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Meth Treatment

Methamphetamine Dangers

It is a myth that methamphetamine is safer than cocaine or heroin. Methamphetamine is harmful, both mentally and physically. The impurities inherent in homemade drugs, such as methamphetamine, add to its toxicity. The dangers of methamphetamine use include:

• Cardiovascular (rapid, irregular heartbeat, stroke)
• Nausea
• Damage to brain chemistry
• Aggressive, violent behavior
• Psychotic episodes
• Dangerously high temperature
• Death by overdose

These symptoms are often severe enough to necessitate prompt medical intervention. Physical addiction to methamphetamine is very rapid. The user quickly needs more and more to avoid the withdrawal symptoms.

Detoxification and Withdrawal

At Twelve Oaks we provide close medical monitoring of methamphetamine detoxification to treat toxic symptoms and treat withdrawal. Registered nurses observe the patient around the clock with the patient is detoxifying. Doctors are available 24 hours a day.
Symptoms of withdrawal can include, but are not limited to:

• Severe depression
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbance
• Extreme exhaustion
• Seizures
• Coma
• Paranoid feelings
• Suicidal ideation
• Psychotic behavior

Registered nurses observe vital signs and medicate carefully to keep patients safe and prevent seizures. Withdrawal from methamphetamine is often extended and the patient may develop severe problems several days after their last use. Problems that may develop include:meth-induced psychosis (patient hallucinates and loses touch with reality). These patients need a lot of support and encouragement during wide mood swings that occur during withdrawal. The adverse effect of methamphetamines on brain chemistry can be long lasting.

Treatment

Cognitive therapy is used during the course of treatment to deal with depression (short-term antidepressant meds may also be indicated). Impulse control exercises are used to help patients deal with cravings, anxiety, and agitation. Patients are involved in 12 step support groups with strong spiritual emphasis to deal with their feelings of hopelessness. Family involvement during treatment is strongly encouraged as well as aftercare attendance after the initial treatment program is completed. Attention is also given to nutritional or other physical problems that may have developed. Exercise helps heal damaged brain chemistry by stimulating endorphin production, so an exercise regime is also encouraged.

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Addiction Treatment

Treatment for Addiction

After an accident, injury, illness, surgery or other event, people may experience pain that lasts for a prolonged period. Individuals who are being treated for chronic pain sometimes take more medication than prescribed in an attempt to find relief. This may lead to a dependency on narcotics or other medication, requiring treatment of the prescription drug addiction.

Addiction and Chronic Pain Treatment

Patients who are being treated for chronic pain sometimes take more medication than prescribed in an attempt to find relief.  Sometimes this leads to dependence of narcotics or other medications.  Our goal is to help the patient understand their chronic pain and to treat the addiction caused by the increased need for prescription medications and/or alcohol.

Evaluation & Consultation

Treatment begins with an evaluation/consultation in order to determine the need for detoxification and medical stabilization; assess the patient’s risk factors for chronic use of opiate and/or sedative/hypnotic medications; and evaluate psychological/life stress conditions that may hinder recovery of the chronic pain condition.

Treatment

By utilizing a multi-disciplinary holistic approach including physical, emotional, and spiritual components we are able to address the patient’s understanding of chronic pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan which may involve detoxification, medication management, adjunct therapies, multidisciplinary referrals, and participation in chronic pain groups.