Crystal Meth Rehab

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Crystal Meth Rehab

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Crystal meth rehab:

Offers employment support, as 76% of meth users do not work [1]
Involves sober living homes, increasing abstinence by 35% [2]
Provides harm reduction because 8% experience suicide attempts [3]

What Is Crystal Meth Rehab?

Crystal meth rehab is:

A 28-day programme that includes physical detox, CBT, and group therapy to overcome physical and psychological dependence for crystal meth addiction
An extensive treatment regime focusing on aftercare planning for 6+ months after discharge for crystal meth addiction as 73.6% remain abstinent 2 months after rehab [4] [5]

When Is Crystal Meth Rehab Needed?

Crystal meth rehab is needed when:

Symptoms of Parkinson's, such as tremors and slow body movements, are evident due to dopaminergic neurodegeneration [6]
Cognitive impairment is evident as this is a sign of Parkinson's disease - meth users have a 76% increased risk of developing Parkinson's [7]
Methamphetamine-induced heart attack occurs, as this evidences coronary heart disease that causes death if left untreated [8]
Meth-induced psychosis is experienced, as this leads to a 2-fold increased chance of hospitalisations per year [9]
Meth-induced paranoia occurs, as research shows that 11% use a weapon and 15% attack others [10]
Legal consequences are involved - being caught in possession of crystal meth results in "up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both" [11]
Crystal meth is being used to function in day-to-day life, covering up underlying traumas that require psychological therapy to resolve

How Does Crystal Meth Rehab Work?

Detox

There is no specific medical treatment for crystal meth detox, so treatment focuses on managing the secondary side effects of withdrawal
2mg+ of haloperidol daily for 4 weeks results in remission of meth-induced psychosis in 84% of detox patients [12]
Two-month prescription of 200mg/kg modafinil results in improved self-reported sleep quality for patients in meth detox [13]
Phenobarbital is the primary substance used to treat meth-induced seizures, typically given in volumes 15–20 mg/kg [14]

Rehab

Effects of crystal meth, including cognitive impairment, change cognitive behavioural therapy by simplifying activities, such as using visual cues, to meet patients' needs and abilities
In cases of cognitive deficits and short attention spans caused by meth addiction, CBT sessions shorten to 30 minutes from 60
Activity scheduling is done in CBT for those with cognitive impairments so that activities are not forgotten
Removing patterns of aggressive behaviour creates a safe and structured space for all patients in rehab to engage in addiction treatment
Removing violent behaviour in residential rehab increases abstinence to 45%, as this enables relationships to develop [15]

Aftercare

Given a relapse rate of 61% one year after treatment, relapse prevention plans focus on environmental triggers that lead to meth use, such as stress [16]
For those in addiction treatment with minimal family support, aftercare planning focuses on peer groups such as Change Grow Live
74% of meth users are unemployed at the time of treatment, so financial assistance is vital in aftercare to ensure independent living [1]
Legal assistance following rehab treatment enables patients to navigate probation requirements or ongoing criminal records that hinder societal reintegration
Employment support after treatment for crystal meth addiction helps to provide daily structure so the individual does not resort to meth use
Sober living homes increase abstinence by 35% in meth-dependent individuals, forming an essential part of aftercare where there is a risk of relapse [2]
Sober living homes provide a safe environment for recovery post-rehab in case of homelessness and unstable living conditions

Crystal Meth Rehab Vs...

	Crystal Meth Rehab	Narcotics Anonymous
Standalone Treatment Option?	Yes	No
Treatment Duration	28 days	Indefinite
Inpatient/ Outpatient	Inpatient	Outpatient
Medications Used?	Yes - as required	No
Cost	~£7000 - £12,000	Free
Success Rate	73.6% [5]	21% [17]

	Outpatient Treatment	Detox At Home
Standalone Treatment Option?	Yes	Yes
Treatment Duration	28+ days	28+ days
Inpatient/ Outpatient	Outpatient	Outpatient
Medications Used?	Yes - as required	Yes - as required
Cost	~£3000 or free (NHS)	~£1000 or free (NHS)
Success Rate	62.2% [18]	5% without treatment [19]

What Changes Crystal Meth Rehab?

Mental Health Issues

Combined haloperidol/samidorphan prescriptions require more medical supervision in as blood pressure drops by 2.63 mm/Hg on average [20]
Anti-depressant medication causing emotional blunting changes rehab by focusing on reframing negative thoughts in cognitive behavioural therapy
Anti-depressants used in crystal meth addiction treatment increase the risk of suicide attempts by 2.38 times, so rehab focuses on suicide prevention [21]
Using psychiatrist-led crisis management allows for immediate changes to treatment plans and the implementation of continually updated risk assessments
8% of those recovering from crystal meth addiction attempt suicide, so rehab removes tools that could be used for self-harm [22]
Suppressed appetite during crystal meth addiction adapts rehab to incorporate food care plans to support nutrition in detox

Co-Occurring Medical Conditions

Cellulitis patients wanting to detox from meth use require cellulitis treatment alongside rehab as this condition results in death in 1.1% [23]
In case of severe infection in cellulitis and abscesses, occurring in 20% of meth users, hospitalised treatment is required before rehab can begin [24]
Severe meth mouth will delay rehab if patients require jaw reconstruction surgery, as this takes place in a hospital and is not provided as part of a rehab programme
Pain and psychological stress caused by invasive dental procedures prevent a patient from fully engaging in the programme, so physical recovery is required before meth rehab starts
Ongoing medical appointments for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, require travel outside of rehab, as specialist medical professionals are not available on-site
For stroke/cardiac arrests occurring in rehab clinics, patients go to hospital to get help while crystal meth treatment is paused

History Of Violence

The admissions process considers violent criminal history as violent behaviour is hazardous to other patients
Assessing violence before drug rehab admission allows staff to know how frequently to observe patients and become aware of any triggers that could cause violence - these are minimised where possible
In cases of extreme violent behaviour and a criminal history, a high-security rehab facility is more appropriate, so this is decided upon before admittance
Rehab becomes a point of referral in violent cases that require 24/7 observation so the correct facility is chosen
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention is 53% effective at reducing violent behaviour in crystal meth users [25]
At Abbeycare, all history of violence and aggressive behaviour is assessed on a case-by-case basis

Cognitive Deficits

In cases of severe cognitive deficits, informed consent cannot be given as the patient does not have the mental capacity to agree to the meth rehab programme - further assessment is needed
Poor attention span results in relapse in 69%, so rehab changes to incorporate shorter therapy sessions and a reduced timetable [27]
An 80% prevalence of cognitive deficits in meth users necessitates assessment during pre-admission to gauge if the programme is suitable and if any adaptations are required [26]
Using visual aids and more straightforward language in CBT for those with cognitive deficits helps improve comprehension and engagement
Those with an IQ <50 show no improvements following a CBT anger management course, so rehab involves IQ assessments before deciding on specific treatment [28]

Crystal Meth Related Dental Treatment

NHS does not provide free treatment for those who have damaged teeth due to crystal meth. However, some may qualify for free treatment due to:

Being under 18
Universal credit
Employment and support allowance

Refer to your dentist for more information.

Insurance policies for crystal meth rehab do not cover crystal meth-related dental work as standard - individual policies must be checked with the insurance provider.

Outcomes

Residential rehab results in 77% less meth use 3 months post treatment programme compared to completing detox alone [29]
Following detox and rehab, ongoing therapy is required to ensure that patients do not relapse
Leaving rehab early results in an abstinence rate ranging 51-52%, whereas undergoing full-length rehab increases abstinence rates to 76-78% [30]
Attempting abstinence alone has a success rate of 5%, so forgoing interventions is unlikely to result in sobriety [19]

Crystal Meth Rehab At Abbeycare

The crystal meth rehab programme at Abbeycare is a 28-day programme, ensuring a period of up to 10 days for detox.

Close monitoring for pain, sweating and fever is completed during the inpatient programme and presenting symptoms are managed medically if necessary.

Pastoral support is given throughout the programme, and once detox is complete, patients are provided with psychotherapy to explore triggers and causes for crystal meth use.

Abbeycare will help you establish personal routines, including daily activities to help you rebuild the structure you may have lost during crystal meth addiction, including mealtimes, hobbies and self-care.

Our multidisciplinary teams manage co-occurring drug addictions and psychological withdrawal symptoms; however, for severe conditions (e.g., schizophrenia), we will signpost you to more specialised care.

References

[1] Weber, Erica, et al. “Neurocognitive Deficits Are Associated with Unemployment in Chronic Methamphetamine Users.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, vol. 125, no. 1-2, Sept. 2012, pp. 146–153. Accessed 1 Jan. 2020. “74% of individuals admitted into an amphetamine treatment program were unemployed (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – SAMHSA, 2004).”
[2] Polcin, Douglas L., et al. “Course of Psychiatric Symptoms and Abstinence among Methamphetamine-Dependent Persons in Sober Living Recovery Homes.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, vol. 48, no. 3, 16 May 2016, pp. 173–180. Accessed 12 Oct. 2020. “However, at 6 months there was a large increase in abstinence among the MA dependent group (35%).”
[3] Marshall, Brandon D.L., et al. “Injection Methamphetamine Use Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Attempted Suicide: A Prospective Cohort Study.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, vol. 119, no. 1-2, Dec. 2011, pp. 134–137. “Of 1873 eligible participants, 149 (8.0%) reported a suicide attempt, resulting in an incidence density of 2.51 per 100 person-years.”
[4] Witbooi, Moses. The Performance of a Methamphetamine Rehabilitation Programme at de Novo Rehabilitation Centre: A Descriptive Study. Apr. 2014. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025. “The time period of aftercare after discharge from in-patient treatment was inadequate i.e. less than 6 months.”
[5] Witbooi, Moses. The Performance of a Methamphetamine Rehabilitation Programme at de Novo Rehabilitation Centre: A Descriptive Study. Apr. 2014. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025. "A total of 73.6% of clients self- reported abstinence but they were assessed only at a median time of 2 months after discharge."
[6] Thrash, Bessy, et al. “Methamphetamine-Induced Neurotoxicity: The Road to Parkinson’s Disease.” Pharmacological Reports, vol. 61, no. 6, Nov. 2009, pp. 966–977. Accessed 24 Mar. 2021. “Pramipexole, a dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist, has been shown to provide neuroprotection against methamphetamine-induced degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons.”
[7] Ares-Santos, S., et al. “The Role of Dopamine Receptors in the Neurotoxicity of Methamphetamine.” Journal of Internal Medicine, vol. 273, no. 5, 22 Apr. 2013, pp. 437–453. “This is supported by the finding of a very recent clinical study that methamphetamine users have a 76% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared with control subjects.”
[8] Baloch, Zulfiqar Qutrio, et al. “Methamphetamine-Induced Cardiomyopathy (MACM) in a Middle-Aged Man; a Case Report.” Emergency, vol. 6, no. 1, 20 Jan. 2018, p. e9. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025. “Chronic methamphetamine abuse can lead to development of severe cardiovascular complications such as coronary artery disease, acute myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MACM), aortic dissection, malignant hypertension, dysrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.”
[9] Grant, Kathleen M., et al. “Methamphetamine-Associated Psychosis.” Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, vol. 7, no. 1, 5 July 2011, pp. 113–139. “In a study of 526 METH dependent adults, individuals with any history of psychotic disorder at the 3-year follow-up were more than twice as likely to have been hospitalized in the previous 12 months.”
[10] Grant, Kathleen M., et al. “Methamphetamine-Associated Psychosis.” Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, vol. 7, no. 1, 5 July 2011, pp. 113–139. "Also of note, in a study of paranoia in community and in-treatment METH users ... 11% used a weapon, and 15% attacked another person."
[11] GOV UK. “Drugs Penalties.” GOV UK, 2024. “Class A: Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both; Up to life in prison, an unlimited fine or both.”
[12] Verachai, Viroj, et al. “Treatment of Methamphetamine-Induced Psychosis: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Haloperidol and Quetiapine.” Psychopharmacology, vol. 231, no. 16, 18 Feb. 2014, pp. 3099–3108. Accessed 9 Apr. 2021. “Thirty-two (89%) subjects from the quetiapine group and 37 subjects (84%) from the haloperidol group met the remission criteria at the end of the study.”
[13] Vrajová, Monika, et al. “Methamphetamine and Sleep Impairments: Neurobehavioral Correlates and Molecular Mechanisms.” Sleep, 6 Jan. 2021. “Using PSQI and ESS tests in 80 patients in double-blind randomized controlled two months study with 200 mg/kg modafinil, it was demonstrated that modafinil improves the sleep quality in patients with methamphetamine withdrawal.”
[14] Chen, Hsien‐Yi, et al. “Treatment of Drug‐Induced Seizures.” British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 81, no. 3, 1 Mar. 2016, pp. 412–419. “15–20 mg kg–1 i.v. no faster than 1 mg kg.”
[15] McKetin, Rebecca, et al. “Predicting Abstinence from Methamphetamine Use after Residential Rehabilitation: Findings from the Methamphetamine Treatment Evaluation Study.” Drug and Alcohol Review, vol. 37, no. 1, 18 Apr. 2017, pp. 70–78. “Individual counselling and good rapport increased abstinence to 45%.”
[16] Brecht, Mary-Lynn, and Diane Herbeck. “Time to Relapse Following Treatment for Methamphetamine Use: A Long-Term Perspective on Patterns and Predictors.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, vol. 139, June 2014, pp. 18–25. Accessed 20 Mar. 2019. “Sixty-one percent of the sample relapsed to MA use within 1 year after treatment discharge.”
[17] Gossop, Michael, et al. “Attendance at Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings, Frequency of Attendance and Substance Use Outcomes after Residential Treatment for Drug Dependence: A 5-Year Follow-up Study.” Addiction, vol. 103, no. 1, Jan. 2008, pp. 119–25. “Table 1.”
[18] Huang, Ming-Chyi, et al. “Risk Factors for Relapse among Methamphetamine Users Receiving a Joint Legal–Medical Treatment Program as a Diversion Intervention: A One-Year Follow-up Study.” Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment, vol. 151, 1 Aug. 2023, pp. 208955–208955. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024. “One hundred and seventy (37.8 %) participants experienced relapse into methamphetamine use.”
[19] Campillo, Russell. “My Experience and Recovery from Meth Addiction.” Missouri Medicine, vol. 119, no. 6, Nov. 2022, p. 500. “The success rate of crystal meth users to continue sobriety after three years without any rehabilitation or treatment is ONLY 5%.”
[20] Correll, Christoph U, et al. “Reduction in Multiple Cardiometabolic Risk Factors with Combined Olanzapine/Samidorphan Compared with Olanzapine: Post Hoc Analyses from a 24-Week Phase 3 Study.” Schizophrenia Bulletin, vol. 49, no. 2, 28 Oct. 2022, pp. 454–463. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023. “After 24 weeks’ treatment, compared with olanzapine, OLZ/SAM was associated with smaller least-squares mean (LSM) changes from baseline in systolic blood pressure (LSM difference, −2.63 mm Hg; 95% CI: −4.78, −0.47).”
[21] Hengartner, Michael P., and Martin Plöderl. “Newer-Generation Antidepressants and Suicide Risk in Randomized Controlled Trials: A Re-Analysis of the FDA Database.” Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, vol. 88, no. 4, 2019, pp. 247–248. Accessed 12 Dec. 2019. “The suicide attempt rate was increased in antidepressant arms relative to placebo (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.63–3.61, p < 0.00001, BF = 180.1 [very strong evidence]).”
[22] Marshall, Brandon D.L., et al. “Injection Methamphetamine Use Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Attempted Suicide: A Prospective Cohort Study.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, vol. 119, no. 1-2, Dec. 2011, pp. 134–137. “(8.0%) reported a suicide attempt.”
[23] Gunderson, Craig G., et al. “Do Patients with Cellulitis Need to Be Hospitalized? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mortality Rates of Inpatients with Cellulitis.” Journal of General Internal Medicine, vol. 33, no. 9, 18 July 2018, pp. 1553–1560. “The overall worldwide mortality rate was 1.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.7-1.8).”
[24] Pollini, Robin A, et al. “High Prevalence of Abscesses and Self-Treatment among Injection Drug Users in Tijuana, Mexico.” International Journal of Infectious Diseases, vol. 14, 1 Sept. 2010, pp. e117–e122. Accessed 7 Jan. 2024. “Overall, 46% had ever had an abscess and 20% had had an abscess in the past 6 months.”
[25] Hamidi, Farideh, and Kheiran, Salimeh. "Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention to Reduce High Risk Behaviors of People Addicted to Methamphetamine." International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction: vol. 8, no. 2; e92609. "Moreover, the effect of the intervention on aggression was calculated at 53% according to the obtained Eta coefficients."
[26] Allan, Julaine, et al. “The Process of Change for People with Cognitive Impairment in a Residential Rehabilitation Program for Substance Problems: A Phenomenographical Analysis.” Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, vol. 14, no. 1, 29 Mar. 2019. “Prevalence estimates of cognitive impairment among treatment-seeking-substance users vary from 30 to 80%.”
[27] Chen, Yi-Chih, et al. “Predictors of Relapse and Dropout during a 12-Week Relapse Prevention Program for Methamphetamine Users.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, vol. 47, no. 4, 12 Aug. 2015, pp. 317–324. Accessed 28 Apr. 2023. “Of the 42 participants, 69.0% had a MA positive urine screening result at least once throughout the program (relapse), while 40.5% dropped out of the treatment program prior to its completion. Short duration of MA abstinence at baseline and poor attention predicted relapse.”
[28] Northumbria AC UK. “University Library Online: Open Access at Northumbria University: Self-Archiving and Repositories.” Northumbria AC UK, 2024.
[29] McKetin, Rebecca, et al. “Evaluating the Impact of Community-Based Treatment Options on Methamphetamine Use: Findings from the Methamphetamine Treatment Evaluation Study (MATES).” Addiction, vol. 107, no. 11, 12 July 2012, pp. 1998–2008. “Relative to quasi-control and detoxification groups combined, residential rehabilitation produced large reductions in the frequency of methamphetamine use at 3 months [odds ratio (OR) = 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-0.36, P < 0.001).”
[30] Greenfield, Lawrence, et al. “Effectiveness of Long-Term Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for Women: Findings from Three National Studies.” The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, vol. 30, no. 3, 1 Aug. 2004, pp. 537–550. “Among clients who remained in treatment for at least three months, those who achieved their treatment goals in three to five months abstinence outcomes were as good as those for clients who took more than six months to complete their treatment (76%–78% abstinent) and substantially better than those for clients who did not complete treatment (51%–52% abstinent).”

About the author

Philippa Scammell

Philippa Scammell MSci holds an integrated Master's degree in Psychology
from the University of York and has completed undergraduate statistical studies at Harvard University. Philippa has substantial experience in inpatient psychiatric care (Foss Park Hospital York), Research in Psychology at University of York, and group therapy facilitation (Kyra Women's Project). Philippa writes on clinical psychology and addiction recovery. Content reviewed by Laura Morris (Clinical Lead).

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Last Updated: February 28, 2025