Detox is an integral part of substance abuse treatment programs for meth addiction. Individuals going through detox and withdrawal are expected to experience mild to severe meth withdrawal symptoms. As much as the thought of symptoms such as panic attacks or hallucinations can be daunting, the process is necessary to help you overcome meth addiction. If you live in Tacoma, WA, Bayview Recovery can be your next stop for addiction treatment after detox.
What is Meth and How It Affects the Body
Methamphetamine or meth is both a prescription stimulant and an illegal street drug. Both forms are highly addictive. Prescription meth is made from the stimulant, amphetamine. Doctors typically prescribed meth to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, underground drug labs make a potent form of the drug called crystal meth, an illegal and extremely addictive drug. Other names for crystal meth are ice, crystal, glass, and shards.
People use illicit meth or misuse the prescription drug to boost energy, focus, or performance. Meth also creates a rush of euphoria and a false sense of well-being. The after-effects include a “crash” followed by signs of meth withdrawal or comedown symptoms such as severe exhaustion.
Why Go Through Meth Withdrawal?
Effective meth addiction treatment involves detox, followed by behavioral or mental health treatment. Detox helps to remove the meth from the body and reduce cravings. Various mild to discomforting meth withdrawal symptoms usually show up as the substance leaves the body. They are signs the body is fighting to purge your system of the drug. Although some symptoms can be overbearing, detox, and withdrawal help you lose physical dependence on meth.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Signs of meth withdrawal appear if the user suddenly stops taking the drug, skipped a dose, or is going through detox. After the crash or initial withdrawal symptoms, the person will go into active withdrawal unless they take another dose of meth. Withdrawal symptoms can appear within 24 hours of the last dose and continue as long as three weeks or more.
There is no telling which symptoms a person may experience. It depends on the type of meth abused, how long, and if there is an underlying mental disorder. The following is a list of meth comedown symptoms. Some are like the opposite of the hype users get from misusing meth.
- Insomnia
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Jitters or anxiety
- Severe depression
- Increased appetite
- Intense drug cravings
Managing Meth Withdrawal Symptoms During Medical Detox
It is not safe to try and manage physical and psychological methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms on your own. Severe symptoms may develop, and some can lead to life-threatening complications. Addiction recovery experts say individuals should go to a trusted detox center where a medical professional can monitor their progress.
People who withdraw in a medical setting are more likely to complete the process and commit to addiction treatment.
Benefits of Meth Addiction Treatment
Detox and withdrawal are initial steps to recovery but are not enough to change long-term meth use. The recovering individual usually needs meth addiction treatment to address the things that trigger drug abuse. Triggers include job, relationship, financial problems, and mental health disorders such as depression.
Dual diagnosis therapy, individual therapy, and trauma therapy are evidence-based treatments that can help you deal with the triggers after you leave rehab. Also, the coping skills you will learn during recovery care are the tools you are expected to use for preventing relapse or loss of sobriety. Also depending on your circumstances, you can choose to receive treatment at Bayview Recovery in any of the following settings:
- Outpatient
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient (evening therapy sessions)
Bayview Recovery is an accredited treatment center. We welcome men and women from Seattle, Portland, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Our addiction recovery professionals are passionate about helping people like you regain control of their lives. We go the extra mile to ensure you get the best chance of staying sober. To find out more, please call 855.478.3650.
