Methamphetamine Treatment

Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant drug that strongly activates certain systems in the brain. Methamphetamine is chemically related to amphetamine, but the central nervous system effects of methamphetamine are greater. Both drugs have some limited therapeutic uses, primarily in the treatment of obesity.

Methamphetamine is made in illegal laboratories and has a high potential for drug abuse and drug addiction. Treatment is available albeit lengthy; Teen Challenge has a free programme, see below for more details.

Street methamphetamine is referred to by many names, such as “speed,” “methamphetamine,” and “chalk.” Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking, is referred to as “ice,” “crystal,” “glass,” and “tina".

Teen Challenge helps individuals seeking treatment for methamphetamine addiction and drug abuse through effective drug-free rehabilitation and free education. Don't let yourself or a loved one continue to drown in the trap of drug abuse.

Methamphetamine treatment

Methamphetamine abusers do not necessarily need specialized treatment but do need more time in intensive outpatient or residential drug treatment programs than they normally receive under current practices.

University of Iowa researchers made the recommendation for longer treatment times for methamphetamine abusers and identified areas of research that could help improve treatment, including retention and new drug therapies.

"In reviewing studies we found that treatment does work if you can give people sufficient access to treatment," said James Hall, Ph.D., UI associate professor of pediatrics, social work, public health and nursing and one of the review authors. "We were worried that you need a special care ward or other special setting, but at least based on the data we reviewed, that doesn't seem to be the case."

The Time Factor

"What seems to make a difference is time? Methamphetamine effects can last up to six months for just one use, and the drug can do greater damage to a person's physical, behavioral and thinking functions than many other illicit drugs or alcohol," Hall wrote. "For this reason, it takes much longer to treat a person with a methamphetamine addiction than it does to treat someone with a cocaine or heroin problem. This time factor is also one reason why so many methamphetamine treatments currently fail."

Most adult residential drug treatment programs have been shortened in recent years from 45 or 30 days to only 10 to 14 because of changes in the insurance industry. "The problem is even worse for adolescents. Residential treatment programs for that age group have "dried up" due to budget cuts," Hall said.

FREE help is available at Teen Challenge.

Two Weeks Not Enough

"If you are a regular methamphetamine user, you will need more time to detox before you can accept the treatments, which are very cognitive," he said. "We don't know exactly how long you need, but we do know the current two-week time isn't sufficient. Likely, a minimum of 30 days of residential treatment allows the methamphetamine abuser to regain essential thinking and decision-making skills."

Hall said researchers should determine what residential treatment length would be effective for methamphetamine users before using outpatient care.

Teen Challenge’s rehabilitation programme for is open to everyone both men and women who need help. Wilkerson House Center in London is open to men only and Hope House Center in Wales is for women. Both are residential and the programme term is 12 months. Our programme is FREE, for more information complete our online application form.

Treatment Instead of Imprisonment

"The emphasis on dealing with methamphetamine has been punishment and imprisonment, but we may do well as a society to reserve prison for those who are involved in illegal drug sales or violence and support treatment for abusers," Hall said.

When you have filled in the free application form you will receive a personal assessment of your addiction and how we can help. Then one of our Support Workers or Centre Manager will then contact you to arrange a consultation.

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