Meth Addiction Treatment and Rehab

Treatment for methamphetamine addiction generally involves enrollment in a detox clinic followed by rehab. Learn about the different options for the treatment of meth addiction.

Addiction to methamphetamine adversely affects all aspects of an individual’s life, including their physical and mental health as well as their social and professional lives. Treatment for methamphetamine addiction generally starts with treatment at a detox center, followed by enrollment in an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. Even after finishing rehab, continued participation in support groups and behavioral therapy is an essential part of the recovery process.

Meth Addiction Treatment and Rehab Options

Treatment for methamphetamine addiction involves various forms of behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management programs.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves teaching individuals to recognize thoughts and behaviors that lead to drug use and learning coping strategies to resist triggers that cause drug use. Contingency management programs involve providing positive reinforcement in the form of gift vouchers or other rewards for staying sober and submitting drug-free urine samples.

There are no medications for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction. Rehabilitation centers use various protocols for the treatment of addiction that involve these behavioral therapies. The Matrix Model is one such protocol that has been shown to be especially effective in the treatment of substance use disorders, including methamphetamine addiction. The Matrix Model is an evidence-based, individualized regimen and involves individual and group therapy, family therapy, 12-step support groups and regular drug testing.

A commonly followed path for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction involves medical detox, followed by inpatient or outpatient rehab. After completion of rehab, aftercare involving the continuation of treatment and sober living communities may help prevent relapse. Some of the common forms of treatment options include:

Partial Hospitalization

A partial hospitalization program involves intensive therapy for methamphetamine addiction in an outpatient hospital setting but does not involve residence at the treatment facility. Unlike outpatient rehab, this step involves medical care provided by nurses and physicians besides behavioral therapy in the form of individual and group therapy. Treatment involves attending the treatment facility five to seven days a week for around four to six hours per day. The medical supervision provided in a partial hospitalization program can be useful for individuals in coping with withdrawal symptoms. A partial hospitalization program is also useful for individuals who have finished treatment at an inpatient rehab but still need structure and supervision.

Inpatient Meth Rehab

Inpatient drug rehab requires residence at the treatment facility and provides 24-hour care and supervision. Inpatient rehab involves intensive treatment in the form of individual therapy and group counseling, family therapy and participation in support groups. Inpatient rehab provides a safe and structured, drug-free environment and allows the patient to focus solely on the issues associated with their drug use. The intensive treatment provided at an inpatient facility helps to address the deeper social and psychological issues associated with drug use and teaches the individual the necessary coping skills to live a sober life after rehab. Inpatient rehab is suitable for patients with moderate or severe methamphetamine dependence.

Methamphetamine addiction is often comorbid with psychiatric disorders or other substance use disorders. Some inpatient rehabs specialize in the treatment of co-occurring disorders. Integrated treatment of both disorders or dual diagnosis treatment is much more effective than the treatment of a single disorder at a time. Dual diagnosis treatment requires an understanding of the interaction between the symptoms of the two disorders and effective means for their simultaneous treatment.

Outpatient Meth Rehab

Treatment at an outpatient drug rehab does not require residence at the treatment facility and may involve multiple treatment sessions per week. Treatment at an outpatient rehab allows individuals to continue with their education or professions while maintaining a family life. However, there is considerable variation in the type and intensity of the treatment provided at an outpatient rehab. Treatment at an intensive outpatient rehab facility involves individualized treatment with different behavioral therapy approaches, similar to inpatient rehab. Intensive outpatient rehab is generally more suitable for individuals transitioning from more intensive care at an inpatient rehab.

Treatment at a standard outpatient rehab involving a few sessions of group or individual counseling per week is generally suitable for individuals who have finished rehab and do not need intensive care. Such outpatient care is essential to prevent relapse as recovery from methamphetamine addiction is a life-long process. Treatment at an outpatient facility tends to be less expensive than at an inpatient rehabilitation center. With outpatient treatment you also have the option to choose teletherapy as a form of substance abuse treatment.

Medically Assisted Detox

Treatment at a detox facility is the first step in the process of recovery from methamphetamine addiction. This process involves the elimination of the drug from the body and coping with the withdrawal symptoms that occur as a consequence of abstinence from the drug. These withdrawal symptoms may involve severe depression and intense craving that may lead to relapse. Medical detox involves round-the-clock care provided by nurses and physicians who can provide the necessary medical supervision to help the patient cope with the withdrawal symptoms.

Aftercare and Sober Housing

Recovery from methamphetamine addiction is a life-long process and continuing treatment in aftercare programs after finishing drug rehab is necessary to avoid a relapse. Aftercare generally occurs in the form of outpatient behavioral therapy involving individual and group counseling. Support groups such as 12-step programs are also important in aiding this recovery process. Sober living communities are another useful option for individuals who have finished rehab but are not ready to transition to regular life. Sober housing provides a drug-free and supportive environment that is less expensive than inpatient rehab. These communities have strict rules and generally involve drug screenings and house meetings.

The living environment varies in different sober houses with certain communities having a more democratic structure, whereas others may have a hierarchical and institutional structure. Sober living communities provide the individual with the necessary support from peers who have had similar experiences, as they establish new habits and routines with the help of the skills they acquired at rehab.

Choosing a Treatment Center for Meth Addiction

Choosing a suitable rehabilitation center can be difficult with numerous rehabilitation facilities offering similar treatments. Since individuals differ in their drug use history with different social and psychological factors contributing to their drug use, it is essential that the treatment center provides individualized therapy. The treatment program should be evidence-based and should be provided by qualified and experienced medical staff. Advice from a medical professional should be sought while selecting a rehab center.

Some of the factors to consider while choosing a rehab facility include:

Choosing a Treatment Center for Meth Addiction

Location: Some people may prefer receiving treatment at a facility close to their residence. This preference can facilitate visits from family members and allow for family therapy. Emotional support from family members can be critical in recovery from drug addiction. In the case of an outpatient treatment center, it is useful to choose a rehab center that is near and easy to commute to.

Cost: Treatment at a rehabilitation center can be expensive and it is helpful to check that the treatment center is covered under an insurance plan. Inpatient rehab centers cost more than outpatient treatment centers.

Treatment Options Provided: The treatment center should provide individualized care that is tailored to the patient’s history. To provide an individualized treatment program, the facility should have the amenities and the expertise to deliver a variety of treatment options.

Staff to Patient Ratio: The level of care provided by a rehabilitation or detox center depends not only on the presence of a qualified and experienced staff but also the staff to patient ratio. A low staff to patient ratio ensures that each client receives the care they need.

Paying for Meth Addiction Rehab

The cost of treatment at a rehabilitation facility for methamphetamine addiction depends on various factors, including the severity of the addiction, that may determine the type and the duration of treatment needed. Other factors determining the cost of treatment include the amenities provided and the level of care provided.

Treatment at a rehab can be expensive, and paying for drug rehab is one of the major impediments for people considering getting treatment. Most insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of treatment at rehab, but the cost from co-payments can also be substantial. The cost of 24-hour care at a medical detox or inpatient rehab may cost about $750 per day, whereas outpatient care may cost upwards of $250.

Will Insurance Cover Rehab?

Health insurance companies are now required by law to treat substance use disorders similar to other medical conditions and most insurance plans should cover at least a part of the cost of the treatment at the rehabilitation center, if not the entire cost. It is essential to ensure that the particular rehab center is an in-network provider. Furthermore, under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer treat substance use disorders as pre-existing conditions and deny coverage. Plans under the Affordable Care Act cover about 60% to 90% of the costs of rehab. For individuals without a health insurance plan, some rehabilitation centers may charge patients on a sliding scale fee system. Financial aid from federal agencies, private loans and enrollment in a state-funded rehab are other alternatives for individuals who are unable to pay for rehab.