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Intervention for Meth: How to Help a Meth Addict
When a family member is encountering a loved one struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, it is a heartbreaking feeling and a sense of desperation normally takes place. The family member will begin to feel powerless in their attempt to help the struggling addict and they begin to not know which direction to go next.
Drug and alcohol interventions typically consist of a group of people who join forces to confront their loved ones struggling to seek help. It is a different protocol on how to help a meth addict and that must be thoroughly explored and researched.
Crystal meth interventions are some of the most challenging interventions to perform because of the meth addict’s volatile behavior. It’s certainly not uncommon for the family members to believe that the crystal meth abusers are suffering from mental illness. Due to the behavior associated with individuals using meth, it’s essentially vital that a crystal meth intervention specialist be brought into the intervention and assessment process.
In many cases, the individual will be evaluated incorrectly and after several weeks of treatment, the mental illness originally diagnosed will disappear.
The three main common misdiagnoses that psychiatrists and doctors make with a crystal meth addiction are:
- Manic depression
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
What is Meth?
Meth, also known as, methamphetamine is a highly addictive and powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is a white, bitter-tasting, odorless crystalline powder that dissolves easily in alcohol or water. Originally, it was developed in the early 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was intended for bronchial inhalers and nasal decongestant use.
Methamphetamine has been classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II stimulant, which technically makes it legally available, but only through a nonrefillable prescription. It is seldomly prescribed and users are limited. Plus, the actual prescribed doses are much lower than what is normally misused.
Methamphetamine is prescribed for the short-term components of weight loss treatments and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
How Is Meth Similar And Different To Amphetamine?
Similarly, to amphetamine, methamphetamine caused the following symptoms:
- Decreased appetite
- Increased talkativeness and activity
- Pleasurable sense or well-being or euphoria
The biggest difference between methamphetamine and amphetamines is that methamphetamine in higher doses, as the drug travels to the brain, becomes a potent stimulant. For that reason, an intervention crystal meth-related will be pivotal.
What is an Intervention?
Intervention is the act of a loved one interceding into a person’s life whose behavior is the direct result of their actions. Usually how the process will end is by the group of family members and friends giving an ultimatum that includes seeking professional help. The group will work together to prepare and plan to try to persuade the addict of the significant change needed in their life.
Addiction interventions will continually work towards the primary goal of sending the loved one struggling to a professional alcohol and drug rehab center. Preparation and planning are the two main aspects of an intervention. There is great value in the group organizing the intervention to meet beforehand with a professional to discuss what everyone will say and how the meeting will go.
How do Interventions Work?
Usually, the professional will lead the meeting being that they acquire a lot of knowledge and have a lot of experience addressing addicts and their families. The planning stage will consist of each loved one discussing what each person knows about the addict and their drug and alcohol abuse. Members of the group are highly encouraged to write letters or make lists of everything they need to say.
The importance of preparing and planning beforehand is essential so nothing is left out that is needed to be said. The main objective of the letters is to highlight the effect the individual’s addiction has had on everyone involved personally and demonstrate worries and fears experienced by the group.
Interventions can be held for a variety of reasons such as:
- Mental illness
- Behavioral issues
- Addiction
- Eating disorders
How is a Meth Intervention Different From a Regular One?
An intervention meth-related is extremely serious and should not be taken lightly. Similarly, to other abused drugs, crystal meth is an escape from uneasy situations and feelings to avoid normal circumstances to be used by a mind-altering substance. Due to the seriousness of this drug, it is extremely significant that the family enlist a professional interventionist for addiction meth help. The intervention for someone abusing meth can last for an extended period of time.
The meth intervention is lengthy for the following two reasons:
- The meth user will often view the intervention counselor as a law enforcer assigned to arrest them, rather than a counselor actually there to help them.
- The meth addict will experience a constant changing of their mind during the process.
Drug and Alcohol Intervention
Regular intervention is more so centered around drug and alcohol addiction. The effect that drugs and alcohol have on the body is so intense that many individuals do not believe they have a problem until their loved ones intervene. Interventions are not a simple task, but it is extremely necessary for an individual suffering from addiction.
Typically, the alcohol and drug interventions will conclude with consequences outlined regarding what will occur if the individual refuses help. Before the intervention begins, the group is encouraged to prepare and plan the ultimatum beforehand.
Once the individual arrives at the designated location and each group member is present, the group will alternate by:
- Expressing their thoughts and feelings
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Reading their letters
The recommended way to address a person struggling with addiction is to do so when they are relatively sober, coherent, and off guard because it will promote honesty and vulnerability.
What Should Family and Friends Prepare for During Intervention?
There are many behaviors that loved ones should expect when approaching a meth addict during an intervention. Without professional help and attempting to persuade them could be very difficult. It is highly important that no family member or friend attempts to intervene with a meth addict without a crystal meth intervention counselor’s presence and guidance. The main behaviors that may arise from those struggling, after being confronted about substance abuse are:
Drug And Alcohol Reactions
- Being upset
- Playing the victim
- Being defensive
- Experiencing agitation
Crystal Meth Reactions
- Inability to think logically
- Violence
- Irrational thoughts
- Paranoia
- Aggression
What Preparation Steps Should You Take?
It is highly recommended and essential to be intentional in preparing necessary steps to create a successful intervention. It is exceedingly rare that a crystal meth addict will wake up and decide to stop using the drug. The side effects of the drug are extremely dangerous and it’s imperative that family members take the initiative to embark on this intensive journey.
The act of an intervention is honestly inevitable when experiencing a loved one fall to addiction. Due to the lifestyle and behavior associated with crystal meth, addicts normally end up in legal issues. County jails and prisons are filled with many different types of meth abusers, from simple possession relating to those who actually manufactured the drug.
To shed more light on how essential an intervention is as a necessary step, the drug is so hazardous to the environment, as well as the human body, that when a meth lab is discovered, the contents are removed in hazmat suits by professionals. The actual chemicals in crystal meth create holes in a person’s brain, and the longer a meth user abuses this drug, the more likely it is to develop psychosis.
Psychosis is known to be irrevisable. It is suggested not to delay preparing what needs to be said to the individual during the intervention, with the help of a professional intervention specialist. The negative consequences such as mental institutions, jail, or worse death can be avoided by acting as soon as possible.
Following Up: What if the Person Refuses Treatment?
Unfortunately, interventions are not always successful. It is most effective to prepare for the individual refusing treatment by remaining hopeful for the future. It is best to continue not to enable the sufferer and their cycle of behavior by remaining loyal to the consequences outlined in the intervention and taking encouraging steps for positive change.
The individual might react in the following ways before refusing treatment:
- Accuse loved ones of betrayal
- Burst out in anger
- Claim that help isn’t needed
- Appear resentful
The involvement of family members, friends, and the loved one’s spouse plays a critical role in helping the person not only stay in treatment but avoid relapsing. The family member, friend, or spouse might have to alter their schedule and life by participating in counseling with the addict, for themselves, and learn more about what to do if a relapse occurs. It is essential to enforce following up with the addict to avoid ongoing destructive behavior.
Get Help At Addiction Intervention Today
It is a difficult task to assist the addict in understanding the gravity of the situation and how their alcohol and drug addiction has affected each person involved. However, with boundaries set and motivation offered, a miracle can happen. Contact us today to get started.
References:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-methamphetamine