Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It can come in the form of a white powder or a crystalline substance known as crystal meth.

 

Behavioral Signs

  • Hyperactivity: Excessive talking, moving, and inability to stay still.
  • Mood Swings: Rapid mood changes, including extreme excitement, irritability, and aggression.
  • Paranoia and Psychosis: Experiencing delusions, hallucinations, and severe paranoia.
  • Social Withdrawal: Isolating from family and friends, neglecting responsibilities.

Physical Signs

  • Weight Loss: Significant and rapid weight loss due to decreased appetite.
  • Dental Problems: Severe dental issues, often referred to as “meth mouth,” including cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
  • Skin Sores: Open wounds from intense scratching due to hallucinations of bugs crawling under the skin.
  • Dilated Pupils: Enlarged pupils and rapid eye movements.

Psychological Signs

  • Anxiety and Depression: Increased levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
  • Confusion: Having difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
  • Insomnia: Inability to sleep for extended periods.

Other Indicators

  • Tweaking: Intense, erratic behavior after a meth binge, including insomnia and paranoia.
  • Crashing: Extreme fatigue, depression, and intense cravings for meth after the high wears off.

Medication-Assisted Treatment: 

  1. Bupropion: An antidepressant that has shown potential in reducing meth use and cravings.
  2. Naltrexone: Commonly used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence, naltrexone has been studied for its ability to reduce meth cravings when used in combination with other medications.

Key Components of CBT for Meth Addiction

  1. Identifying Triggers: CBT helps individuals recognize the situations, thoughts, and feelings that trigger their meth use. By understanding these triggers, individuals can develop strategies to avoid or cope with them.
  2. Changing Thought Patterns: CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to substance use. This involves challenging irrational beliefs and replacing them with healthier, more realistic thoughts.
  3. Developing Coping Skills: CBT teaches practical skills for managing stress, cravings, and other challenges without resorting to drug use. These skills can include relaxation techniques, problem-solving strategies, and assertiveness training.
  4. Relapse Prevention: CBT includes strategies for preventing relapse, such as recognizing early warning signs and developing a plan to maintain sobriety. This can involve creating a support network and setting achievable goals.
  5. Behavioral Strategies: CBT often incorporates behavioral techniques to reinforce positive behaviors and reduce the likelihood of drug use. This can include activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and improve overall well-being.

 

Benefits of Group Therapy

  1. Peer Support: Sharing experiences with others who understand your struggles can provide immense emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
  2. Learning from Others: Hearing about others’ successes and challenges can offer valuable insights and strategies for your own recovery.
  3. Skill Development: Group therapy often includes exercises to develop coping skills, stress management techniques, and relapse prevention strategies.
  4. Cost-Effective: Group therapy is generally more affordable than individual therapy, making it accessible to more people.
  5. Reduced Stigma: Being part of a group can help reduce the stigma associated with addiction, as members support each other in a non-judgmental environment.

Everyday Activities in Group Therapy

  • Psychoeducation: Learning about addiction, its effects, and strategies for managing cravings and triggers.
  • Skill-Building Exercises: Developing communication skills, problem-solving strategies, and stress management techniques.
  • Role-Playing: Practicing assertiveness, refusal skills, and conflict resolution in a safe setting.
  • Expressive Arts Therapy: Using creative expression through art, music, or writing to support healing.

Benefits of Family Therapy

  1. Improved Communication: Family therapy helps improve communication among family members, fostering a better understanding of each other’s perspectives and needs.
  2. Supportive Environment: It creates a supportive environment where family members can express their feelings and concerns, which can be therapeutic for everyone involved.
  3. Addressing Family Dynamics: Therapy can address unhealthy family dynamics that may contribute to the addiction, helping to create a healthier home environment.
  4. Education: Family members learn about addiction, its effects, and how to support their loved one in recovery.
  5. Relapse Prevention: Therapy can help develop strategies to prevent relapse and support long-term recovery by involving the family.

Common Approaches in Family Therapy

  • Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT): Focuses on improving relationship dynamics and communication between partners, which can enhance recovery outcomes.
  • Functional Family Therapy (FFT): Aims to improve family interactions and address problem behaviors through effective communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution techniques.
  • Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT): Integrates various therapeutic approaches to address the needs of adolescents with substance use disorders and their families

Key Components of Holistic Therapy

  1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness meditation help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, reducing stress and promoting emotional balance.
  2. Nutrition and Exercise: Proper nutrition and regular physical activity are essential for restoring physical health and well-being. Exercise can also help reduce cravings and improve mood.
  3. Art and Music Therapy: Engaging in creative activities like art and music therapy allows individuals to express emotions and process experiences nonverbally.
  4. Yoga and Tai Chi: These practices combine physical movement with mindfulness, helping to reduce stress, improve physical health, and enhance emotional well-being.
  5. Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, promoting overall balance and healing.
  6. Spiritual Practices: Incorporating spiritual practices, such as prayer or meditation, can provide a sense of purpose and connection, which can be crucial for recovery.

Benefits of Holistic Therapy

  • Comprehensive Healing: Addresses multiple aspects of an individual’s life, promoting overall well-being and long-term recovery.
  • Personalized Treatment: Holistic therapy can be tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs and preferences.
  • Enhanced Coping Skills: This helps individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and triggers.
  • Supportive Environment: Often involves a community or group setting, providing social support and reducing feelings of isolation.

At Overcome, we understand that recovery isn’t just about getting sober — it’s about learning how to navigate life’s challenges without turning to substances. Whether you’re in early recovery or have been sober for years, our team is here to support you with compassionate, personalized care.

Located in Lakewood, Overcome provides outpatient treatment for substance use disorders, including individual therapy, group therapy, EMDR, and holistic care. We proudly serve Toms River, Freehold, Howell, Brick Township, Manchester Township, and Wall Township.

 If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more about our programs, contact Overcome online or call 732-505-7261.