The hardest step in a journey is often the first. Some people may not be ready, and some may be teetering on the edge of being ready and not being ready.
But the first step is also the most important. It’s impossible. to jump straight to the end without making the first move. With addiction recovery, you can’t get to the point of sobriety without first going through detox.
Detox can be hard because of the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, which can be potentially uncomfortable or distressing. But Luxe Recovery will be there for you to support you and intervene if necessary during this important part of treatment.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a highly potent and incredibly addictive central nervous system stimulant. In medical settings, meth can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy and it can also help a person lose weight, it can sometimes be used as part of a person’s weight loss program.
Despite these medical uses, illicit meth use is still prevalent. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that in 2021, around 2.5 million Americans over the age of 12 used meth that year. The National Institutes of Health report that meth-related overdoses are on the rise, though the rate of methamphetamine addiction does not have a similar upward trend.
Meth addiction is a major public health concern. Still, it is one that can be addressed with proper intervention and on a personal level, the first step in that intervention is to help a person affected by meth addiction detox from the drug.
Why is Crystal Meth So Addictive?
Crystal meth, which is a variant of meth that comes in the form of clear pieces that resembles shards of crystal or ice, is incredibly addictive. One reason is because meth triggers a major release of dopamine in the brain.
This can lead to an intense feeling of euphoria. Meth also blocks the reuptake of dopamine. This means that the high that meth produces lasts longer.
Additionally, the rush of dopamine produced by meth is quick. Meth reaches the brain quickly and gives a person instant gratification.
The ‘high’ that meth produces is also intensely pleasurable, which can compel users to take the drug over and over again until they become dependent and have to take the drug to function normally.
Why Does Meth Withdrawal Occur?
Withdrawal symptoms occur because long-term meth misuse can cause a person’s mind and body to acclimate to the presence of meth. Meth can alter the brain’s natural ability to produce dopamine, and when meth use is discontinued, a person’s dopamine levels can drop drastically.
The brain itself can also become dependent on meth to function normally and may struggle to return to its default state without it. Long-term use of meth can also cause a person to experience strong drug cravings when they’re not using.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal
Methamphetamine withdrawal can cause a number of symptoms. Some of these symptoms of meth withdrawal can include:
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of meth withdrawal can include fatigue, increased appetite, disturbed sleep such as insomnia, headaches, and muscle aches.
Psychological Symptoms
Withdrawal from methamphetamine can also cause a person to experience psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and intense cravings for the drug. In some cases, a person may become paranoid, and severe instances of depression can cause suicidal ideation.
Behavioral Symptoms
Withdrawing from meth can also cause behavioral changes such as becoming more restless or easily agitated. That said, they can have periods of high energy and lethargy.
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal can also cause serious symptoms such as psychosis, which can lead to hallucinations and delusions. In very rare cases, a person may even have seizures if the patient has a long history of intense meth use.
Dealing with Crystal Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
There are several ways to deal with meth withdrawal symptoms. One of the most potent ways to manage withdrawal symptoms is to seek medical supervision. Detoxing at a treatment center means having a care team supervising the process and intervening when necessary.
While it is possible to detox at home, some of the more serious withdrawal symptoms will require immediate medical attention, which is something that going to a specialized center can provide. As such, the best way to detox from meth is to seek professional treatment.
How Long is Meth Withdrawal?
The length of meth withdrawal can vary based on many factors, such as a person’s age, gender, overall health, and the length and intensity of meth use. Typically, withdrawal symptoms begin about a day after the last of meth and reach their peak after around a week or so.
After a couple of weeks or so without meth, symptoms begin to fade in intensity, though depression, anxiety, and irritability can linger, though much lesser in intensity. Some psychological symptoms can persist for months, a condition known as PAWS or Post-acute Withdrawal Syndrome.
Treatment for Meth Addiction
Treatment for meth addiction generally involves a combination of behavioral therapies, holistic treatments, individual counseling, and support groups. Patients with severe addiction disorders can be helped by inpatient care, though those with milder disorders can opt for outpatient treatment.
Effects of Meth Addiction to the Body
Meth can cause a person to lose a lot of weight, leading to a gaunt appearance. It can also make a person look older than they are. ‘Meth mites’ is when a person hallucinates the feeling of insects crawling on or under their skin, which can lead to intense scratching that can result in scabs and sores.
‘Meth mouth’ refers to a set of oral and dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss that can occur as a result of meth wearing down the teeth’s protective enamel and disrupting saliva production, which can lead to dry mouth.
Get Meth Addiction Treatment at Luxe Recovery
Detox is a necessary step in the recovery process, and it can be an encouraging one. Detoxing from meth can be hard, and a lot of people affected by meth addiction may not believe that they have what it takes to get through it.
However, with the right support and resilience, a person can get through it, showing them they are strong enough to get through the rest of their treatment. A lot of people who are affected by addiction feel as if they are weak. The truth is that they don’t know how resilient they are.
At Luxe Recovery, we can guide people through the detox process and help them unlock their inner strength so they don’t get through just detox but also achieve and maintain sobriety.
