Get help today 888-287-0471 or sign up for 24/7 text support.
American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Methaqualone Detox and Withdrawal

When a person is abusing or addicted to methaqualone, a methaqualone detox centers or withdrawal treatment center can provide professional help to those in need. Methaqualone detox should occur under supervision by trained professionals as the drug has dangerous withdrawal effects

What Is Methaqualone?

Methaqualone abuse and addictionMethaqualone is an extremely potent sedative-hypnotic drug that acts as a central nervous system depressant that was commonly used to treat insomnia, as a sedative or as a muscle relaxant. Methaqualone was originally manufactured in the United States under the trade name Quaalude. The drug ceased being manufactured in 1984 due to high rates of abuse and adverse effects on users. Methaqualone is classified as a Schedule I drug by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, so it is illegal to manufacture, possess, sell or distribute.

Methaqualone effects include:

  • Euphoria
  • Drowsiness
  • Decreased respirations
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Incoordination
  • Numbness in fingers and toes

Tolerance and Withdrawal

“Tolerance to methaqualone occurs in a short period of time. Users can develop a tolerance and dependence to the drug after just a few days of use.”Tolerance to methaqualone occurs in a short period of time. Users can develop a tolerance and dependence to the drug after just a few days of use. Tolerance places a person at risk of overdose, as more of the drug is needed to produce the desired effect. When a person is tolerant of or addicted to a drug, withdrawal can occur when the drug is stopped abruptly. The abrupt withdrawal of methaqualone causes the body to overcompensate for the loss of the drug. For example, methaqualone usually causes a decrease in heart rate and a decrease in anxiety. When discontinued too quickly, the heart rate will increase, and the person might feel nervous or anxious. These symptoms last until the user has undergone detoxification. Because withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms, their presence may cause the person to continue using the drug in order to avoid them. If you feel you are addicted to methaqualone, please call us today at . We can find you the help you need.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Restlessness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Increased heart rate
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Hallucinations
  • Confusion
  • Seizures

Methaqualone Detox

Detox involves ridding the body of the drug’s toxins. Methaqualone detox centers are usually inpatient programs that allow for close monitoring of substance abusers during the initial withdrawal phase. Stopping methaqualone abruptly can trigger symptoms as dangerous as the addiction itself and can be life-threatening, so detox is ideally done under medical supervision.

A methaqualone detox program is usually the first phase in the treatment process, allowing an average of seven to 10 days for detox time. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin approximately 12 to 24 hours after the last time methaqualone was used, peaking 24 to 48 hours later. During the detoxification process, medications may be administered to minimize the discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms.

Detox usually only involves the physical process of detoxing the body from the harmful chemicals the addict was abusing. Many facilities do not address the factors that contributed to the addiction, so detox is not a long-term cure for addiction. Methaqualone withdrawal treatment facilities may address only physical detoxification from the drug or may include more comprehensive care such as counseling and behavior therapies. Further treatment after detox is needed to deal with the root psychosocial issues surrounding the addiction. Treatments such as psychotherapy, counseling and family therapy help the person to achieve a balanced recovery.

Choosing a methaqualone withdrawal treatment facility involves considering many different factors. The type of methaqualone detox center that is best for one person might not be the best choice for someone else. Factors to consider include time, cost, location and accessibility, health insurance coverage, services offered and treatment duration. Other factors to consider include the philosophy of the program and any special services offered. However, sometimes the situation might not allow the individual to make the above choices or choices might be limited.

If you’d like help finding the right program for you, call us now at .

Factoid

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 23.1 million people over the age of 12 needed treatment for a substance abuse problem in 2010. Of these, 20.5 million Americans did not receive needed treatment. Despite these alarming statistics, only 1 million people felt they needed treatment.

If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction and would like help finding the nearest methaqualone detox center, 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.

Was this page helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Your feedback is important to us and will be used to improve the quality of our articles. Please do not use this form as a contact form or input personal information.
If you are in crisis or need immediate help dial 9-1-1. Or if you are interested in entering treatment and want to know more, call us at 888-287-0471
Helpline Information
for immediate assistance.
(0/100)
While we are unable to respond to your feedback directly, we'll use this information to improve our content. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and need help, call us at 888-287-0471
Helpline Information
for immediate assistance.