Meth Detox: Withdrawal Process and Treatment

Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms usually aren’t life-threatening, which gives some people the impression it’s safe to detox at home. Despite the low risk of fatal side effects in comparison to the withdrawal of other substances, this doesn’t mean it can’t be dangerous. The safest way to start recovery will always be through a professional meth detox program. Below you can learn more about the meth detox process and what to expect when you start treatment.

Is Meth Detox Necessary?

Deciding to stop using meth can be just as difficult as the process itself. Many individuals struggle to quit because the process is uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. The side effects of this process can impact your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and lasts for days or even weeks.

You may want to detox at home, but this is a big risk for adults who have co-occurring disorders. The symptoms of withdrawal can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. In some cases, it can even trigger psychosis. These symptoms are one of the biggest causes of suicidal thoughts and self-harm during early recovery.

So, if you decide to stop taking meth, you’ll inevitably have to undergo meth detox whether you do it at home or under the guidance of medical professionals. But it’s safer and much more effective to go through the meth detox process in a supportive environment free from triggers and surrounded by professionals.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

As mentioned above, methamphetamine withdrawal doesn’t come with some of the same life-threatening risks as with other substances. However, there are side effects that can be dangerous to your body and mental health. Because of this, it’s highly recommended that you receive substance abuse treatment under medical supervision. This type of treatment with round-the-clock care is possible in an accredited meth detox center.

Common meth withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anger or hostility
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Extreme hunger
• Intense cravings
• Headaches
• Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
• Auditory and visual hallucinations

Additional side effects of meth that can be addressed and treated in recovery include:

• Weight loss
• Mood swings
• Cognitive and memory problems
• Confusion
• Delusions

Meth Withdrawal Timeline

After learning about the symptoms that come with meth addiction treatment, you might want to know how long these symptoms will last. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s experience is different because how much you were taking and for how long can impact the occurrence and severity of symptoms. However, there is a general framework that is used to determine how long the withdrawal process lasts.

For starters, a medically supervised meth detox typically lasts three days to a week. But in the event of acute or protracted withdrawal, some recovering meth users may experience symptoms for weeks or even months. In this case, it’s better to be in the care of medical professionals in a meth detox program. This way you will receive the medical and psychiatric care necessary for starting recovery safely.

• 24-48 hours: This is referred to as the crash period because you begin to experience a sharp decline in energy levels and cognitive functioning. Symptoms of depression are common while hallucinations, paranoia, and anxiety can be experienced as well.
• Three to five days: This phase of the withdrawal process is characterized by more manageable withdrawal symptoms but an increase in cravings. Individuals are at the highest risk for relapse during this time.
• Two to four weeks: Cravings tend to subside during this phase but psychiatric problems become more apparent in the absence of methamphetamine in the body. Severe psychiatric symptoms that can occur include anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
• One to two months: This is when some people can experience protracted withdrawal or post-acute withdrawal symptoms. This is common for those who have a history of severe or long-term meth abuse.

What to Expect From Meth Detox Treatment

Medical detox is the first step when it comes to drug addiction recovery. The purpose of meth detox is to help your body metabolize and remove the substance from your body. Keep in mind that the detox process will depend on your previous level of use, dependence, and particular withdrawal symptoms. However, the addiction specialists and other medical staff on-site will help make the meth detox process as comfortable for you as possible.

You will begin with a personalized assessment to determine the level of care needed to safely navigate you through the drug detoxification program. This includes recording your drug and alcohol history, conducting a physical, and creating a detox program specifically for you.

Not all treatment programs provide the same methods for treating drug addiction which is why it’s important to find one that works best for your needs. Your safety is the number one priority when you’re at The Blackberry Center. As a result, you will be under the 24/7 supervision of addiction specialists, physicians, and mental health professionals until you’re ready to move on from meth detox.

Treatment Programs Following Meth Detox

Once you have completed meth detox, you can move on to the dual diagnosis and take part in additional therapy modalities. Through dual diagnosis, you can get to the underlying issues related to your addiction. If you’re struggling with co-occurring disorders, this will help you better understand the relationship between both disorders.

Dual diagnosis treats a variety of mental health disorders commonly associated with substance use disorders. This is done through therapy, nutritional planning, and finding community-based services in your area to continue your recovery journey after leaving treatment.

Many recovering meth users benefit from picking up new or old hobbies while in treatment. You might be able to find some that interest you through recreational therapy. Additionally, recovery can be supplemented through group support activities. Taking part in the community within the treatment center can keep you engaged with healthy distractions that can be brought into new phases of recovery.

Find Meth Addiction Treatment in Florida

Detoxing from methamphetamines may sound like a scary process but in the right hands, it doesn’t have to be. Starting your addiction recovery journey is best started with the help and support of medical and mental health professionals. Under a medically supervised meth detox, you have the highest chance of an effective recovery.

Everyone at The Blackberry Center is here to support you. If you’re interested in learning more about our meth detox treatment options, call us at 888-512-9802 or submit a confidential contact form online. We’re here to answer any questions you may have to help you make an informed decision regarding your mental health.

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Original Author: The Blackberry Center