TREATMENT OPTIONS VARY FOR VICTIMS OF METH USE

Last in a series

As methamphetamine usage continues to rise in the western part of the
state, various regional and national drug rehabilitation centers have
upped their efforts to provide treatment and support for users and
their families.

In the Post's second installment on the examination of the rise in
methamphetamine usage and production, the efforts of the Ashe County
Sheriff's office were touched upon as Sheriff James Williams offered
a stern message to anyone who uses or may be contemplating drug
usage: "sleep with one eye open."

Although many pundits and law enforcement officials would agree that
the correctional system may be one avenue for drug cessation or
deterrence, other options do exist to assist those who may be
struggling with crystal meth or any other form of drug or alcohol addiction.

Many users have found cessation success in the form of rehabilitative
services but these programs differ in the form of treatments that are
offered, and it may be difficult to determine which program is best
suited for the individual.

According to Drug Rehab Services, the most effective form of
treatment for methamphetamine addiction may be cognitive behavioral
interventions. Through intervention, medical officials and
psychologists attempt to modify the patient's thinking, behavior, and
attempt to increase his or her skill base so they can cope with life
stressors that can trigger cravings for the drug, DRS said.

Unlike other forms of substance abuse treatment, there is not a
standard form of pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine
addiction, the National Institute on Drug Abuse said. Some experts
have borrowed from the treatments used to treat patients with cocaine
dependence, but the successes of these treatments have varied. Acute
methamphetamine addiction can be treated by medical officials
observing the user in a safe and quiet monitored environment.

In extreme cases of methamphetamine addiction, such as binge
consumption or tweaking, anti-anxiety agents such as benzodiazepines
and abbreviated doses of neuroleptics have proven somewhat successful
in fighting off short-term methamphetamine induced psychoses, the
NIDA said. Low dosages of Prozac have also been cited as an effective
methamphetamine craving suppressant.

Withdrawal symptoms from methamphetamine usage can wreak severe
psychological and physical havoc on users attempting to come off the
drug. According to the Recovery Connection, withdraw symptoms from
meth can range from intense drug cravings and convulsions to nausea,
insomnia, irritability, and depression. Antidepressant medications
have been used with patients who have just recently become abstinent
from drug dependency and refrained from usage but individuals should
consult a professional about taking such medication.

In cases where patients suffer an overdose from any type of
methamphetamine consumption, they should pursue emergency medical
care immediately. Emergency room personnel will often perform
procedures and administer medication to treat potentially fatal
complications associated with overdoses such as hyperthermia and convulsions.

Support groups for users of methamphetamine have also proven
successful in keeping users 'clean.'

The American Academy of Family Physicians released a report in
October of 2007 that contained information on the successes and
failures of various treatments of methamphetamine addictions. In
their findings, the ACFP reported that outpatient behavioral
treatments have become the standard for abuse and dependence. Other
forms of treatment have found success in rewarding patients who have
provided drug-free urine samples.

The Twelve Step program has also enjoyed successes in deterring users
which acts as a set of guidelines to recover from any type of
addiction or compulsion, the AAFP said. A system known as the Matrix
Model has also proven successful in treating patients who have abused
stimulants. In essence, the model is regimented to fit the individual
needs of each patient and is based on cognitive principles that
incorporate both individual and group therapies, the ACFP said.

It is important to remember however that the listed possible routes
of recovery are only examples and an individual who is struggling
with any type of addiction should talk with a health care or mental
health professional about what choice is right for them. None of the
listed form of treatments is endorsements, these are just examples.

For more information on drug rehabilitative services in North
Carolina, please contact N.C. Drug Rehab Services 1-877-801-5475 or
1-866-635-1001 for information on drug treatment centers in North Carolina.