Methamphetamine

As the Speed started to dry up, and meth became more available (a situation much a result of clever marketing by traffickers, producers and dealers) people had little choice: if they wanted to continue to use stimulants, the move to Methamphetamine was foisted upon them, as was the inevitable need for help with Methamphetamine addiction that would surface years, or perhaps only months, later.

Heroin droughts around the world in the late 90’s and early 2000’s (also engineered by the criminal element) also exacerbated the global Methamphetamine explosion. There was a peak in Amphetamine use around 2006, while both Speed and Methamphetamine were in plentiful circulation. Since that time there has been an ongoing transition from Speed and other drugs, to Methamphetamine and other drugs, and the requirement for help with Methamphetamine addiction has never been so evident as now. There has been unhelpful TV and media coverage which has increased the stigma for users and families alike and sent the issue deeper underground than is useful.

The recovery protocol for help with Methamphetamine addiction is a very individual process. Influencing factors include age, gender, how long you have been using for, other complicating health factors, and the age you started. While the intent to stop using is often in the addict’s mind, actually doing it is another matter entirely. It requires the individual to take the first step and stop using. Some help may be obtained from a trusted doctor, or a detox centre – often and advisedly well away from the familiar using areas of the addict. But wherever it takes place, the ‘user’ must stop before the real and effective help with Methamphetamine addiction can begin. Addiction is the operative word, not Methamphetamine.

One of the difficulties with detox is that people feel somewhat unwell, or just uncomfortable, for 3 to 10 days during the withdrawal process. Prescribed medications to help with Methamphetamine addiction symptoms such as agitation, mood destabilisation and inhibited mental equilibrium are well tested. The emotional component of the withdrawal is sometimes the most difficult part. The physical aspects to withdrawal, the mood fluctuations and mental cravings, can be fairly challenging but good preparation by the addict and the carers will minimise the challenges. Supportive friends, parents and partners, and medical and emotional support agencies may have a part to play, especially if the withdrawal/detox process is at home or as an outpatient. The more strategies and support the addict has in place to help with Methamphetamine addiction cessation, the better.

Withdrawal or detox is only the beginning of the process of recovery. Often people need to take some serious time out to recover emotionally, physically and spiritually. A rehab environment is always a good viable option. Familiar acquaintances who are also users, places, things and triggers create extra stressors which can be very dangerous and totally compromise even the most strenuous, heartfelt, and strong-willed efforts. Help with Methamphetamine addiction is a multi-faceted protocol that must be well planned.

The reality of ceasing use is actually relatively easy as compared to staying stopped. This is where really effective rehab can assist in providing the tools and strategies to use in everyday life to maintain abstinence from the drugs the addict had come to depend on. It does require hard work. Treatment does not simply wash over anybody. The addict must be an active participant in the process. If outwardly unwilling to accept help with Methamphetamine addiction at first, there must at least be some passive acceptance from which to build momentum.