Meth Addiction Resource Center

• Feb
  06

  Christian Treatment Centers for Meth Abuse

  

  Methamphetamine, more commonly referred to as meth, is one of the single most addictive substances of abuse known. Thousands of people succumb to its pull every year. This includes Christians, even ones that are strong in their faith.

  Meth addiction is a disease and like any disease, it requires specialized treatment. For people of faith, Christian treatment centers meet the needs of a meth addict.

  This may leave you wondering what different types of Christian treatment centers are available and what treatments they offer.

  Inpatient Treatment Centers

  According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, inpatient treatment centers are specialized facilities that provide 24-hour care for every stage of the recovery process, safe and secure living arrangements with varied amenities.

  These types of facilities are relatively rare, especially those that cater to members of the Christian faith. Despite the fact that this type of treatment center can be difficult to find, they have numerous benefits. These include:

  • Regular church services on premises.
  • Medical staff available day and night.
  • Regular access to counselors and therapists.
  • The opportunity to build a Christian peer support network.
  • Training in sober living skills.
  • A length of stay that has shown to be more effective in preventing relapse.

  These benefits are very appealing, but there are some drawbacks as well. Drawbacks of inpatient meth treatment facilities are:

  • A long period of time away from friends and family.
  • A lot of missed work.
  • The inability to care for dependents.
  • Considerable expense without substantial available funds or insurance.

  While these drawbacks may seem daunting, you should keep in mind that individual facilities may be able to mitigate them, and your recovery has to take precedence if you really want to beat your methamphetamine abuse.

  Outpatient Treatment Centers

  Outpatient treatment centers, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, provide all of the behavioral therapies and counseling services necessary for recovery. This includes an intensive treatment schedule with daily appointments for the first few weeks, followed by continuing treatment that is less intensive as time goes on.

  Christian outpatient centers are likely to utilize 12-step faith-based support groups like Narcotics Anonymous. These mutual support groups and their belief that a higher power exists that can aid in ending meth abuse fits very well for practicing Christians. These treatment centers also usually encourage participation in:

  • Church Services
  • ChurchCharitable Organizations
  • ChurchCommunity Service
  • Finding a purpose higher than yourself and your substance abuse.

  The benefits of these treatment centers include:

  • The ability to remain at home during treatment.
  • Less time at work lost.
  • The ability to receive support from family, friends, and your regular church congregation.
  • Well established continuing care to reduce relapse.
  • A substantially smaller financial burden.

  These benefits are great for some people, but it should be noted that there are a few downfalls to receiving meth abuse treatment from an outpatient facility. These are:

  • Too much access to meth and triggers..
  • Much higher dropout rate..
  • Less guarantee of proper detoxification prior to behavioral treatments..
  • Relapse rates higher than those associated with inpatient treatment.

  Treatment from these facilities can be very effective for the right candidate and it is important that you explore all options to give yourself the best chance of leaving your meth abuse behind.

  Combination Treatment Centers

  Combination centers combine inpatient services with outpatient services, cutting costs to patients without losing any of the essential benefits of either type of treatment center. Typically, meth abusers will undergo detoxification and intensive behavioral treatment as an inpatient.

  Then they will then transition to outpatient stats for continued counseling, therapy, and monitoring. Obviously, there are going to be some downsides to this type of meth abuse treatment center, as well.

  People that attend these types of centers often miss certain life skills training and the secure support structure of long term inpatient treatment. They also are sometimes exposed to emotional triggers and peer pressure to resume their meth abuse before they have developed the skills necessary to beat them.

  Treatment Options you Should Expect

  Knowing the types of Christian meth abuse treatment centers available to you is only so effective. It is also important to know what kinds of treatment options all of these facilities should offer. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research at the University of Maryland, methamphetamine changes the way that the brain works by altering the chemical makeup in it.

  The resulting imbalances change behavior and create the need for treatments targeted to these specific parts of thought. Unfortunately, there currently no medications for the direct treatment of meth abuse and addiction. Although several are in clinical trials, until they receive approval it is best to use the treatment methods that are proven successful.

  According to Harvard Medical School, these successful treatments are behavioral interventions that seek to change thoughts and behaviors associated with addiction and help sufferers learn to live free of methamphetamine. Three such behavioral interventions are commonly used.

  1. Cognitive Behavioral
  2. Contingency Management
  3. The Batrix Bodel

  The Matrix Model is possibly the most effective. It incorporates elements of both cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management. In it, the directing therapist or counselor acts more as a guide and teacher than a person of authority.

  This removes most confrontational attitudes that can reduce recovery participation. It also utilizes a lot of group therapy and counseling along with a reward system to help patients feel they are not alone and can benefit from becoming sober.

  All of these methods are effective in treating meth abuse and addiction. Even in Christian treatment facilities that incorporate faith and the power of Christ need to use these proven methods. You should always look for treatment that gives you the absolute best chance of ending your meth addiction and getting the important things of your life back in order.

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  Posted on February 6th, 2017

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