Medical Reviewer: Megan Berube, LICSW, Clinical Director
Summary: This article reviews the types of outpatient meth addiction treatment we offer and what to expect.
If you need meth addiction treatment Massachusetts based, East Coast Recovery can help with flexible outpatient programs. Our full and partial day programs provide structured, effective strategies to overcome meth addiction while keeping clients connected to other personal or professional obligations. We teach clients and their loved ones about the cycle of addiction, rebuilding the brain after addiction, and learning healthy coping skills.
At East Coast Recovery, we provide multiple levels of outpatient care. Addiction recovery can take place in the form of an inpatient program or an outpatient program but many people in the Cohasset area turn to our facility for the flexible scheduling and long-term support we provide.
With an outpatient program either full or partial day, clients have the opportunity to immediately practice resisting triggers in their living environment, using coping skills for those triggers, and maintaining sobriety in the face of a natural environment instead of an isolated facility.
Meth recovery is not a one-off event and completing a single level of care is not always enough. That is why we provide multiple levels of outpatient care for continuous support over the span of several months even for those clients who have participated in a residential or inpatient program in the past.
With East Coast Recovery, we don’t just offer outpatient care, we offer sober living for those who need a safe space during their early recovery and aftercare for those who are preparing for the next phase in their recovery.
Our full day programs are the most Partial Day program we offer for meth rehab, with a comprehensive daytime structure every day of the week that helps individuals manage their withdrawal symptoms, restore cognitive function, and build towards sobriety while still being able to return home each night.
Our full day program is designed for those who are medically stable, not at risk of harm to self or others, and can take care of themselves but are still dealing with the early stages of withdrawal and recovery from methamphetamine abuse.
This level of care meets an average of 5 days per week, usually 6 hours per day with a strong emphasis on things like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy used to rewire maladaptive thought patterns. During a full day program clients have regular check-ins with our medical staff to help monitor mood, health, and sleep all of which can be negatively impacted by chronic meth abuse.
To help make improvements to these and other areas of living, this program focuses on supporting clients through the intense fatigue, depression,and severe cravings common in early meth detox. The program starts with a structured schedule every day of the week which actually helps heal focus, memory, and emotional regulation for our clients.
Our partial day programs are the next level we offer. If you need meth addiction treatment Massachusetts based, our partial day or Partial Day Treatment Program is a flexible step-down program designed to reinforce sobriety tools while you return to work, school, or family commitments.
As part of our partial day program, individuals transition more toward a part-time design, meeting an average of 3 days per week around 3 or 4 hours per day. We offer flexible sessions that take place at different times throughout the day to help clients accommodate other obligations like work, school, or family life.
During these programs individuals focus mainly on group therapy sessions that help improve skill building, relapse prevention, and relationship repair.
The goals of these programs center on identifying personal triggers, like the people, places, or emotional states that might risk a relapse. Other goals in our partial day meth rehab program are to rebuild the dopamine pathways by introducing healthy natural triggers through goal setting and sustainable routines. Finally, we aim to help clients establish a consistent routine with peer support and accountability.
Download Our FREE East Coast Recovery Model eBook
An aftercare plan provides a framework for supporting a recovering individual through treatment as they pursue their life goals. Aftercare plans include activities, interventions, and resources to help a recovering individual deal with triggers, stress, and cravings post-treatment. Because every individual requires something different, aftercare plans are unique. Because many individuals experience problems when exiting treatment, aftercare plans are critical. Relapse rates are highest in the first few months after a person leaves rehab.
Sobriety can be maintained in a sober living house by using peer support, sobriety-establishing and -maintaining recovery practices, peer empowerment, and individual responsibility. Residents may be prepared for life post-rehab or independent living through peer support, recovery housing, and peer empowerment. Drug addiction and incarceration rates have been shown to drop as a result of communal living. By honing their coping skills, mastering communication, and trusting themselves, individuals can benefit largely from a sober living program.
At our facility we provide comprehensive intake assessments as well as individual treatment programs, insurance support, sober living support, and aftercare.
When you first reach out to our team, you can expect one of our staff to speak with you over the phone or in person, even through the chat function. Our intake specialists are here to help you find the right level of care based on your needs.
To ensure that this happens, we will go over some basic questions and from there schedule an assessment and evaluation to determine whether there are other underlying mental health conditions that might require dual diagnosis treatment.
With this information in hand, our team at East Coast Recovery will provide an individual treatment program which includes different evidence-based and holistic therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness. We incorporate a range of therapies for each of our clients, as well as family programs for those who need it.
Treatment plans will include family integration where appropriate, individual therapy sessions, as well as group therapy and support group sessions.
As part of individualized programs, our team will also make a recommendation for how long treatment will last including things like detox, therapy, and aftercare.
A big part of starting treatment for addiction involves knowing not just what to expect from a therapist or a timeline, but the cost. That is why when you reach out to our team we will help you review the expected cost and what insurance benefits you can apply to your treatment plan. In fact, our team can reach out to your insurance company on your behalf and facilitate between them, explaining what your benefits are and how they get applied to your outpatient care.
If you are ready, reach out to our team now to start your meth rehab program.
An addiction treatment center is a great place to find help, but you might be unsure about the average duration of rehab. The length of treatment varies depending on numerous factors, so it is difficult to pinpoint an exact average. We can tell you that the typical duration of treatment is between 30 and 90 days. While detox, therapy, and supportive care are integral parts of a brief treatment program, treating substance use disorders is a complex process that may last for years. Although it may seem beneficial to complete rehab as quickly as possible, research shows that those who stay longer are less likely to relapse.
There are a number of treatment alternatives at rehab facilities, and their costs vary depending on the specific individual’s program. Drug and alcohol treatment is often readily available to all economic ranges thanks to payment plans or alternatives at rehab facilities. After the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010, most insurance providers began covering drug and alcohol treatment in some capacity. Many insurance policies now feature very low co-payments for treatment.
It is possible to verify insurance benefits during a treatment consultation with an accredited rehab facility. Patients may also contact their insurance company directly. Every dollar invested in drug abuse treatment programs yields a return of between $4 and $7 in reduced drug-related crimes, stolen or damaged property, and criminal justice costs, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Having a better understanding of how the admissions process works can ease your worries and build your confidence as you begin your journey to sobriety. The following are the beginning steps of getting into rehab in Boston:
An addiction treatment facility has personnel ready to answer your call. When you phone an addiction treatment center, an admissions representative will assist you through the rehabilitation process. During this private phone call, you will provide your name, birthdate, address, and occupation. You will also provide information about your substance abuse history, including your primary drug of choice, how long you have been addicted, and how you first used drugs. You may also be required to disclose your mental health history, whether you have any co-existing conditions, and whether you are experiencing any financial or family difficulties.
When you accept treatment at the facility, you will be required to go through a comprehensive intake procedure. To develop a customized treatment program and help you remain sober, your care team may ask you to undergo a variety of lengthy medical and mental health assessments. Delays must be avoided at all costs. The longer it takes a person to make the first phone call, be screened, and receive treatment, the less likely he or she will follow through with the program.
Methamphetamine, which is usually shortened to meth, is a man-made stimulant that interacts with, and alters, the responses within the central nervous system. Like other stimulants, when it is consumed the results tend to be higher levels of energy, an increased awareness/alertness, higher heart rate, potentially rapid breathing, and occasionally the loss of appetite. Someone who has used meth may find it increasingly difficult to sleep or relax in any way.
Some of the ingredients that can be used to make meth showcase exactly why it is so destructive to the human body.
brake fluid
brake cleaner
iodine crystals
lithium metal
lighter fluid
drain cleaners
ethyl ether
anhydrous ammonia
sodium metal
pseudoephedrine
red phosphorus
By themselves, nearly all of these are dangerous substances that should never be ingested. When combined they become much more toxic and dangerous and can cause incredible amounts of damage to the lungs, skin, eyes, and teeth of someone who is using meth. More than that, the materials used in a meth lab can become and remain toxic for a long time and pose a threat to someone who accidentally comes across the site of a meth lab.
Meth is special when it comes to the way it impacts the body. The thing that makes it so special is the ability to rapidly release high levels of dopamine in the reward center of the brain. This reinforces the drug-taking behavior, and it can make those who use it want to repeat their use.
The first time someone uses methamphetamine they will most likely not actually experience the negative consequences of using meth or having a meth addiction. Instead, they will feel very active and have intense euphoria. The feeling of euphoria is what is most often described as being high. These effects can linger as long as 6 to 12 hours.
This feeling of euphoria and its lingering effects are due to the way that meth tends to take over the brain’s natural reward systems and processes.
When we do something that inspires us or makes us feel joy, happiness, or satisfaction, our brains mark the moment through a special type of chemical response. Dopamine is the name of the specific chemical that is responsible for this response. It helps us feel rewarded, motivated, impacts our forming of memories, and affects how we can pay attention. In some cases, dopamine even helps regulate body movements.
It shouldn’t be a surprise then, that dopamine actually plays a huge role in your daily life and natural processes. From the brain chemical to how we are feeling, it is all impacted by dopamine. Low dopamine levels can lead to negative effects on mood, motivation, and memory.
When someone is using meth, their reward cycles fueled by dopamine get taken over, similar to a pirate boarding and taking over a rival ship on the high seas. Once the methamphetamine is acting as captain of the ship, it won’t want to give over control back to the natural processes very easily.
This is common in stimulant-style drugs like meth. In general, meth works by releasing dopamine and norepinephrine. Together, dopamine and norepinephrine act as messengers in the brain, which is how they got the name “neurotransmitter,” and they control a lot of emotions and feelings for us. Since meth takes the normal cycle and turns it on its head, it leads to feelings of euphoria, or feeling “high,” along with potential increases in energy and feelings of invulnerability.
Sometimes those who are using—or have used—meth will describe it as feeling invincible when they are currently experiencing their “high.” Some of this is why there is a phenomenon known as “chasing the dragon” when it comes to using meth. It means that you need to keep using it more and more and doing it more often in order to capture the same high as the very first time you tried it.
This leads to a strengthening of the addiction to meth in the brain. But, that isn’t where the effects of the meth end.
Methamphetamine is considered a very powerful substance because of its massive effects on the body. This also means there are some clear signs to look for when it comes to meth addiction and meth use.
Symptoms of meth addiction can range from minor to life-threatening, so it can be really important to be aware of them all.
One of the first signs that someone may be experiencing an addiction to meth is the sudden loss of interest in areas of life that were once a personal priority. Career goals, hobbies, relationships and so much more of our daily lives can become a secondary priority when it comes to using meth if someone is struggling with addiction.
It is common for those struggling with addiction to meth to try to hide their use, but with continued use, the brain’s reward cycles become altered, and are now actively looking for the effects of meth. This is when signs of meth addiction can become very obvious.
Some of these warning signs and symptoms of methamphetamine addiction may include
Weight loss
Sleep deprivation or insomnia
Dehydration
Rotten teeth, or what is known as “meth mouth”
Elevated body temperatures
Skin abscesses and infections
Meth comes in a lot of different forms, from powder to capsules to liquid. There are also crystallized versions of meth, similar to that from Breaking Bad, that are known as “crystal” or “crystal meth.” Actually, the way that meth is made is part of where the names come from. Some common street names for meth include crystal, crank, and more.
But, whatever form it comes in, methamphetamine can have some really horrible effects on the human body. Some effects are short-lived, while others are long-term and even potentially life-threatening.
Some of these warning signs and symptoms of methamphetamine addiction may include
Of course, that isn’t where the negative outcomes come from using methamphetamine end. There are also a lot of possible side effects from using that someone can experience.
Withdrawal is the natural progression of the meth comedown. The most serious of meth withdrawal symptoms come in the form of psychological and emotional challenges. Of course, there are physical symptoms that accompany the psychological issues, but they aren’t as severe.
Methamphetamine withdrawal is certainly uncomfortable, but it has not been shown to be life-threatening, unlike other drugs, including alcohol. One of the more severe withdrawal symptoms that can occur is the increased potential for self-harm due to depression.
The withdrawal symptoms won’t be the same for everyone, and all of them may not always happen to everyone. These are some of the possible withdrawal symptoms when detoxing from meth:
Itchy eyes
Fatigue/exhaustion
Feeling anxious/agitated
Increased appetite
Inability to sleep
Slurred and/or incoherent speech
Paranoia
Suicidal thoughts
Hallucinations
According to a study by the National Institute of Health, meth withdrawal seems to adhere to a consistent timeline, allowing clinicians to form a plan to effectively treat withdrawal symptoms. According to this study, the timeline for meth withdrawal is typically as follows:
Symptoms begin to show within 24 hours of abstaining from the drug.
The peak of withdrawal symptoms begins to occur within 7 to 10 days of discontinuing the drug, with the severity of symptoms steadily declining after they peak.
Meth withdrawal has an average duration of 14 to 20 days, with 14 days being the most commonly reported length of withdrawal symptoms.
While there is a general timeline of symptoms that a person detoxing from meth can expect to experience, they can vary from person-to-person depending on a variety of different factors. Some of these factors include:
Everybody metabolizes substances differently and at different rates. This is no different when it comes to metabolizing meth. Personal factors such as height, weight, and length of meth use can affect metabolism.
A highly chaotic or unstable home environment can make the withdrawal process much more difficult. High levels of support and encouragement can help the individual manage and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
The method in which a person regularly uses crystal meth can influence their withdrawal experience. The effects of crystal meth don’t last as long when it is smoked or injected, leading to individuals using an increased amount of the drug. This increased amount can be associated with more intense withdrawal symptoms.
Individuals in recovery from meth addiction may seek out addiction support groups, as they are able to connect with other individuals facing similar obstacles in their lives. To find an up-to-date list of addiction recovery support groups in and around Boston, Massachusetts, visit the Narcotics Anonymous website or the Alcoholics Anonymous website.
East Coast Recovery is here to support you on the path toward recovery from meth addiction. We know that no two people experience addiction in the same way, and we tailor our programs to ensure we deliver care that is aligned with your unique treatment needs.
Call us today at (617) 390-8349 to get started on your journey toward success in recovery.
