"If you are a regular meth user, you will need more time to detox before you can accept the treatments, which are very cognitive," he said. "We don't know exactly how long you need, but we do know the current two-week time isn't sufficient. Likely, a minimum of 30 days of residential treatment allows the meth abuser to regain essential thinking and decision-making skills."
The article calls on researchers to study what residential treatment length would be effective for meth users to then take advantage of outpatient care.
Most state and insurance programs will not pay for treatment beyond two weeks, so even if a medical need is confirmed, funding needs also must be addressed, Hall said. In addition, there are few prison treatment programs for substance abuse.
"The emphasis on dealing with meth has been punishment and imprisonment, but we may do well as a society to reserve prison for those who are involved in illegal drug sales or violence and support treatment for abusers," Hall said.
Methamphetamines initially were used as dietary supplements and for psychotherapy. Side effects caused the drug to fall from normal prescribed use. However, people discovered methamphetamines made them feel relaxed and began using the drugs recreationally. Abusers grind pills into powder, which they then snort like cocaine, or they dissolve it into a liquid and inject it.
Hall and colleagues also support investigating whether certain prescription drugs might be used to treat meth abuse.
"It may seem counterintuitive to treat a drug abuse with a medication, but heroin treatments indicate it's possible," Hall said. "Meth abuse alters brain chemistry and functioning, and it's not clear whether these changes are temporary or permanent. However, I don't think all psychotherap
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Contact: Becky Soglin
becky-soglin@uiowa.edu
319-335-6660
University of Iowa
14-Aug-2003