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As the problems with methamphetamine addiction grow and multiply, it is heartening to see a community mobilize to meet the challenge. We were particularly inspired by the discussion at the Aztec Meth Task Force meeting on April 6th. It was gratifying to hear so many people concerned and committed to finding solutions. The fact that this was the 4th meeting and that each time attendance has grown speaks well for the conscience of the community and the care we feel for our neighbors. It was an inspiring evening and we are pleased and honored to be invited to participate in the dialogue.
While it is important to be aware of the facts about meth, it is vital that we challenge some self-defeating myths as well. It is true that methamphetamine is one of the most addicting substances known today. Whether snorted, smoked or injected, it quickly creates a tenacious and abiding dependency; a deadly compulsion that does enormous physical and psychological harm. Along the way it has devastating effects on the user’s personal life, often destroying family relationships and plans for a healthy productive future.
The list of meth’s evils is long and cannot be understated, yet there is hope. Recovery is possible. It’s certain that an addiction to methamphetamine creates profound changes in all of the body’s systems especially the brain and the nervous system. And it’s true that once the pathways for craving have been formed, they can last a lifetime. But even the most hardened addicts can, and do, recover. In fact, over many years in our professional work with drug addicts and alcoholics, we have seen many people with severe problems get well and do well. As one concerned parent who participated in the April meeting said, “Not all drug addicts are bad people.” Indeed, the maddening thing about methamphetamine addiction is that many of those caught in its web are our loved ones; our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives.
It is essential that we convey a message of hope to those who struggle with addiction whether it is the addict or a family member. If we perpetuate the myth that “once an addict, always addicted” there is little reason for the user to try to stop. The underlying message of the myth says, “I’m gonna’ die this way, so why do anything about it?” The most powerful way of generating hope and positive change is seeing and knowing other people who have recovered.
One of the most significant aspects of the healing process is that people recover best in a community with others who have struggled with similar problems. Endless illustrations exist that attest to the possibility of healthy recovery. For example, in a growing number of cities and towns across the country an organization called Crystal Meth Anonymous has put the 12-Step program of AA to work for people addicted to methamphetamine. In its online literature CMA says, “What is the crystal meth program? Crystal Meth Anonymous is a fellowship of people for whom crystal meth has become a serious problem. The members of Crystal Meth Anonymous meet regularly, share support and fellowship, and create a safe environment to stay clean. The fellowship advocates complete abstinence from crystal meth, alcohol, inhalants, and medications not taken as prescribed as well as all other mind-altering substances.
“. . . The steps promote actions that help us to achieve and maintain sobriety. They offer a plan for recovery that helps repair the damage our addiction to crystal meth has caused. The steps guide us in new ways of living to create a fulfilling life in recovery. Staying clean is our primary goal. When our actions are consistent with our principles, we can have inner peace, honesty and serenity” (www.crystalmeth.org). Currently, the only meeting in New Mexico is held in Santa Fe. As a community, we can and should support the development of CMA here in San Juan County.
Another website on the internet states, “Based on scientific & medical research, [we] view addiction and substance abuse as a disorder of the brain that affects your mind and your body as well as your spirit. Very much like epilepsy and diabetes, there is no cure for this disorder, it can however, be successfully treated and a positive, productive life can be maintained.”
Recent studies have shown that as many as 70% of people treated for addiction or substance abuse suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition. This is commonly referred to as “dual diagnosis.” Some examples are depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, posttraumatic stress syndrome and bi-polar disorder. If this is the case, it is crucial to the success of one’s treatment that both the substance use disorder and any mental health issues be addressed at the same time.
There are many effective forms of treatment and options for self-help. A valuable example is the Wellness Recovery Action Plan, located in Farmington at the Nash Drop-in Center. WRAP is designed for any person interested in making a positive change in his or her life. WRAP is based on the belief that recovery is possible for everyone. It encompasses five key concepts: hope, personal responsibility, education, self-advocacy and support.
Presently there are plans to include WRAP in the Drug Court Program operated by Presbyterian Medical Services. The program is offered in collaboration with the San Juan County Department of Probation and Parole. Locally Drug Court is demonstrating more promising results than the national average and is proving to be our most successful approach to treatment and recovery. Additionally, WRAP and Totah Behavioral Health plan to initiate Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR) meetings for people who are affected by both addiction and mental health conditions like those mentioned above.
We believe that it’s our responsibility, as a community that cares about its most vulnerable members, to create as many options for recovery as possible. See you at the next meeting.
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Paul Ehrlich is the executive director of the Totah Behavioral Health Authority in Farmington, New Mexico.
TBHA serves homeless addicts and alcoholics who are often diagnosed with co-occurring psychiatric disorders. The essence of our program is based upon the combination of contemporary clinical best practices and traditional Native American healing approaches. For the clients we serve, we believe each makes the other stronger than either alone.
TBHA is an effective collaboration between the major governmental entities in the region including the Navajo Nation, San Juan County and the City of Farmington as well as six other partnering organizations that are providers of primary medical and behavioral health services in the area. These are San Juan Regional Medical Center, Farmington Intertribal Indian Organization, Four Winds Recovery Center, Presbyterian Medical Services, the State of New Mexico Department of Health and the Navajo Area Indian Health Services.
Kristine Carlson is the clinical director of behavioral health services at the Farmington Community Health Center. Both TBHA and FCHC are programs of Presbyterian Medical Services.
PMS designs and delivers quality, accessible integrated health, education and human services in response to identified community needs of the multi-cultural people of the Southwest. FCHC is a recovery focused treatment center providing substance abuse, mental health, crisis and case management services.
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