Meth Treatment Myths

Methamphetamine has received a large volume of media attention recently, and the topic ranks among the most frequently presented issues at conferences around the country. This has led to the dissemination of a great deal of inaccurate information. Unfortunately, however, it has also led to the spread of many myths.

The information that follows presents a few of the most prevalent methamphetamine myths and the facts.

Myth #1: Methamphetamine dependence is not treatable.

THE FACTS: Across research studies with methamphetamine, relapse rates appear to be about equal to what is seen in studies of cocaine dependence. For example, in the Methamphetamine Treatment Project, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 60 percent of participants reported no methamphetamine use in the previous month and provided a methamphetamine-negative urine sample (1).

Myth #2: The average length of time from first use of methamphetamine to death is five years.

THE FACTS:There is no data available that details the average length of time between initiation of methamphetamine use and death from methamphetamine. However, in recent research studies conducted on more than 1,000 methamphetamine users, the average length of time of methamphetamine use for clients prior to entering the treatment study was about 7 years. This number appears to be consistent across methamphetamine treatment studies. (2)

Myth #3: Methamphetamine causes holes in the brain.

THE FACTS: It is true that methamphetamine changes the way the brain functions. The idea that methamphetamine causes actual holes in the brain results from a misunderstanding of the images that are created using complex scanning machines.

Functional MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans showing brain activity depict areas of low or no activity as “holes.” These scans depict functional changes, not the actual structure of the brain. In other words, the apparent “holes” in the image indicate areas in the brain that are inactive, not holes in the structure of the brain.

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Myth #4: Using methamphetamine once results in addiction.

THE FACTS: It is true that methamphetamine is powerfully reinforcing and that people generally report positive effects on their first use. However, as with all substances, dependence develops with repeated use.

This myth is very dangerous, especially to younger users. If people are able to use methamphetamine once and then not use it again for a long period of time, they may come to one of two conclusions:
(1) they can use methamphetamine and not become dependent, since this did not happen with their first use; or
(2) since this message about addiction was not true, none of the messages about the dangers of methamphetamine should be believed.

Myth #5: No special treatment is needed for methamphetamine users.

THE FACTS: Methamphetamine causes specific problems for the user that must be addressed in treatment. For instance, methamphetamine users often have memory and concentration problems, making it difficult for them to plan for appropriate activities or manage their time in such a way that they stay away from situations which may lead them back to using. Users may also fail to get treatment. Due to the high energy, chaotic life that accompanies methamphetamine use, helping a user join a treatment program requires providers to take certain steps.

Special interventions that guide the person from one step to the next in gaining sobriety and entering treatment increase the likelihood of success. About 1 months after stopping use, clients often experience a period of depressive feelings and find it difficult to find pleasure in anything (anhedonia). These feelings are signs that the brain is healing. If the person can be helped to understand that this process is normal, and if support can be provided for getting through this period, he or she will experience relief on the other side.(3)

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Myth #6: Methamphetamine is used primarily by White male bikers and truck drivers.

THE FACTS:Methamphetamine use in these aforementioned populations is well-documented. However, methamphetamine has spread far beyond these groups, and high rates of use are seen among extremely diverse groups of people. According to the California Alcohol and Drug Data System (CADDS), 43 percent of those entering treatment for amphetamines in California were female, and 11 percent were under the age of 21.(4) Ethnic groups other than Whites are also represented among treatment admissions, with 25 percent Latinos, 3.9 percent Asian Pacific Islanders, 4.4 percent American Indians, and 4.3 percent African- Americans.

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