Methamphetamine
A commonly used synthetic street
drug that is also known as ‘speed’,
‘meth’, ‘ice’,
‘crystal’, ‘crank’
or ‘chalk’, methamphetamine
is a highly addictive stimulant
that effects the central nervous
system. Although it can be prescribed
for medical purposes such as the
treatment of attention-deficit disorder,
narcolepsy and obesity, such cases
are rare and intended for short-term
use only. Because of its powerful
effects as a stimulant, methamphetamine
is a very dangerous drug that can
lead to violent behavior following
the initial rush or high, and psychosis
and paranoia over long term use.
Withdrawal Symptoms
 Although
there are three grades of methamphetamine addicts including
low-intensity addiction, high-intensity addiction and binge
addiction, the symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal are
the same for all. Some symptoms include:
- fatigue or exhaustion
- long, disturbed periods of sleep
- irritability
- intense hunger
- moderate to severe depression
- psychotic episodes
- anxiety
- insomnia
- confused state
Treatment
Because there are currently no particular pharmacological
treatments designed specifically for methamphetamine dependency
other than what has been borrowed from cocaine treatments,
the most effective treatment plan involves cognitive-behavioral
interventions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is meant to help
change the addict’s way of thinking, their expectancies
from drug use, and their learned behavior and to help them
better cope with life’s daily stressors. Combined with
support groups, individual therapy and group counseling, such
a treatment plan has a relatively high degree of success for
long-term rehabilitation. |