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Fear and uncertainty about meth detox keep many people trapped in a needless struggle. Of course, detoxing from meth isn’t a pleasant experience. But the benefits of overcoming meth addiction are worth the temporary discomfort of detox.
Detox will seem less scary if a person knows what to expect before they begin. And, the negative withdrawal symptoms of detox will be reduced if treatment is initiated as soon as possible.
At Design for Change Recovery, we are committed to helping people recover from meth addiction. For that reason, we provide the following facts about meth to help reduce your anxiety about the process.
Once you’ve decided to seek help for meth addiction, contact our Lancaster, CA facility to learn more about our meth addiction treatment programs.
Long-Term Effects of Prolonged Meth Misuse
A range of physical and mental health consequences are associated with avoiding meth detox and treatment. Seeking treatment right away is the best way to prevent long-term damage.
According to NIDA, the long-term effects of meth misuse may include some or all of the following:
| Physical Effects | Psychological Effects |
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Some of the above effects can persist for months or years after discontinuing the drug. In some cases, a person may experience spontaneous recurrence of psychosis triggered by stress or anxiety.
The potential for developing these challenging side effects is reason enough to seek help for meth addiction right away. Anyone hesitant about undergoing detox should compare the potential long-term effects of continued meth abuse to the temporary effects of detoxing. The decision to seek help may be easier if the facts are known.
Withdrawal Symptoms During Meth Detox
Detoxing from meth should never be attempted without professional supervision. Depending on the severity of the addiction, some withdrawal symptoms can be severe. It’s best to be under the care of skilled addiction specialists during the process. They can administer medication if needed to ensure a safe withdrawal process.
What happens during meth withdrawal? Two phases are typically involved in the process. Here are some of the most common symptoms experienced during detox from meth:
| First Phase of Meth Detox | Second Phase of Meth Detox |
(This phase begins within 24 hours after the last dose of meth). The symptoms include:
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(This phase can last for a few weeks up to over a month). The symptoms include:
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It’s not unusual to be afraid of meth detox. The general consensus is that meth withdrawals can be extremely painful. However, with the assistance of trained professionals, the symptoms can be minimized and managed.
After completing meth detox, many people relapse, some more than once. In fact, about 60% of people in recovery from meth addiction will relapse within the first few months after detox. The important thing to remember is that relapse does not mean failure. It simply means a little more treatment is needed or a change in environment is necessary. A sober-living facility could be a solution to consider.
Why Is Medical Supervision Recommended for Meth Detox?
Everyone experiences meth withdrawal differently based on several factors. For instance, the presence of other drugs in their bloodstream, overall health, the severity of the meth addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders. For all of these reasons, meth detox should be conducted under medical supervision.
Patients who undergo medically supervised detox receive ongoing support and monitoring from trained medical personnel. If any complications occur, they know how to handle the situation.
Medications That Reduce Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Meth withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and distressing, and some can be life-threatening in some situations. Although the FDA has not approved any specific medications for meth withdrawal. However, some medications are available that can minimize the discomfort. They include:
- Mirtazapine (Remeron): Mirtazapine is an antidepressant that helps balance serotonin and norepinephrine levels to manage some of the withdrawal distress.
- Provigil (Modafinil): Modafinil is a CNS stimulant but it is not as powerful as amphetamine. It helps reduce cravings and regulates emotional reactions. Bupropion is another CNS stimulant that can ease mood swings and depression during meth detox.
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): SSRIs help minimize symptoms related to anxiety and depression. Some of the most commonly used SSRIs during meth detox are Celexa, Prozac, Lexapro, Paxil, and Zoloft.
- Sleep Medications: Many people experience insomnia and nightmares while in detox. Sleep medications are administered to help a person relax and get the sleep they need.
What to Expect During Meth Detox
At Design for Change Recovery, we provide on-site medical detox with 24/7 supervision and monitoring. We realize that a person needs rest, nutrition, support, and a comforting environment while detoxing from meth. Our skilled staff and medical personnel will be available at all times to assist with coping skills, stress management, and relapse prevention.
Medically supervised detox can last from three days to a week, in most cases. After completing detox, we recommend transitioning into our rehabilitation program for long-term meth addiction treatment. In rehab, we help clients gain the effective tools and skills needed for maintaining sobriety.
Meth Detox & Treatment at Design for Change Recovery
Effective treatment for meth addiction consists of a combination of detox, therapy, counseling, and aftercare support. At Design for Change Recovery, we offer a comprehensive program that encompasses a range of treatment options. Our programs can be customized to adapt to each person’s specific needs for an individualized approach to treatment.
Based on each client’s situation, we offer inpatient and outpatient treatment for meth addiction. However, we recommend inpatient programs because they provide a secure environment and around-the-clock care. In this setting, clients are protected from outside influences that contributed to their addiction. They can take the time they need to focus on healing without dealing with triggers that can cause relapse.
Our facility is located in beautiful Lancaster, CA and we are a fully licensed and JCAHO accredited addiction treatment center. In addition to detox, we offer other therapy options such as:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- Group and Individual Counseling
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
- Interactive family programs
- Nutritional guidance
- Medication management
- Interpersonal relationship development
- Holistic therapies
- Extended care programs
We want to make sure our clients are equipped with the skills and tools for long-term relapse prevention. By addressing the underlying causes of addiction, we help clients understand why they used meth and how to avoid going down that path in the future.
The Possibility of a Meth-Free Life is Within Your Reach
When you undergo meth addiction treatment at Design for Change, you will be treated with respect and our compassionate staff will ensure that all of your needs are met. We believe everyone can overcome addiction with the proper guidance and therapy.
If you are struggling with the effects of meth, let us help you break free of this powerful substance. With each passing day, the continued meth use will cause more damage to your health. We want to help you enjoy a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Contact us today at our Lancaster, CA facility to learn more about meth detox and treatment. We are available anytime to answer your questions and recommend a treatment plan that is right for your needs.
References:
- nida.nih.gov/ – Methamphetamine Research Report Overview
- nida.nih.gov/ – What Are the Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine Misuse?
- drugabuse.gov – What is Methamphetamine?
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/– Withdrawal Symptoms in Abstinent Methamphetamine-Dependent Subjects