Methamphetamine abusers do not necessarily need specialized treatment but do need more time in intensive outpatient or residential drug treatment programs than they normally receive under current practices.

University of Iowa researchers made the recommendation for longer treatment times for meth abusers and identified areas of research that could help improve treatment, including retention and new drug therapies.

"In reviewing studies we found that treatment does work if you can give people sufficient access to treatment," said James Hall, Ph.D., UI associate professor of pediatrics, social work, public health and nursing and one of the review authors. "We were worried that you need a special care ward or other special setting, but at least based on the data we reviewed, that doesn't seem to be the case."

The Time Factor

"What seems to make a difference is time. Meth effects can last up to six months for just one use, and the drug can do greater damage to a person's physical, behavioral and thinking functions than many other illicit drugs or alcohol," Hall wrote. "For this reason, it takes much longer to treat a person with a meth addiction than it does to treat someone with a cocaine or heroin problem. This time factor is also one reason why so many meth treatments currently fail."

Most adult residential drug treatment programs have been shortened in recent years from 45 or 30 days to only 10 to 14 because of changes in the insurance industry. "The problem is even worse for adolescents. Residential treatment programs for that age group have "dried up" due to budget cuts," Hall said.

Two Weeks Not Enough

"If you are a regular meth user, you will need more time to detox before you can accept the treatments, which are very cognitive," he said. "We don't know exactly how long you need, but we do know the current two-week time isn't sufficient. Likely, a minimum of 30 days of residential treatment allows the meth abuser to regain essential thinking and decision-making skills."

Hall said researchers should determine what residential treatment length would be effective for meth users before using outpatient care.

Treatment Instead of Imprisonment

"Most state and insurance programs will not pay for treatment beyond two weeks, so even if a medical need is confirmed, funding needs also must be addressed," Hall said.

"The emphasis on dealing with meth has been punishment and imprisonment, but we may do well as a society to reserve prison for those who are involved in illegal drug sales or violence and support treatment for abusers," Hall said.

SOURCE: Hall's review article appeared in the April 2003 issue of the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.

Below you will find a list of addiction treatment services that reputable drug rehabs should provide. Please keep in mind that even if a drug and alcohol rehab program provides these services does not mean they are the perfect one for you.

1. The drug addiction treatment center should have its JCAHO accreditation
2. The drug treatment center should provide multiple levels of addiction treatment services
3. A medical detox program should be located on the campus of the drug addiction treatment facility
4. Physicians employed at the addiction recovery center should be ASAM certified
5. The drug addiction treatment staff should be licensed and credentialed
6. The treatment staff should be skilled in dual diagnosis treatment
7. The drug rehabilitation program should have a comprehensive family recovery program
8. The drug rehab center should have a relapse prevention program
9. An aftercare program is an important element of any drug and alcohol rehab program. It should include names, addresses and phone numbers of any referral sources.
10. Drug addiction is a disease and as such, relapse does occur. The drug rehab should have an alumni coordinator to use for support.

You should talk to your kids about the horrible scourge of "Crystal Meth".

How else are they to know? Or if the information they receive from friends or the street is watered down or plain wrong and misinformed?

Methamphetamine or commonly called "Crystal Meth" is a dangerous, highly addictive drug. It is cheap, widely available and making inroads among young people. Sooner or late your kids may you asked or encouraged by peer pressure to "try it", "It is great and a little bit cannot hurt".

Now is the time to get the facts and dangers of Crystal Meth on the table for your kids.

When this terrible day occurs you want your kids to be able to say a firm "no" to this very dangerous villain. Believe it or not your opinion can make a big difference to your kids. Knowing where you stand can give them the confidence - and the facts – they need to make this choice of saying "no" which should be their only choice.

The important thing is to be honest about how you feel and communicate the message that "Crystal Meth is a dangerous, addictive drug that can do major permanent damage". The second message to clearly expound is "I do not want you using Crystal Meth because I love you and I am concerned and care what happens to you".

This can be the first of many ongoing conversations you can have with your kids about Crystal Meth and other drugs over the coming months and years/

What are the facts about Crystal Meth? Firstly that Crystal Meth is highly addictive and that the addiction takes hold very quickly. Addicts begin to "binge and crash" taking more of the drug more often. You should be aware that Crystal Meth is known by other names including jib, crank, meth, crystal ice, glass, chalk or speed.

Users can swallow, inhale, smoke or inject the drug. It should be made clear that while a person is high on Crystal Meth that their judgment is beyond severely impaired. The person is a lot more likely to make very bad decisions – including taking other dangerous drugs or encouraging in unprotected sex.

You can ask your child or teen if they have heard of Crystal Meth and what do they think of it. Listen carefully to the answers and take a moment before responding. Again let them know the damage that Crystal Meth causes.

Do not feel uncomfortable about a few moments of silence in your conversation, especially after you have asked a question (or received a short answer). Your son or daughter may be working up the courage to tell you something important.

Remember that it is okay if your child does not agree with everything you say.

Make sure that they understand where you sand and what you expect. On the other foot be prepared to have an open discussion.

Lastly help your child learn to say "no" by rehearsing situations where they might be offered Crystal Meth at a party, a Rave or before a big exam. Remember the most important message that Crystal Meth is a dangerous, addictive drug that can do permanent addictive damage.