Help for Those Who Wish to Quit Crystal Meth
When it comes to quitting the use of Crystal Meth, people need a great deal of willpower, especially if a physical addiction has manifested. The physiological side effects of the addiction are particularly difficult to overcome, and with so many people using this drug, the science and medical world has been hard at work, trying to figure out how to help users beat the addiction. There is some good news, however. There have been many studies to find and create a drug that will help with the withdrawal symptoms of methamphetamine. This drug is currently still undergoing clinical trials, but it seems to have promising effects.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has been working towards a medication that could change the way we look at quitting for good. The investigational drug, known simply as MN-166 or ibudilast, has cleared one set of hurdles and is currently being studied in Southern California by UCLA scientists. With the latest funding and approval of a second phase of testing, there is promising hope for the future of treating addiction to methamphetamine. There are already more and more people seeking treatment every day, and with the help of this new drug, there will hopefully be a large drop in the number of individuals addicted to methamphetamine.
For those that aren’t fully aware of the epidemic, there are currently around 1.2 million people above the age of 12 that are using methamphetamine, and many deaths have been directly related to it. The study of this new drug is hoping to help curb methamphetamine abuse and help those that are also infected with HIV. There tends to be a correlation between the two, due to the high-risk behaviors that are often involved with methamphetamine addiction. Many users who are unable to feel the effects from inhaling or smoking the substance often turn to injecting the drug. Users often share needles and engage in other high-risk behaviors that may increase the chances of contracting HIV.
More on the Trial
There are currently plans for this investigational drug to be given to meth addicts that volunteer to take a small dose or a placebo, in efforts to quit using methamphetamine. They will then be given check ups for 12 weeks, monitored, and provided with help and support to kick the habit. Scientists and doctors are hoping that this drug will prove to be effective in helping to reduce many of the withdrawal symptoms and make quitting easier.
For those that are suffering from addiction to methamphetamine, it is critical to seek outside help. The drugs that are being investigated are still a ways away from FDA approval. If you or someone you know needs help, contact a rehabilitation center and find a program that will help.
There are ways to beat this addiction without the use of other drugs, but it takes a tremendous amount of work and strength. There are a multitude of programs and professionals out there that are working every day to help people beat this addiction.
There are many different options and venues available to seek out the help that you need. Even with medication, psychotherapy is a very important part of the recovery process.
The Ugly Face of Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine Facts - From the Web
Chemistry.about.com recently reported the facts about Methamphetamine. According to the study it is a chemical n-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-2-amine is called methamphetamine, methylamphetamine, or desoxyephedrine. The shortened name is simply ‘meth.’ When it is in its crystalline form, the drug is called meth, ice, Tina, or glass. See the table below for other street names of the drug. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant.
Usually meth is smoked in glass pipes, similar to how crack cocaine is used. It may be injected (either dry or dissolved in water), snorted, swallowed, or inserted into the anus or urethra… Click here to see complete article…
Crystal Meth scourge is growing - In the News
Ctpost.com reports the growing scourge of Meth. On television’s “Breaking Bad,” crystal meth turns a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, into a paranoid, murderous multimillionaire. In Bridgeport’s real world, it allegedly turned a charismatic potential Catholic bishop, Monsignor Kevin Wallin, into a twitching, hyperkinetic addict and cellphone juggling drug dealer, according to court documents and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Caruso.
On the street, methamphetamine is called crank, ice and glass. But in federal court, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith called the growing problem with the drug in the Northeast a “dirty bomb” unleashed like plutonium on an unaware society…” Read complete article on crystal meth here…
If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032 for help.
