Surprising Benefits of Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment
Crystal meth, a homemade derivative of amphetamine, speeds up central nervous system functions in dangerous ways. According to Oregon Health & Science University, crystal meth – also known as methamphetamine – alters a person’s brain, thoughts, bodily functions and even the genes. With long-term use, crystal meth can damage brain structures to the point where a person risks developing permanent brain damage.
Crystal meth addiction treatment employs specialized treatment approaches designed to address the physical and psychological damage caused by long-term crystal meth use. Along with helping users overcome cravings for the drug, crystal meth addiction treatment offers a few surprising benefits that work to further support the recovery process.
Detox Supports
By the time a person enters detox treatment, his or her physical and psychological health has seen considerable decline. While detox treatment does focus on clearing all traces of crystal meth from the body, poor physical or mental health can make it all the more difficult to focus on getting well and staying the course in recovery. For these reasons, people entering detox treatment receive needed medical care and psychotherapy supports.
Developing Interpersonal Skills
Meth rehab centers know what it takes to recover from meth addiction and can help you through the process of recovery.
Over time, crystal meth causes considerable brain chemical imbalances that inevitably alter a person’s perceptions self of others. Someone who’s used crystal meth for a while will start to become paranoid and eventually isolate him or herself. This lifestyle can greatly impair a person’s ability to interact with others.
Through ongoing individual and group counseling sessions, crystal meth addiction treatment helps recovering addicts learn to communicate with others and develop healthy relationship-building skills.
Motivation-Based Therapies
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, crystal meth addiction treatment programs use several different therapy approaches throughout the course of recovery. As long-term crystal meth use weakens a person’s impulse control ability, many of the therapy approaches used focus on motivating recovering addicts to abstain from drug use.
Contingency management therapies provide a person with incentives, such as coupons and community services, to maintain abstinence. Another approach, known as the Matrix Model, employs a 16-week behavioral conditioning model that combines 12-step support meetings, drug testing, behavioral therapy and family education.
Relapse Prevention Strategies
Even when a person has been in recovery for years, the risk of relapse and resumed drug use persist. Crystal meth addiction treatment approaches relapse prevention from multiple angles through:
- Education about the drug’s effects on the brain and body
- Helping addicts identify people, places and things that trigger the urge to use
- Strategies for overcoming drug cravings
Treatment programs also stress the importance of learning to use support groups as a source of guidance and strength.
Aftercare Supports
As with any type of addiction, the crystal meth recovery process continues long after a person completes treatment. Crystal meth addiction treatment programs provide recovering addicts with an aftercare plan that’s designed to keep them engaged in the recovery process.
Aftercare plans include any types of treatment or supports a person needs to maintain abstinence for the long-term. Aftercare plans may include:
- Daily, weekly or bi-weekly support group meetings
- Ongoing psychotherapy sessions
- Family therapy sessions
- Job placement assistance
- Housing assistance
Once a recovering addict transitions from the treatment environment to everyday life, aftercare supports play an essential role in the recovery process.
