Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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Methamphetamine (meth) use disorder is a medical condition that develops from long-term use of meth. You are not able to stop even though it causes physical or social problems. Meth use disorder is also called meth abuse.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Psychiatric assessment:

Healthcare providers will ask if you have a history of psychological trauma, such as physical, sexual, or mental abuse. They will ask if you were given the care that you needed. You will also be asked if you drink alcohol or use other illegal drugs. They will ask you if you want to hurt or kill yourself or others. Your answers can help healthcare providers plan your treatment.

A detox program

includes medicine and treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and anxiety when you stop taking meth. You will be in the hospital with close monitoring and care.

Medicines:

• Activated charcoal may be given if you swallowed meth. Activated charcoal helps absorb the drug in your stomach. You may vomit.
• Sedative medicine may be given to help you stay calm and relaxed.
• Antipsychotics may be given to decrease thoughts that people are trying to hurt you. This medicine may help prevent you from having hallucinations.
• Antidepressants can decrease feelings of depression. This medicine may also decrease your drug cravings and help you want to stay in a treatment program.
• Blood pressure medicine may be given to lower your blood pressure.

Tests:

• Blood, urine, and hair tests may be used to check meth levels. You may also be tested for HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.
• Telemetry is continuous monitoring of your heart rhythm. Sticky pads placed on your skin connect to an EKG machine that records your heart rhythm.

Therapy

may be offered in a hospital, outpatient facility, or drug rehabilitation center. The goal is to help you decrease or stop using meth.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you manage depression and anxiety caused by meth use disorder. CBT can be done with you and a talk therapist or in a group with others.
• Motivational enhancement therapy can help you set and reach healthy, positive goals.
• Twelve-step facilitation (TSF) is a short, structured approach to reach early recovery. It is done one-to-one with a therapist in 12 to 15 sessions.

RISKS:

• You may change the way you use meth, such as from snorting to injecting, to get a stronger form of the drug. Your body may get used to the amount of meth you use. This is called tolerance. You may not be able to stop using it. When you try to stop using meth, you may have withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings for the drug. You are at increased risk for suicide because of depression and anxiety. Meth use can also make you want to hurt or kill other people. You can overdose on meth, even on a small amount.
• Any meth use can cause serious medical problems. Your heart may not be able to pump correctly. You can have a heart attack, kidney failure, seizure, or stroke. Blood vessels in your body or brain can burst, causing bleeding and death. You may have trouble breathing or stop breathing because your airway swells and narrows after you inhale meth. You can lose consciousness, have a seizure, and your heart may stop beating. This can be life-threatening.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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