Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as crank, crystal, ice, or speed, is a powerful stimulant that acts on the central nervous system. Widely available and easily abused, methamphetamine has quickly become one of the most dangerous drugs on the planet. If you or a loved one is struggling with methamphetamine addiction, it is vital to seek treatment as early as possible. Detox is the first step in the road to recovery and can set one up to regain control of their addiction and their life. This leaves us to wonder: just how long does it take to detox from meth?
What Exactly is Meth?
First, let’s establish what meth is and what makes it so dangerous. Methamphetamine is a highly potent, highly addictive stimulant that impacts one’s central nervous system. Methamphetamine comes in the form of a white crystalline powder. Often odorless, the harsh tasting powder is commonly dissolved in liquid, smoked, snorted, injected, or eaten. The effects are intense and long lasting, oftentimes keeping users awake for days or even weeks. Cheap to produce and easily accessible, these factors culminate to make methamphetamine a formidable foe.
Dangers of Meth Abuse
Both the short and long term effects of methamphetamine can be devastating to one’s life. From severe vital organ damage to death, methamphetamine wreaks havoc on the user’s mind and body. Short term issues include decreased appetite, irregular or rapid heartbeat, increased wakefulness, hyperthermia, and increased respiration. Longer term effects can include but are not limited to increased heart rate and blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular collapse, liver failure, kidney damage, memory loss, and brain damage.
How Long Does it Take to Detox From Meth?
Factors such as frequency of use, amount of methamphetamine used, individual health variables, and the possibility of polydrug abuse can greatly affect an individual’s recovery timeline. This being said, there are general standards by which one can base their own recovery. So how long does it take to detox from meth?
Generally, the acute phase of methamphetamine withdrawal climaxes between the first 48 and 72 hours since the individual’s last use. Physical withdrawal symptoms typically begin to subside after one week and are typically gone between anywhere between two weeks and one month. Psychological withdrawals are, unfortunately, on a much longer timeline. Users in recovery often experience severe depression, mood swings, and anxiety that may persist for several months, sometimes up to a year in total. While the path to recovery may not be an easy one, it is a worthwhile journey to regain control of one’s life and independence.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal
Knowing how to spot and identify signs of methamphetamine withdrawal can help save lives. Early signs of withdrawal may include increased appetite and excessive sleepiness due to the body attempting to recover from a lack of nutrition and rest. Along with these symptoms, those facing meth withdrawal may experience:
- Episodes of jitteriness
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Muscle Spasms
- Headache
- Dry Mouth
- Severe depression
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Loss of motivation
- Irritability
- Lack of enthusiasm
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
- Confusion
- Concentration and coordination issues
Knowing how to identify signs and symptoms such as these can mean the difference between a new lease on life and continuing down the path of destruction.
How to Safely Withdrawal and Recover from Meth
Undergoing methamphetamine withdrawal in a safe and secure manner is imperative to one’s recovery journey. Once one has made their decision to change their lives for the better and give up on meth, they have several avenues by which to reach recovery safely and effectively.
The first and safest method is with the assistance of a rehabilitation facility or group. These facilities specialize in making one as comfortable and safe as possible during what will be one of the most difficult journeys of their lives. Medically-supervised detox helps one to avoid complications that can occur from undergoing the process alone. These complications include dehydration, relapse, and other major health issues that may arise during the first few days of withdrawal. Deciding to undertake the withdrawal and recovery process alone or in one’s home greatly decreases the recovery rate and can put an individual in a potentially dangerous scenario.
Along with medically supervised detox, the assistance of prescribed medications can assist one in conquering their methamphetamine addiction. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to those suffering from meth addiction and withdrawal. Wellburtin is a common antidepressant oftentimes prescribed to those recovering from mild methamphetamine addiction. Other medication options commonly prescribed for more severe cases of methamphetamine addiction include Provigil, Prozac, and Rameron. With proper care and evaluation, one’s journey to rehabilitation can be a safe and effective one.
Meth Detox in Nashville, TN
Our methamphetamine detox in Nashville, TN offers scientifically-proven, cutting-edge treatment methods to help set you or your loved one back on the path to health and happiness. Regaining control of your life has never been easier with the assistance of our compassionate administrative staff, addiction experts, and medical professionals. At Detox Nashville, you will be treated as an individual and have your needs specifically met and tailored to depending on your unique situation. A personalized recovery plan will be created and implemented on your behalf in order to ensure the highest rate of successful recovery. Recovery is possible and a new life for you and your loved ones is right around the corner. Contact Detox Nashville today and take the first steps on your road to regaining your independence.
