Psychiatria pre prax 6/2006

DETOXIFICATION IN THE ADDICTION TO METHAMPHETAMINE

Methamphetamine is a stimulating drug with an indirect effect caused by the influencing of the transport mechanisms of dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin. Neuro-adaptation mechanisms participate in the development of addiction with a predominant mental component. Abstinent syndrome during withdrawal is characterized by depression, fatigue and a lack of energy. In the next phase a strong desire for the drug appears. Although mental complications are gradually decreasing, they can last for weeks or even months. Paranoid syndrome and hallucination can be as a result of using the drug and mostly disappear spontaneously, unlike the symptoms of schizophrenic disorder. Addiction to methamphetamine is a disorder which can be treated with difficulties and with a high risk of relapse. The effect of substitution pharmacotherapy has not been proved and substances with anti-craving effect have not been commonly used so far either. A combination of biological, behavioural and psychological approaches is the most effective in the treatment, from which the ones used most are mentioned.

Keywords: methamphetamine, withdrawal, detoxification, addiction, craving.