Understanding Meth and Other Drug Use Disorders
Overdose fatalities in the United States from stimulant use have increased dramatically over the past several years. Methamphetamine was one of the primary drugs responsible for these deaths. This is why having access to effective meth detox methods is key to treating addiction and preventing overdoses.
Understanding Meth Detoxification
Detox is a crucial component of any person’s road to sobriety. When this endpoint starts with professional detox services, the withdrawal symptoms become much more manageable.
Methamphetamine detoxification typically consists of several components and phases. Medical monitoring and supportive care are vital to ensuring a safe withdrawal. Without medical intervention, the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely intense. Meth detox aims to safely remove meth from the body, reduce withdrawal symptoms and stabilize the individual emotionally and physically.
Receiving medical supervision while going through detox from methamphetamine is the safest way to deal with any problems that arise. If you take part in a medical detox program, doctors will prescribe medications to alleviate certain symptoms. Antidepressants help those experiencing mood disorders. Sleep aids often work well for those struggling with insomnia.
There are even some medications like naltrexone and bupropion that suppress cravings for methamphetamine, which reduces the risk of relapse. Ultimately, professional meth detox prepares people for addiction therapy by treating withdrawal symptoms and establishing sobriety and wellness.
Common Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Methamphetamine is widely known for its stimulant side effects, which provide users with vast amounts of energy. This energy can last for days, but the person eventually hits a plateau and then endures an extended period of extensive fatigue. The exhaustion can last several weeks, making it difficult to partake in physically demanding activities.
Fatigue isn’t the only physical side effect of meth withdrawal. It’s very common to notice a significant increase in appetite after the drug has left the body. This is because the drug no longer suppresses the person’s desire to eat. And while eating nutritious foods is important during detox, it’s very important not to overeat. The digestive system needs time to adjust to the person’s new eating patterns.
Detoxification also causes changes in neurotransmitter activity, which puts pressure on the body’s muscles and joints. Eating healthy meals and taking certain medications may help alleviate muscle aches and pain, both of which can last for up to several weeks. These changes in neurotransmitter activity can also lead to tremors or shaking.
Other physical symptoms that people sometimes experience during meth detox include cardiovascular changes, respiratory issues, and digestive problems. Cardiovascular changes include high or low blood pressure and poor blood circulation. Respiratory issues may include difficulty breathing or coughing. Digestive problems can manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, or pain in the stomach. All of these symptoms usually go away within a few weeks after the last use but sometimes persist for much longer.
The psychological symptoms experienced during meth detox can range from major irritability and extreme paranoia to overwhelming agitation and confusion. These symptoms and intense cravings for the drug can persist for months after a person’s last use.
Depression and anxiety are other hallmark withdrawal symptoms associated with meth detox. They occur when the brain’s dopamine level tries to balance itself out. These symptoms can last for several months.
Many people going through meth detox report vivid dreams or nightmares. These symptoms tend to become worse in those who experience major disruptions to their sleep patterns.
Meth Detoxification Methods
There are several forms of meth detox to choose from. Each type has its pros and cons, and a specialist at Liberty Bay Recovery Center can help you choose which program is best for you. Inpatient programs offer 24/7 care. Outpatient programs give clients the ability to work and reside outside of the medical facility. Holistic detox options treat addiction from a whole-body perspective: body, mind and spirit.
Medication-assisted programs provide clients with medications to help with withdrawal symptoms. Dual diagnosis programs treat the person’s addiction to meth while simultaneously treating any other co-occurring illnesses, like bipolar disorder or depression.
No matter the type of detox chosen to help manage meth withdrawal symptoms, medication will likely play a large role because medication greatly reduces the severity and length of certain symptoms that commonly lead to relapse.
Professional Meth Detox Programs
Professional medical detox programs for meth offered at Liberty Bay Recovery Center provide specialized services that you won’t find elsewhere. We provide around-the-clock monitoring and medical oversight by registered nurses and licensed doctors.
When a client experiences a complication during their withdrawal process, our health professionals choose from a number of treatment options that aren’t available in informal detox settings. These options include medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric evaluations, individualized treatment plans, cognitive behavioral therapies, dialectical behavior therapy, and many others.
Many of our programs also integrate family therapy and support. Family therapy and support focuses on improving communication among family members and rebuilding broken relationships. When a person has strong family support and a healthy environment to live in, it becomes much easier to live a life that doesn’t involve the use of meth.
Coping Strategies During Meth Detox
From 2015 through 2018, about 1.6 million people in the United States reported using methamphetamine at least once each of those years. Yet only one-third of them actually sought treatment. The difficulties surrounding meth detox contribute to this pattern.
There is good news. Even though meth detox comes with several challenges, it’s possible to achieve a successful recovery. Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest will both help during detox. If you find it difficult to rest, you should try creating a calming bedtime routine. This helps your body relax and makes you more likely to fall and stay asleep.
Drinking electrolyte-rich beverages will help keep your body healthy and may even mitigate bouts of exhaustion. If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression during detox, it’s best to speak with a licensed therapist. You may need to take one or more antidepressants.
Keeping yourself busy with physical activities will help with fatigue, too. There are lots of ways to stay active. Some people develop new hobbies, like painting or playing musical instruments. Staying active does much more than keep you busy and in shape. It also improves your mood and leads to better emotional resilience, both of which minimize the risk of relapse.
Methamphetamine Withdrawal Timeline
During meth detox, two primary stages of withdrawal symptoms occur: the acute withdrawal phase and the extended withdrawal phase. Acute withdrawal symptoms, which often start within a few hours to a few days after quitting meth usage, include severe hunger, lethargy, sadness, anxiety, impatience and cravings for the drug. This stage often lasts for a week or two, with symptoms being at their worst at the beginning and becoming better.
A prolonged withdrawal period, or post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), usually occurs after the acute phase. This period might persist for a few weeks or months. People can still have symptoms like mood swings, cravings, sleep problems, and a lack of concentration during the post-phase. The length and severity of symptoms differ from one person to the next based on their general health, how long they’ve been using meth, and whether they have other mental health issues.
Meth Rehab Programs and Treatment Options
During a medical detox program, medical professionals oversee the entire detox process, enabling them to safely manage the person’s withdrawal symptoms. If the person experiences breathing difficulties, hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, or any other severe symptoms, the doctors can use medical interventions. This makes the detox process much easier and more comfortable. Most importantly, it helps the person go through the detox process without relapsing.
Medical detoxes sometimes require the person to stay in a residential facility for a certain number of days (usually ranging from three to 15 days). Those taking part in an inpatient medical detox won’t be able to work or take care of family responsibilities. Instead, they will reside at a facility where they receive one-on-one and group therapy, medication management, nutritional guidance, and other services. After you’ve completed your detox program, we’ll connect you with one of our inpatient and outpatient treatment options where you can continue your sobriety.
Outpatient meth detox programs provide medical supervision without requiring the person to stay overnight at a facility. These programs vary widely in their requirements and structure. Some make their clients visit their medical facilities on a daily basis. Others require only one to two visits a month. Outpatient programs provide clients with medication management, counseling services, and other forms of supportive care.
You may decide that our inpatient is program a better fit for you. This program usually lasts anywhere from 30 to 180 days or longer. This is where clients undergo intense therapy for several hours every day to treat their addictions. They receive care from medical professionals, including medication assistance and behavioral therapies. This program is highly structured to keep clients busy and focused on their recovery at all times.
Holistic Approach to Methamphetamine Recovery
There are also several forms of holistic approaches to meth detox that we incorporate. Nutritional therapy focuses on creating a balanced and healthy diet. The goal is to replenish the body with the vital nutrients that it lost during the person’s period of active meth use.
Mindfulness and meditation therapies use deep breathing and other relaxing techniques to improve your emotional health, thus improving mental stability and decreasing the likelihood of using meth. Acupuncture and massage therapies target the physical discomfort associated with meth detox.
Aftercare and Continued Support
Studies show that people who receive aftercare services are more likely to achieve long-term sobriety. The same data also shows that longer durations of aftercare directly correlate with more positive results. Furthermore, it reveals that those with a high risk of relapse tend to benefit the most from aftercare support.
Fortunately, there are many forms of aftercare to take advantage of. Outpatient counseling in one-on-one and group settings helps people address the ongoing challenges that they face during recovery. Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, provide safe settings for individuals to share their stories and receive guidance. Some aftercare programs offer medication-assisted treatment. No matter which program you decide on, Liberty Bay is there to help you every step of the way. To regain your sobriety, call us today!
