Making the decision to get help for a meth use disorder is an essential first step in regaining control over one’s life. Making this decision can be challenging and scary because one is so used to using meth, they can be afraid of having to experience withdrawal during meth detox. However, taking the time to learn more can help alleviate any questions one may have.
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, crystal meth, ice, or crank, is an extremely addictive synthetic stimulant drug. It is a white powder or crystalline substance that can be snorted, smoked, injected, or ingested orally.
How is Meth Made?
Meth is usually made in illegal home laboratories using a variety of chemicals and equipment. The process involves extracting pseudoephedrine or ephedrine from cold medicine and combining it with other ingredients such as red phosphorus, hydrochloric acid, and lithium to create an oily liquid that is cooked over a stove or in a microwave to turn it into a white powdery substance.
Why is Meth so Addictive?
Meth has a very high potential for addiction due to its intense euphoric effects. It also affects the reward centers in the brain, leading people to experience an intense “high” that encourages them to keep using meth despite the serious risks associated with it.
Unfortunately, the brain remembers the pleasurable feelings experienced with meth as a positive behavior. As such, this further reinforces continued meth use.
How Does Meth Make Someone Feel?
Meth acts rapidly on the brain and body to produce intense feelings of euphoria and alertness. The drug also increases energy levels and reduces appetite. In addition, meth produces a rush of pleasure that can last up to twelve hours.
This is followed by an intense high, making users feel more energetic, alert, and powerful. Furthermore, meth reduces inhibitions, leading people to take risks or engage in behaviors they normally would not do.
What Are the Side Effects of Meth Use?
Meth can have serious short-term side effects, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as anxiety, aggression, paranoia, and violent behavior. Long-term use often leads to addiction. In addition, prolonged meth use can cause organ damage, memory loss, and even death from an accidental overdose.
How to Prepare for Meth Detox
The best way to prepare for meth detox is to make sure you have a support system in place. This can include family and friends who can provide emotional and practical support throughout the process.
Even when you do not have a stable home environment, you can prepare for meth detox by getting help from professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and addiction treatment specialists at a medical detox center.
Most importantly, it is vital that you put your needs first as you begin your meth detox to help reduce the risk of lapses and relapse.
What to Expect in Meth Detox
Meth detox is a process of gradually withdrawing from the drug to reduce physical and psychological dependence on it. It typically begins with a medically supervised period of gradual withdrawal, followed by therapy and counseling to help manage cravings and prevent relapse.
Additionally, triggers that could lead to relapse should be addressed through counseling and group therapy. Furthermore, learning how to take care of oneself through exercise, eating healthy meals, and getting plenty of rest is another aspect of the detox process.
Meth Detox Withdrawal Symptoms
During the detox process, users may experience intense withdrawal symptoms such as extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Individuals may also experience physical side effects, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and body aches.
Meth Detox Timeline
The timeline of meth detox varies depending on the individual, the severity of their addiction, how often they used meth, the amount taken, and other such factors. Therefore, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months for an individual to completely detox from meth.
- Day 1: The detox process begins with a medically supervised, gradual withdrawal period. During this time, individuals may experience fatigue and other physical side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Days 2-7: Individuals may begin to experience cravings for meth as well as psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Other physical symptoms will increase in intensity until they peak.
- Weeks 2-4: Withdrawal symptoms will continue to be present but should start to lessen throughout this period. In addition, therapy and counseling can help individuals cope with any psychological issues that arise due to their addiction.
- Weeks 4+: Withdrawal symptoms should be mostly gone by this time. However, some people can still experience psychological effects like cravings, depression, or anxiety. Continued treatment can help address these symptoms to make them easier to manage until they subside.
Benefits of Supervised Meth Detox at a Medical Detox Center
Supervised meth detox at a medical detox center is the safest and most effective way to break free from addiction. Professional staff are available 24/7 to provide medication-assisted treatment, psychological support, and other resources needed for successful recovery.
Additionally, medical detox centers offer a safe, controlled environment that can reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Many facilities also offer aftercare programs such as counseling or support groups to help individuals maintain sobriety long-term.
Personalized Meth Detox at our Medical Detox Center in Nashville, TN
When you are ready to start meth detox, do so in the caring, safe, healing, and supportive environment at Detox Nashville in Tennessee. Our luxury medical detox center offers personalized meth detox programs tailored to your needs. Start your detox by contacting us today.
