/ Methamphetamine / Meth Recovery Success Rates

Meth Recovery Success Rates

Written by: Dr. Saman Aftab, Mental Health Writer

Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC

Since the opioid epidemic has received so much media attention, other drugs, including meth, have been pushed into the background. Opioid misuse is just one aspect of the more significant addiction issue in the United States.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2012, there were around 440,000 people who reported using meth. However, even though meth is very addicting, one may overcome their need for it. Read on as we investigate the success rate of treatment for meth addiction and the methods now in use to treat it.

Meth Addiction Statistics

According to research conducted on lab rats, methamphetamine (meth) is one of the most addictive substances. Meth usage is characterized by a rapid cycle of highs and lows, somewhat unlike cocaine.

Methamphetamine, sometimes known simply as meth, is a very potent and intoxicating stimulant.
About 53 out of every 100,000 persons in 2014 received treatment at a residential institution for substance abuse due to methamphetamine problems, according to the National Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS).
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), around 6% of Americans aged 12 and above tried it at least once in 2015. Crystal meth is a kind of meth that looks like glass and is smoked, injected, eaten, or snorted.

Meth addiction statistics

Rehab rates for meth addicts

Meth rehab success rates

For what reasons do people repeatedly relapse?

The road to recovery from meth

What does meth feel like?

Rehab Rates for Meth Addicts

Recovery rates from meth are comparable to those from other addictions. However, an individual's illness of addiction remains when the physical need for meth disappears during the first week of detox. Meth use disorder is a mental condition with a recurrence rate compared to other chronic disorders like hypertension.

There is a 40-60% first-year sobriety rate for meth. Meth addiction is a persistent, relapsing condition, so it's crucial to remember that even if the recovery rate may appear low, there are still chances to achieve long-term sobriety.

According to government agencies like the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it might take multiple tries at treatment before meth addiction is completely treated. In contrast, relapse rates decrease dramatically after the first year and each year afterward.

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Medically Reviewed:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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Meth Rehab Success Rates

Detoxification is often the initial step in treating drug abuse. However, withdrawal symptoms are common throughout the detox process, which is the body's way of gradually eliminating the chemical. After completing detox, it's best to go on to rehabilitation, where you'll work hard to figure out what led to your meth addiction.

A person's chances of staying clean improve significantly when detox is followed by rehabilitation. However, according to one research, those who go through meth detox without any further support are just as inclined to begin using meth again as those who never received any therapy.

The outlook was more favorable for meth addicts who continued their rehabilitation after detoxification; for every 100 persons, 33 remained clean for three months after attending a meth rehab, decreasing to 14 after one year and six at three years.

Simply put, detox was not sufficient to help individuals maintain their sobriety. Results from meth treatment were better than before, but they were still hard to sustain. Medications also tend to be ineffective in helping people avoid meth use.

For What Reasons Do People Repeatedly Relapse?

Although relapse may be prevalent in certain circumstances, it may be avoided by addressing the underlying reasons. The following are some of the most typical triggers for relapsing after becoming clean:

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Stress

Chronic stress is a significant contributor to relapse. Addicts in recovery often return to meth when they hit rock bottom.

Influences From The Environment And Society

Visiting the location where you first started using meth might be quite triggering. The urge to conform to social norms may also play a role in triggering cravings and compulsions.

Disappointing Feelings

Neglected or unchecked, intense feelings such as isolation or rage may lead to meth relapse.

Festivities And Commemorations

Intense meth cravings are frequent around special occasions like the holidays.

The Road to Recovery from Meth

Although there are significant obstacles to overcoming a meth addiction, effective treatment is available. A common cause of relapse is abandoning the relapse prevention plan developed to help the individual deal with triggers, such as stressful or upsetting situations or people, and avoiding those places altogether.

Here's what happens during meth recovery:

Detoxification in a medical setting to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral therapy.
Counseling.
Education on how to avoid relapse is a must.
Awareness of addiction.
Treatment follow-ups.

An individual dependent on meth may be assisted to quit the drug permanently by managing withdrawal symptoms, promoting positive changes in behavior and thought, and implementing a relapse prevention strategy.

What Does Meth Feel Like?

Meth is a stimulant that speeds up the body and mind by increasing circulation in the central nervous system; when someone is high on meth, their vital signs, including heartbeat, body temperature, breathing rate, and cardiac output, all increase.

Meth increases the activity of neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, such as dopamine, which boosts a person's physical and mental stamina and capacity to experience thrills and pleasure. Meth's strong results from an increase in dopamine levels, and the drug's addictiveness stems from the users' need to share that high effect again.

When under the influence of meth, a person's senses are heightened, and they experience increased energy and the ability to maintain wakefulness for extended durations. When the effects of meth fade away, however, users often experience a severe breakdown that includes feelings of exhaustion, drowsiness, hunger, depression, and anxiety.

Therefore, meth is often used in a compulsive pattern known as a run, when little doses of meth are consumed every few hours for several days to sustain the euphoria. Unfortunately, when drugs are used this way, dependency and addiction may occur more rapidly.