Methamphetamine Detox and Withdrawal

Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant drug. Although it has limited legitimate uses for treating obesity and narcolepsy, it is more often abused as a recreational drug. This drug has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Methamphetamine detox centers are available to help those experiencing a problem with this drug.

In 2005, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) released its crystal meth statistics. The survey noted that 10.4 million people 12 years old and over have tried crystal meth at least once in their lifetime. With use on the rise, anyone taking this drug should be aware of what to expect during methamphetamine detox and withdrawal. If you or someone you love is a possible candidate for a methamphetamine detox program, please call to discuss treatment options.

Symptoms of Methamphetamine Withdrawal

Meth produces a highly pleasurable feeling in the body, followed by feelings of depression and sadness when the drug wears off. Users will seek more of the drug to get back to the pleasurable state. This cycle quickly makes users dependent on the drug. Users also develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning that it takes more of the drug to get the same high. Chronic users may display destructive and violent behavior, even if they do not intend to do so. The primary step in methamphetamine addiction treatment is detoxification. This is the process by which the body rids itself of the drug. Because addicts are physically dependent on the drug, the body often experiences withdrawal symptoms. Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms are primarily psychological in natures. Users going through meth detox can expect any or all of the following symptoms:

• Intense cravings
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Sleeplessness
• Excessive sleeping
• Suicidal ideation
• Depression
• Increased appetite

Withdrawal symptoms generally begin within 24 to 48 hours of the last use of the drug. Symptoms may last for days or weeks, depending on the length and amount of use. Because of the sometimes intense nature of withdrawal symptoms, many addicts choose to enter a methamphetamine withdrawal treatment facility where they can have support and medical supervision during the withdrawal process.

Treatments for Meth Addiction

Currently, the most effective treatments for a methamphetamine addiction are comprehensive cognitive behavioral interventions. A combination of individual counseling, 12-step support, family education, behavioral therapy and encouragement of non-drug-related activities are most often employed at methamphetamine withdrawal treatment facilities. Users have become used to coping with their problems through the drug. A comprehensive plan of treatment will give addicts healthy coping mechanisms to replace the previously learned ones. Methamphetamine detox centers can help the addict learn ways to return to a healthy lifestyle. If you or a loved one would like to explore treatment options, please call today.

Residential methamphetamine detox centers are effective at helping addicts return to healthy living. With a combination of rest, daily exercise, vitamins, therapy and healthy nutrition, addicts are taught to replace bad habits with good ones. Users can share and learn from others with similar experiences. It is essential that users have a comprehensive plan to address the mental and physical effects of methamphetamine addiction. To explore methamphetamine detox programs, call .

Pharmaceutical Treatments

Researchers are beginning to explore pharmaceutical treatment options for meth addiction. Replacement therapy with controlled doses of other stimulants, much like the use of methadone with heroin users, has shown promising results. Antidepressants such as bupropion and aripiprazole have been used to treat post-withdrawal cravings, and Modafinil, an analeptic drug, is a Class IV scheduled drug that has also shown some success. Mirtazapine, another antidepressant, has also been reported as useful.

Importance of Long-Term Support

Methamphetamine detox is only the first step in addiction treatment. Without regular, long-term treatment in conjunction with a methamphetamine detox center, many users will return to abusing the drug. Treatment may be provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Each person is different, and having a treatment plan tailored to each person’s specific situation increases the chances of a good outcome. Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous can be helpful to some people recovering from a meth addiction. Supportive family and friends increase the chances of a successful recovery. Addiction is a chronic disease that needs long-term treatment.

According to the SAMHSA, the rate of substance abuse treatment admissions for primary methamphetamine/amphetamine abuse increased from 13 admissions per 100,000 people ages 12 and older in 1993 to 56 admissions per 100,000 in 2003. There are many treatment options available that can be tailored to your specific situation. Methamphetamine addiction treatment is not something you should try to do alone. Treatment drastically increases users’ chances of successfully quitting the drug. For help with exploring options for treatment, please call .

Unsure where to start? Take Our Substance Abuse Self-Assessment

Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse. This evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are designed to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result. Please be aware that this evaluation is not a substitute for advice from a medical doctor.