'Meth'-ology, Part 4

BIGGEST QUESTION: IS IT 'LIFE OR METH'?

The question is simple. It's the answer that's difficult for the user of
methamphetamine to answer.

(Editor's Note -- This is the fourth and final part of a series of articles
on the increase in methamphetamine production, distribution and use in
Southeast Tennessee.)

A number of treatment facilities are available for those who wish to be
rescued from the clutches of meth. However, individuals must make the tough
choice to break the bond between themselves and the drug.

So, the question is: life or meth?

"Convicted users are usually thankful to get caught and rehabilitated. They
often fear death from the drug," said Roy Sturgill, director of Appalachia
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. "The growing abuse of the drug is
linked to its increasing availability and the fact that it can be easily
manufactured from readily available chemical ingredients."

The drug is addictive, and users can quickly need larger and more frequent
doses. Addiction is a chronic relapsing disease, characterized by
compulsive drug-seeking and drug use which is accompanied by changes in the
brain. In addition to being addicted to meth, chronic meth abusers may
exhibit symptoms including anxiety, confusion, insomnia and violent behavior.

With chronic use, indulgence for meth can develop. In an effort to
intensify the desired effects, users may take higher doses of the drug,
take it more frequently or change their method of drug intake.

"Persistent abuse can lead to psychotic behavior, characterized by intense
paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations and out-of-control rages that
can be coupled with extremely violent behavior," said Becky Encizo of
Bradford Health Services in Chattanooga.

At this time the most effective treatments for methamphetamine addiction
are cognitive behavioral interventions. These approaches are designed to
help modify the patient's thinking, expectancies and behaviors and to
increase skills in coping with various life stresses.

Methamphetamine recovery support groups also appear to be effective
adjuncts to behavioral interventions that can lead to long-term drug-free
recovery.

"We have a very good drug abuse program here. Meth abuse is very treatable.
We have a number of success stories," said Encizo.

There are currently no particular pharmacological treatments for dependence
on amphetamine or amphetamine-like drugs such as methamphetamine. However,
antidepressant medications are helpful in combating the depressive symptoms
frequently seen in methamphetamine users who recently have become sober.

"Although a person addicted to meth may experience withdrawal symptoms for
a short time, the benefits to a person who stops using the drug greatly
outweigh an addiction," said Encizo.

"Withdrawals are not as severe as those of a person who was coming off
cocaine or heroin. The most difficult part is the emotional and
physiological pains. A person who has withdrawals from meth will experience
mood swings, depression, severe craving, insomnia, restlessness and mental
confusion."

To learn more about meth and other drugs of abuse, contact one of the
following locations:

* Teen Challenge of the Mid-South, 90 1/2 N. Ocoee St., (423)476-6627

* Pine Ridge Treatment Center, 2800 Westside Dr. N.W., (423)339-4166

* CADAS, 207 Spears Ave., Chattanooga, (423)756-7644

* Bradford Health Services, 1 Northgate Park, Suite 304, Chattanooga,
(423)870-5110