Types of Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment
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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most effective methods of treatment for people who are addicted to methamphetamine are behavioral therapies. There are a number of different types of behavioral therapies which seem to work but the two most common therapy methods include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management. Many counselors choose to use a Matrix Model approach to treatment of methamphetamine addiction because this therapeutic method combines education, counseling, and behavioral therapy to help encourage users to avoid drug use. Ultimately, the type of treatment that works best for you will depend on a variety of factors including your level of support, that severity of your addiction and your own physical and mental health.
Matrix Model for Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment
The Matrix Model is a method of treatment that is widely being accepted as an effective means of treatment for those who suffer from methamphetamine addiction. This treatment uses an outpatient approach that combines intervention, relapse prevention, social support, education, and individual counseling as well as behavioral therapy into a 16 week program of care. Even the family members of the addict are educated on the addiction and recovery process to help build a strong foundation for support with a focus on recovery.
Under the Matrix Model of treatment for methamphetamine addiction, the therapist will work as a teacher and coach for the user and will provide encouragement and support along the way to help train the addict to develop new behaviors that include complete avoidance of drug use. Throughout this method of treatment, the therapist will support the patient, encourage the patient, provide positive reinforcement and help to improve overall self-esteem and dignity for the recovering addict.
Contingency Management for Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment
Utilizing a systematic reinforcement program to help encourage desired behaviors and discourage undesired behaviors through positive reinforcement, contingency management trains those in recovery to avoid drugs and to do what is right. Patients are provided with reinforcing measures when they meet treatment goals and these measures are taken away or consequences are given when goals are not met or poor behaviors are observed.
Through contingency management, the reward system of the recovering addict is activated causing an intrinsic feeling of accomplishment when he or she does well. Some of the positive reinforcement measures which may take place for good behaviors include receipt of a voucher or gift card to a favorite store or restaurant for doing well. Likewise, if the patient uses drugs or exhibits poor behaviors or undesired behaviors, there may be a withholding of the voucher or there may be additional punishment such as fines, interaction with a probation or parole officer or some other consequence that is ill desired and which will help the patient to make a cognitive thought to avoid the consequence if at all possible.
Resources:
- What Treatment are Effective?
- Intervention Methods for Meth Addicts
- National Library of Health on Meth Addiction
