Meth Addiction Treatment

The effects of Meth abuse are devastating, but there is hope for those who use or are addicted to the drug.

Meth addiction is different from addiction to alcohol or other drugs and, most often, traditional methods of treatment are not as effective for addicts.  For example, while detoxification for alcohol and other drugs may take hours or a few days, Meth remains in a person's system for days. It can take six weeks or longer to de-tox.  Also, many people are on a binge when they enter treatment and typically crash during their de-tox period, forcing a need to sleep - sometimes for days.  This will cut into the standard time allotted for most treatment programs.

Research into Meth addiction recovery points to a need for a multifaceted approach.  Meth abuse not only affects addicts' physical health, but also their emotional, mental and spiritual well-being (See: Meth Withdrawal Linked to Depression, Anxiety) .  Following detoxification, 12 Step recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are key elements in obtaining and maintaining recovery. 

Please contact Cindy Ryan at the South Dakota Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse for information on Meth treatment placements.  For information on service agencies dealing with alcohol and other substance abuse issues, please click here.