How to Detox from a Meth Addiction

When speaking about the recovery process from an addiction, it is critical to make sure you understand the language surrounding a treatment plans means. One of the most challenging yet necessary steps in the recovery process for those who use methamphetamine, or any person recovering from addiction, is detoxification (commonly referred to as the detox process). Detoxing involves a series of interventions designed to manage the body’s response to intoxication, tolerance, and withdrawal. This is an important first step in addiction treatment and among the most physically taxing.

This page explains what to expect in the detoxification process, and its usual course, and addresses lingering questions about withdrawal and its symptoms. If you or a loved one is seeking treatment today, Caron offers a range of treatment programs and offers a support system at every step of addiction recovery.

What is the Meth Detox Process?

In any individual’s recovery, the process of detoxification will be unique depending on the circumstances. Broadly speaking, detoxification can be understood in the form of a three-part process:

1. Assess the condition of the individual and evaluate their condition and how best to proceed.

2. Stabilize or gradually remove all addictive substances from the individual’s bloodstream. For meth users, this process can take up to 50 hours and is accompanied by challenging mental and physical symptoms, including fatigue, depression, and intense cravings.

3. Individuals are readied for the treatment stage which follows detoxification. Having adequate, professional support during this phase reduces the risk of relapse.

If you or a loved one are seeking detox treatment, refer to Caron’s treatment options here.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

When an individual abuses a harmful substance, the body becomes reliant on it to carry out its basic functions. As the body tries to compensate for the absence of the harmful substance, the process of detoxification and the recovery process is often made uncomfortable. This process is broadly referred to as withdrawal. The physical manifestations of withdrawal include but are not limited to:

• Headache

• Nausea

• Copious sweating

• Vomiting

• A range of other physical difficulties

Recovering from substance abuse, many recreational users experience what is known as a “crash” period following the detox, which may last a few days and is commonly accompanied by depression and anxiety. This “crash” phase is shortly succeeded by the withdrawal period, which may last several weeks or more. For a fuller view of symptoms of withdrawal from meth, see here.

The meth withdrawal timeline from detoxification for many meth users looks like this:

• Detoxification lasts from one to three days

• Followed by detoxification, lasting from one to three days

• Followed by a successive crash period of a few more days

The worst withdrawal symptoms tend to appear within three to ten days of the recovery process, with the worst of the physical symptoms tending to dissipate in the third week of withdrawal.

After a month of withdrawal, most symptoms and drug cravings will have faded, but resurgences of withdrawal symptoms are not uncommon. While there are no medications specifically prescribed to attend to methamphetamine withdrawal, there are some, such as Bupropion or Fluoxetine, which may be prescribed to assist in the mental and physical symptoms of withdrawal.

For more information regarding withdrawal symptoms, treatment centers and treatment plans learn more at Caron.

Side Effects of Meth

There are dangerous life-threatening health risks when someone has a meth addiction which can affect someone’s mental health as well as the possibility of an overdose. Some of the side effects include:

• Suicidal thoughts

• Change in sleeping

• Drug cravings

• Paranoia

• Unpredictable behavior

• Psychosis

• Mood Swings

• Rapid heart rate

• Death

It is important to contact medical professionals and look into what meth addiction treatments are right for you or your loved one.

How can Caron help?

Meth addiction can be life-threatening so it’s important to seek help. Caron offers a range of treatment programs for substance use disorders, as well as educational resources, and support groups for loved ones trying to seek more information about drug addiction and detox programs.

To learn more about Caron’s programs and how we can help, contact us today.