphetamine addiction is cost. Unfortunately, far too many people put off seeking help for dangerous drug addictions because they are concerned with their financial options.
Thankfully, many health insurance policies will cover rehab. In some cases, policies cover the entire cost of treatment, and in other cases, they may cover some costs or reimburse policyholders. Even without insurance, individuals struggling with addiction should seek help. Many rehab programs offer financial assistance or payment plans to ensure that no patients are turned away for financial reasons.
Finding help for methamphetamine addiction might seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier than many prospective patients expect. At Healing Springs Ranch in Tioga, Texas, patients will have access to a range of amenities and therapies for comprehensive treatment. For more information, call us today at 866-656-8384.