What is methamphetamine dependence?

Methamphetamine dependence is a type of substance use disorder (or SUD). SUD is a chronic disease characterized by a pattern of repeated methamphetamine use that makes it difficult for sufferers to control the amount they consume, even when it causes problems in their life.

As is the case with many other drugs, methamphetamine tolerance develops as a person continues to use. This means that users often need to take higher doses, take it more frequently, or change their method of administration in order to get their desired effect.

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What are the symptoms of methamphetamine abuse?

Methamphetamines are highly addictive and cause significant side effects to the brain and body. The longer a person uses the drug, the more significant the side effects will become. When a chronic user stops taking the drug, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, which include depression, anxiety, fatigue, and intense craving for the drug. Some symptoms can also recur even after a person has stopped using the drug for a longer period of time.

Common symptoms include:

Anxiety, confusion, and insomnia

Memory loss

Mood disturbances, and violent behavior

Weight loss

Paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions

Lack of coordination or muscle twitching

Severe tooth decay

What are the treatments for methamphetamine abuse?

Treatments for methamphetamine abuse are highly individualized, but often require continuing support – as substance use disorder is considered a chronic condition.

Since people with SUD may have co-occurring mental health conditions – or even struggle with other types of substance use – professionals tend to treat them together.

Treatments include:

Detoxification

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Medication-Assisted Therapy

1:1 and Group Talk Therapy

Is it possible to stop using methamphetamines?

Once a person has used methamphetamine long enough to become dependent, they will likely be diagnosed with substance use disorder. SUD is a chronic disease. This means that it is not curable – but it is treatable with tools and methods that help patients manage their condition for the long term.

Treatments for getting sober can be just as successful as treating any other disease.

Anxiety, confusion, and insomnia

Memory loss

Mood disturbances, and violent behavior

Weight loss

Paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions

Lack of coordination or muscle twitching

Lack of coordination or muscle twitching

Severe tooth decay

Detoxification

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Medication-Assisted Therapy

1:1 and Group Talk Therapy

The severity of the disorder

The patient’s commitment to abstinence

The degree of dependence

The patient’s emotional stability

The duration of treatment

The patient’s genetics