Methamphetamines can lead to devastating outcomes when individuals struggle with substance use disorders involving them. Those who fight the battle with methamphetamines find themselves with elevated heart rate, energy levels, and massive damage to their physical and mental health leading to damaging outcomes, including fatalities.
The use of methamphetamines has long been a crisis in the United States, and because of the intense symptoms and withdrawals, finding the path to freedom is difficult for users. Too few people who become addicted to methamphetamines find treatment and get help.
Additionally, these substances have one of the highest relapse rates among recovered individuals. Therefore, it is essential to understand the relapse rates in the United States and ways to avoid falling back into unhealthy habits.
Relapse can happen to anyone; it is a common concern for many alumni who have been through addiction recovery treatment for anything from alcohol to methamphetamines. Finding new and innovative ways to avoid relapse is essential to maintain recovered individuals' commitment to total abstinence.
There has been much research dedicated to the crisis of substance use disorders, and according to an NCBI study, around 61% of recovered methamphetamine users experience relapse within the first year after undergoing addiction recovery treatment. The high percentage of relapse makes many who think about treatment feel the struggle toward recovery is not worth it because they are afraid to fall on the wrong side of that percentage.
The relapse rate strictly by numbers does not account for any comorbidities or dual diagnosis with substance use disorder participants of a given study have. For example, if a methamphetamine addiction is mixed with medical or mental health disorders, those individuals may find themselves struggling more or having to push themselves harder to maintain their commitment. This is why it is extremely important to treat all co-occurring conditions simultaneously when treating addiction.
Just because someone relapses does not mean their treatment was a failure. It shows that their treatment and aftercare plans may not have been sufficient for the individual, and other options or additional safeguards may be needed.
There are around 12.3 million Americans who have used methamphetamines in their life, according to a NIDA study. On top of that, WHO shares that over 27 million Americans struggle with substance use disorders but only one out of five get access to treatment. Many factors go into play, including environmental, situational, and medical health conditions.
For example, around 70% of those who struggle with substance use disorders use government-implemented assistance or are unemployed. This makes access to treatment more difficult and their situation is less than ideal for continued sobriety in terms of support and accountability. Sadly, even one-time use can become addicted and develop chronic health problems.
Methamphetamines can stay in the body for up to six months after use, and many people have withdrawal symptoms for up to eight months. All these factors make methamphetamines highly addictive and mean that every individual has unique struggles when recovering.
Proper recovery cannot happen until all toxins are eliminated from the body. Because methamphetamines can stay in the body for up to six months, individuals who go to a 30-day treatment program may not be completely detoxed, thus leading to cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and eventually relapse. The unique nature of these substances means recovery from them requires a unique approach.
There are a series of treatment options and support available for addiction recovery to be successful. While initial treatment for methamphetamines may look similar to treatment for alcohol or other classes of drugs, aftercare and relapse prevention plans require much more thought, at least for the duration the body needs for a full detox. Only when an individual is completely free from the substance in their bodies will the chance of relapse decrease.
There are warning signs of potential relapse on the horizon, such as isolation, neglect of self-care, cravings, and overwhelming stress. All of these can contribute to individuals falling prey to relapse. Therefore it is essential to manage these signs as much as possible and implement healthier options to regain control of one's life.
One way to help prevent a substance use relapse is to keep engaged in several recovery-supportive activities. These can include sticking to aftercare plans, building a sober social network, understanding triggers, avoiding triggering situations, practicing self-care, and establishing the motivation for a healthier life. These things are easier to manage with a solid support group, so staying in touch with a treatment center, support groups, and loved ones who are supportive of one's recovery is a vital part of avoiding relapse.
If you still struggle with triggers and the temptation of going back to unhealthy habits after recovering from methamphetamine use, reach out to recovery professionals for assistance. At NorthStar Transitions, we understand that relapse rates of methamphetamines are in a crisis state. When challenged after leaving treatment, you can count on our compassionate and knowledgeable staff to help you stay on track. Your life can be filled with emotional resilience, and you can improve your recovery life by utilizing the tools and innovative curriculum learned from treatment. If you continue to struggle on a day-to-day basis, it is vital to your recovery that you reach out for more individualized support. Reach out to NorthStar Transitions for help if your triggers become too much or if you struggle with a substance use disorder, and we can help you find the right treatment path to help you stay sober. Call us at (303) 558-6400.
