Addiction of Methanphetamine, Research Paper Example

The problem of rehabilitation from addiction to methamphetamine is of particular interest to the author of this paper. As a recovering addict himself, the author is concerned about how to handle this issue within the contexts of social work and care. This paper provides an overview of the problem of methamphetamine addiction and explores the role and functions of social workers engaged in alleviation of the concern. To address the issue of social worker roles and functions in the matter of tackling the problem of addiction to methamphetamine several highly reputable research works have been used, which provided insight on the details of the problem. The paper concludes with the summary of the essay’s discussion and possible recommendations for the future practice of those social workers who are engaged in delivery of the long-term rehabilitation care to methamphetamine addicts.

What is Methamphetamine and Why Is It Used?

Methamphetamine, also known as crank, speed, ice, crystal, or chalk, is a stimulant drug that affects human central nervous system. That is done through the chemical impact on certain receptors in human brain, which get intoxicated and generates messages that make up a person’s sense of pleasure. Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant which produces a tremendous feeling of pleasure in an individual (Covey, p.3).

Legally, it is prescribed by physicians as a type of recreational drug. Specifically, coming under the name of Dexocyn, it is used as a pharmacological treatment from ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Illegally, the form of methamphetamine can easily be made in clandestine labs with the ingredients that known to be over-the-counter. Users say it is appealing due to its weight loss effect owing to its impact on the loss of appetite. They admit to its impact on heightened energy levels, enhancement of attention, keeping people active, both physically and sexually for a lengthy period of time, and providing an overall sense of euphoria as well as well-being similarly to effects of cocaine. Meth use effects may last up to 6 or 8 hours. The person will experience a coming down period which is characterized by the user’s agitation and potential violence. Being a Schedule II stimulant, methamphetamine is illegal to possess, sell, or buy on the territory of the United States (Covey, p.3). Methamphetamine abuse takes place when a patient takes it either dissolved in water/alcohol, eats it, snorts intranasally, through smoking or needle injection (NIH, 2010).

Methamphetamine Addiction Specifics and Effects

As it has already been mentioned, methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug. It is even more addictive than cocaine. Castro et al (2000) found that if compared with the users of cocaine, the users of methamphetamine experienced a faster progression rate towards use on a regular basis and as a result a subsequent need for medical treatment. The findings are based on the evidence that methamphetamine users displayed a shorter time period that came between the first use to use on a regular basis (Castro et al, 2000, p.390).

Methamphetamine abuse in a chronic way considerably changes how the brain is functioning. Namely, changes occur in brain areas that are responsible to emotion and memory. Even those who have taken the drug in small numbers suffer from the effects evoked by the stimulant: hypothermia, increased weakfulness, decreased appetite and enhanced desire of acting physically bale, rapid heart rate and irregular heartbeat, as well as increased blood pressure. For lengthy abusers of methamphetamine, they suffer from negative consequences: anxiety, extreme loss of weight, insomnia, delusions and psychotic features, as well as mood disturbances, some dental problems, and violent conduct (NIH, 2010). For example, the study by found that mood disorders in abusers of methamphetamine were anxiety and self-depression (London et al, 2004). Also, Payer et al (2012) confirmed heightened aggression rates among children who used methamphetamine.

Social Worker Responsibilities in Methamphetamine Rehabilitation Care

Social rehabilitation of addicts is much about supporting them with the services care to create a stable environment. DeCivita, Dobkin, et al (2000) have found that the more stable is the environment the greater are the chances of effective dealing with people’s substance problems. It is important that the social worker takes a holistic view of the patient and his family and social relationships, as well as his cultural context. It is also important that no prior judgements are made that would negatively impact the delivery of rehabilitation services. Here are a few basic guidelines worked out by the University of Bedfordshire in relation to social workers that deal with substance abusers. So social workers need:

• Confidently inquire about the substance use as well as its effects on the individual and his family;
• Evaluate the response and identify what it means and what is does not (if it is not clear, ask for more explanations);
• Discuss with the client the positive and negative sides to their abuse;
• Ask them to assess the risk methamphetamine abuse poses to them personally and to their families/friends;
• Suggest brief interventions (based on providing advice and information) as to substance use;
• Knowing and advising about the specialist resources which available in the neighbourhood so that it will be possible to refer individuals on as necessary (University of Bedforshire, n.d.).

“Treatment Approaches for Users of Methamphetamine”, a practical guide for social workers published in Australia, lists the following phases that a social worker may be involved in while caring for an abuser (Jenner & Lee, 2008, p.3-11):

• Recognition and management of intoxication (signs of the latter include: agitation, rapid speech, jaw clenching; sweatiness; irritability; large pupils). Adequate response involves sound communication, quick response to the user’s needs, and maintenance of calm and supportive atmosphere.
• Recognition and management of overdose (this is a medical emergency, so it’s important to recognize the signs of the client’s toxicity; first aid is about calling an ambulance, creating a safe environment; and removal of various dangerous things, etc)
• Response provided to a client with some mental health problems (recognition of psychosis and its immediate management through effective communication, creation of safe environment, etc);
• Assistance in getting through withdrawal (educational support, relapse prevention, etc);
• Watching out for reducing the negative effects of use of other drugs and drugs mixing;
• Taking part in treatment interventions;
• Providing assistance to families and significant others;
• Helping to resolve legal issues (if possible);
• Self-education and establishment of service partnerships.

In conclusion, methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug whose abuse turns an individual into an aggressive and depressed personality. Clients may go through a rather unstable rehabilitation process, so the role of the social worker is to support the client and create a safe environment, as well as inform, advise, and provide immediate care and help. It is important to see the client in a holistic manner with emphasis on cultural context and social relations.

References

Castro, F. et al (2000) Cocaine and methamphetamine: Differential addiction rates. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. Vol 14 (4), 390-396.

DeCivita, D., Dobkin, P. et al (2000) A study of barriers of engagement of significant others in adult education treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 19 (2), 135-144.

Covey, H. (2007) The Methamphetamine Crisis: Strategies to save Addicts, Families, and Communities. Greenwood Publishing Group.

Jenner, L. and Lee, N. (2008).Treatment Approaches for Users of Methamphetamine: A Practical Guide for Frontline Workers. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra.

London, E. et al (2004) Mood Disturbances and Regional Cerebral Metabolic Abnormalities in Recently Abstinent Methamphetamine Abusers. Arch Gen Psychiatry, Vol. 61 (1),73-84.

Payer, D. et al (2012) Effects of methamphetamine abuse and serotonin transporter gene variants on aggression and emotion-processing neurocircuitry. Transl Psychiatry, Feb.21, 2012, e80.

University of Bedfordshire (n.d.) The social worker’s role. Retrieved from http://www.beds.ac.uk/swad/context/links/role.