Methamphetamine (also known as meth and crystal meth) is a highly addictive central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that’s commonly sold on the streets for recreational use. It’s often made in clandestine labs and trafficked to various parts of the United States.
Due to its potency and various addictive cutting agents, meth addiction has become a common issue within the country. Addicted or dependent users will experience methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug, which can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Due to the severe nature of these symptoms, it’s recommended that individuals with meth addictions receive medical support to safely detox from meth.
Signs of Meth Use or Meth Addiction
Unfortunately, drug use goes unnoticed until it reaches the point of abuse or addiction. Crystal meth has such a high potential for addiction that it’s easy for someone to become dependent on the drug. Physical signs of meth use will emerge when the person is a new user or when they’re becoming increasingly dependent on it.
- Thin, frail appearance
- Facial acne or sores
- Rotted teeth and poor dental hygiene (“meth mouth”)
- A droopy and wrinkly quality to the facial skin
- Convulsions
- Liver damage
- Stroke
- Lowered immunity/susceptibility to infectious disease
- A dramatic increase in body temperature
- Increased libido
- Intense scratching
Individuals who abuse meth are at a heightened risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because of the drug’s impact on libido. Meth can simulate sexual arousal as well as increase the level of adrenaline that provides the stamina for sexual interaction. When combined with the effect of impaired judgment, those who abuse meth are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.
In addition to the physical repercussions of methamphetamine abuse, the drug may also lead to behavioral problems such as mood swings, social withdrawal, financial problems, and relationship problems. If you suspect that a loved one is battling this form of addiction, detoxing from meth is the first step to getting clean.
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Understanding a Meth Withdrawal?
Methamphetamine withdrawal occurs in individuals who are addicted to or dependent on the drug, which can occur with long-term use. As the person’s tolerance of and dependence on the drug grows, they require higher doses of it to experience the same effects or high.
Withdrawal symptoms may also discourage meth users from stopping their drug use. Detoxing from meth is often an uncomfortable and even painful process, which is why cold-turkey or at-home attempts are often ineffective and dangerous.
Meth detox symptoms are the result of a sudden drop in chemicals that were being artificially elevated by the drug. As a stimulant, methamphetamine increases nerve activity in the brain, impacting the release and levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters linked to euphoria, pleasure, and a sense of well-being, as well as other physiological functions.
Meth Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawing from meth can be emotionally and physically challenging. It's crucial for individuals in recovery to understand the varying withdrawal timelines, which depend on the duration of their usage. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms increase with heavier use of crystal meth.
The meth withdrawal timeline is as follows:
- Withdrawal starts within the first 24 hours of abstinence.
- Symptoms peak within the first 7 to 10 days of stopping the use of the drug. From this point, the intensity of the symptoms will start to decline steadily.
- Meth withdrawal typically has an average duration of 14 to 20 days, with 14 days being the most common.
Methamphetamine withdrawal involves primarily psychological and emotional challenges. It is crucial for those seeking to quit meth to undergo medically monitored detox to prevent relapse and safely manage withdrawal symptoms, that can persist for weeks, while depression may last up to a year in some cases. Attempting to detox without medical assistance can lead to severe symptoms, underscoring the importance of seeking help from professional meth detox centers.
Common Meth Detox Symptoms
When a long-term meth user suddenly stops using the drug, chemicals, and functions that were once constantly elevated suddenly drop, leading to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Common symptoms of meth withdrawal include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia
- Loss of motivation
- Nausea
- Paranoia
- Red, itchy eyes
- Severe depression
- Stomachache
- Suicidal thoughts and ideation
- Tremors and shaking
Medically Monitored Meth Detox
It’s understandable why so many people feel hesitant to detox from meth, but rest assured that Clearbrook Treatment Center’s top priority is for patients to feel as safe and comfortable as possible throughout the entire process. At our meth rehab, we understand the critical role of medically monitored detox in the recovery journey. This initial step is carefully tailored to each patient’s treatment plan to prevent relapse and facilitate physical recovery. During the withdrawal phase of meth addiction treatment, drug cravings are particularly intense, underscoring the need for 24-hour care and supervision by our dedicated medical team. This ensures patients' safety, supports their health, and promotes accountability.
Our Pennsylvania and Massachusetts drug rehabs offer specialized medical detox programs designed to address the unique withdrawal symptoms associated with methamphetamine and other substances. These programs provide personalized guidance to help patients navigate the physical challenges of detoxification and begin their journey toward long-term recovery. Our approach includes thorough clinical assessments to determine each patient's health status and treatment needs, followed by the implementation of personalized medical detox plans. After the initial detoxification phase, our medical professionals discuss ongoing treatment options, which may include residential treatment or PHP at our rehabs. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive holistic care, including therapy, family counseling, and aftercare support, tailored to their individual recovery needs.
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Finding Meth Addiction Treatment
Detoxing from meth is only the first step toward long-term sobriety. Clearbrook Treatment Centers offer meth addiction treatment programs that incorporate care for physical and psychological recovery from substance abuse.
For more information about our detox programs and other addiction services, contact Clearbrook today or call us directly at (800) 582-6241 to get started or learn more information.
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