Twelve Oaks Treatment Center
Special Programs
Cognitive therapy is used during the course of treatment to deal with depression (short-term antidepressant meds may also be indicated). Impulse control exercises are used to help patients deal with cravings, anxiety, and agitation.
Patients are involved in 12 step support groups with strong spiritual emphasis to deal with their feelings of hopelessness. Family involvement during treatment is strongly encouraged as well as aftercare attendance after the initial treatment program is completed. Attention is also given to nutritional or other physical problems that may have developed. Exercise helps heal damaged brain chemistry by stimulating endorphin production, so an exercise regime is also encouraged.
Meth Treatment
It is a myth that methamphetamine is safer than cocaine or heroin. Methamphetamine is harmful, both mentally and physically. The impurities inherent in homemade drugs, such as methamphetamine, add to its toxicity. The dangers of methamphetamine useinclude:
- Cardiovascular (rapid, irregular heartbeat, stroke)
- Nausea
- Damage to brain chemistry
- Aggressive, violent behavior
- Psychotic episodes
- Dangerously high temperature
- Death by overdose
These symptoms are often severe enough to necessitate prompt medical intervention. Physical addiction to methamphetamine is very rapid. The user quickly needs more and more to avoid the withdrawal symptoms.
Detoxification and Withdrawal
At Twelve Oaks we provide close medical monitoring of methamphetamine detoxification to treat toxic symptoms and treat withdrawal. Registered nurses observe the patient around the clock with the patient is detoxifying. Doctors are available 24 hours a day.
Symptoms of withdrawal can include, but are not limited to:
- Severe depression
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbance
- Extreme exhaustion
- Seizures
- Come
- Paranoid feelings
- Suicidal ideation
- Psychotic behavior
Registered nurses observe vital signs and medicate carefully to keep patients safe and prevent seizures. Withdrawal from methamphetamine is often extended and the patient may develop severe problems several days after their last use. Problems that may developinclude:meth-induced psychosis (patient hallucinates and loses touch with reality). These patients need a lot of support and encouragement during wide mood swings that occur during withdrawal. The adverse effect of methamphetamines on brain chemistry can be long lasting.
