Little Help for Meth Addiction
Psychology Today
by Natashia Swalve, Ph.D.February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Methamphetamine addiction is a challenging and often misunderstood issue with limited treatment options available. Unlike other addictions, such as opioid dependence, there are fewer effective medications to help individuals quit meth due to its complex biological effects and the intense withdrawal symptoms it causes. The process of quitting meth can be grueling, with users experiencing severe dysphoria, fatigue, insomnia, and long-term cognitive issues like memory problems. Relapse rates remain high, with up to 60% of individuals returning to the drug within a year. Despite numerous attempts to find pharmacological solutions, no medication has proven effective yet, though some promising treatments are currently being tested.
One major barrier to treatment is the lack of insurance coverage for many behavioral therapies that could help. Contingency management, which uses incentives like gift cards for clean drug tests, shows promise but is often not covered by health insurance. Additionally, societal stigma surrounding methamphetamine use discourages many from seeking help in the first place. Users may feel shame or guilt, making it harder to motivate them to start treatment. This stigma also affects funding priorities, with resources often directed toward law enforcement and prevention rather than research into new treatments.
The lack of effective treatments for meth addiction is a significant public health issue. With millions of people globally struggling with the drug, there is an urgent
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/20/2026