Meth is one of the most common and dangerous drugs in the United States. Fortunately, this also means that meth addiction is one of the most treatable illnesses anywhere, especially in a Tennessee rehab for meth addiction. However, of the many treatments and therapies available for meth addiction, only one is the most effective.
Understanding Meth and Meth Addiction
As one might expect, a meth addiction often begins after a person’s first time using meth. Methamphetamine, which is usually shortened to “meth”, is an extremely dangerous and illegal drug. This is largely due to how powerful and addictive it is.
When a person ingests meth, the drug affects not only their body but their mind as well. Meth is what is known as a stimulant drug. Drugs in this classification often increase a user’s energy, alertness, and sensitivity. Meth is no exception. Those who consume it typically experience an instant burst of energy and alertness along with increased sensitivity and a loss of appetite.
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The Effects of Meth on the Brain
While some effects of meth use can be desirable for users, such as the burst of energy one often receives, an addiction to meth can cause numerous negative effects on a person’s health and life in general. One of the most notable negative effects a meth addiction can have on a person is on their brain. Consistent, repeated meth consumption almost always damages the brain’s reward system. In doing so, a person becomes more likely to seek immediate, unhealthy pleasures – rather than healthy pleasures requiring hard work and/or long-term commitment. This can have an enormous and detrimental effect on a person and their overall behavior.
What Type of Therapy is the Most Effective for Meth Addiction?
Fortunately, there are a variety of proven and effective treatments for individuals living with a meth addiction. Typically, these treatments and therapies seek to address the physical and mental aspects of addiction. However, only one is the most effective for meth addiction: cognitive behavioral therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Explained
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of mental, talk therapy that seeks to understand and modify a person’s behavior. Counselors and therapists who use CBT help those living with an addiction to understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. By identifying how these areas connect and influence each other, one can begin to understand their addiction, including any underlying triggers and desires for drug use. In doing so, one can understand how to best cope with their addiction while moving forward with their recovery. Oftentimes, this is done by modifying one’s behavior to not seek further drug use.
Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Meth Addiction
Using cognitive-behavioral therapy provides those living with a meth addiction several benefits, including:
Enhanced Self-Reflection
CBT forces a person to look inward and discover more about themselves than they may have thought possible. While this can often be intimidating and difficult at first, it becomes easier over time through regular CBT sessions with a counselor or therapist. In practicing self-reflection, one can learn more about themselves and become better prepared to combat their meth addiction.
Coping Skills
However, learning more about one’s addiction is not the only important part of CBT. This form of therapy can also allow one to discover, practice, and improve their coping skills, helping them to get by when their desire to consume meth may be triggered.
Improved Communication
Any form of talk therapy will require a person to communicate their thoughts and feelings. Although this can be difficult for many in the beginning, it becomes easier with practice across CBT sessions. From this, a person who engages in CBT can often gain improved communication skills in general.
Looking for a Tennessee Rehab for Meth Addiction?
If you or a loved one is looking for a Tennessee rehab for meth addiction, our addiction specialists are here to help! At Knoxville Recovery Center, our team provides a variety of treatments and therapies for all kinds of addictions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy for meth addiction. Contact us today to learn more!
