Addiction Treatment
Brett H. Kessler, DDS; and Michael Dinneen, LCSW, CAC III
There are many different types of drug rehab programs available for methamphetamine users: inpatient, outpatient, residential, short-term, and long-term. The initial step of drug or alcohol addiction treatment is drug detoxification. This first step includes medical supervision for drug addiction and alcoholism, which is performed in order to overcome the physical withdrawal symptoms associated with these two disorders.
A drug rehab program tailored to the individual's specific needs is the next step in recovery. Scientific research has shown that the length of time an individual participates in the addiction treatment process is a critical factor. Typical treatment duration includes short-term treatment programs (28 days) and long-term treatment centers (6 months or longer). The length of time required to rehabilitate an individual is determined by the level and duration of drug or alcohol abuse. Individuals with a long history of chronic drug addiction or alcoholism, normally require a long-term drug rehab in order to increase the chances of a successful outcome. Individuals with a brief history may find success by entering a short-term treatment program or outpatient drug counseling.
In addition to the duration of treatment, the type of drug rehab facility is an important factor as well. There are many different treatment modalities offered by therapeutic communities or residential treatment centers operating under the names of Twelve Step , Drug Treatment , Sober Living , Drug Counseling , Behavioral Therapy , Cognitive Therapy , Narconon , and many others. The importance of correctly diagnosing the individual and selecting the appropriate type of treatment option should not be underestimated, as this may be the difference between success and failure in the recovery process.
When choosing which type of drug rehab treatment modality is correct for an individual there are a number of factors to consider. Consider the duration and intensity of the individual's drug or alcohol abuse and the potential behaviors connected with the abuser i.e. stealing, lying, violence, depression to name a few. Is the individual ready and willing to admit they have a problem and need help? If not, an intervention can be done by family members with the assistance of an intervention specialist.
After-care can be an essential component for chronic drug and alcohol abusers. It is an essential step in the recovery process of chronic drug and alcohol abusers and is often overlooked by many addiction treatment programs.
In general, the more treatment received, the greater the results. Drug and alcohol abusers who remain in treatment longer than three months typically have greater success than those who receive less treatment. Addicted individuals who undergo medically assisted drug or alcohol detoxification to minimize the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms but do not receive any further treatment, perform about the same in terms of their drug or alcohol recovery as those who are never treated at all. Over the last 25 years, studies have shown that drug rehab treatment is very effective in reducing or eliminating drug and alcohol intake. Researchers also have found that drug abusers who have been through a treatment program are more likely to have greater stability generally in all aspects of life i.e. family, work, accomplishing personal goals, etc.
The Montana Meth Project
Among the most successful intervention programs specific to methamphetamine addiction is the Montana Meth Project. The state of Montana ranks among the top ten states nationally in per capita treatment admissions for methamphetamine. The Montana Meth Project is a large-scale exercise in prevention, aimed at significantly reducing methamphetamine use in Montana. The integrated program consists of an ongoing, research-based marketing campaign—supported by community outreach and public policy initiatives—that realistically and graphically communicate the risks of methamphetamine to the youth of Montana.
The Meth Project was conceived and founded by businessman and Montana rancher, Thomas M. Siebel . The purpose is to inform potential methamphetamine consumers about the product attributes and actual risks associated with methamphetamine. The goal is to substantially reduce methamphetamine use.
To date, the Montana Meth Project has succeeded in reducing teen methamphetamine use in Montana by 63% compared to 2005; adult methamphetamine use by 72% over the same period; and methamphetamine-related crime by 62%. In 2005, Montana was ranked fifth in the nation for methamphetamine abuse; today it is ranked thirty-ninth.
The Montana Meth Project is a state affiliate of the national Meth Project organization. For additional information, please visit https://www.montanameth.org .
Source: https://www.usenodrugs.com and the Meth Project Foundation
