Meth Detox

Methamphetamine or meth is highly addictive and can lead to almost instantaneous dependency. The first step toward meth addiction recovery is meth detox, ridding the body of the addictive substance and associated toxins.

Meth withdrawal symptoms can be debilitating and tough to overcome. This is why continuous medical care and support are important throughout the process.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 1.5 million people have a methamphetamine use disorder in the United States at any given time. Meth addiction is a serious condition that can lead to health concerns and even death, making it vital that anyone with an addiction seeks to support.

At 4 Seasons Detox, we offer customized meth detox and residential treatment programs to help you effectively and safely start your journey toward recovery.

Methamphetamine is a powerful and addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is a Schedule II stimulant, making it legally available only through nonrefillable prescriptions.

How Strong Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is an upper similar to cocaine. The effects of meth use, however, can last up to 12 hours.

How Do People Use Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine can come in powder form that people can snort, swallow, smoke, or ingest. It can also come in crystal form, which earns it its nickname, “crystal meth.” People smoke the crystal version of this drug.

Having a meth addiction can present itself with many signs and symptoms. These can include:

  • Thinning body
  • Facial sores or acne
  • Rotting teeth
  • Droopy facial skin
  • Convulsions
  • Lowered immunity
  • Increased libido
  • Intense scratching
  • Intense cravings
  • Increased body temperature
  • Mood swings

Aside from these symptoms, a clear sign that you may have a meth addiction is if you continue meth use despite all of its negative effects. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you cannot access meth or attempt to stop using it is another key indicator of addiction.

The highly addictive quality of meth, along with its potency, makes it a very dangerous drug. Overdosing is a concern, as is dealing with methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms and the long-term effects of meth abuse.

Meth Overdose

Overdosing on meth can result in death. Some of the symptoms of overdose include:

  • Psychosis
  • Arrhythmia
  • Rapid breathing
  • Labored breathing
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Chest pain
  • Seizures
  • High blood pressure
  • Hyperthermia

Recovering from an overdose is possible, but receiving medical treatment is essential.

Long-Term Effects of Meth

There are serious consequences to the long-term use of meth. These can include:

  • Permanent damage to heart and brain chemistry
  • Liver, lung, and kidney damage
  • Anxiety and confusion
  • Strokes, heart attacks, and death
  • Mood disturbances
  • Paranoia, delusions
  • Intense itching that leads to sores and infections
  • Severe dental problems
  • Severe depression
  • Premature osteoporosis

Some of these effects of meth can continue for a long time after the person stops using the drug, and some can even be permanent.

Meth Withdrawal

The withdrawal process is a complex one that can be very dangerous if not medically supervised. Acute meth withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Lack of energy
  • Weight gain
  • Dehydration
  • Chills
  • Insomnia and hypersomnia
  • Extreme low mood
  • Lack of energy
  • Loss of ability to feel pleasure
  • Drug cravings
  • Isolation
  • Inability to think clearly

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms from meth use include:

  • Psychosis
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Increased appetite
  • Depression and anxiety

The cravings during meth withdrawal can be so powerful that relapse is a serious concern for people who attempt meth detox on their own.

Long-Term Effects of Meth

There are serious consequences to the long-term use of meth. These can include:

  • Permanent damage to heart and brain chemistry
  • Liver, lung, and kidney damage
  • Anxiety and confusion
  • Strokes, heart attacks, and death
  • Mood disturbances
  • Paranoia, delusions
  • Intense itching that leads to sores and infections
  • Severe dental problems
  • Severe depression
  • Premature osteoporosis

Some of these effects of meth can continue for a long time after the person stops using the drug, and some can even be permanent.

Addiction treatment for meth can involve different types of medications and therapies. All of these options depend on a detox facility and medical supervision.

At 4 Seasons Detox, you can get access to medically supervised meth detox, residential treatments, dual-diagnosis programs, and more.

Medical Detox Treatment

The first step in any addiction treatment process is detoxing. Meth detox can be difficult and dangerous in the acute phase, requiring medical supervision. Medical professionals can offer a safe detox process that can allow you to avoid the worst meth withdrawal symptoms.

Medical detox can help prevent relapse and start you on your way to long-term recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) allows medical professionals to provide prescription medications like methadone to help people battling meth addiction. MAT makes it possible for you to focus on therapy and recovery without having to deal with meth withdrawal symptoms.

MAT can help prevent relapses, decrease illicit drug use, and even increase retention rates within addiction treatment programs. Staff will monitor your withdrawal symptoms as you detox from meth, and the FDA-approved medications will help curb any cravings you have for the drug.

Residential Treatment

Once you go through the meth detox process, the next step is to find a rehab center that can help you deal with the underlying cause of the addiction.

Residential treatment offers structure and safety, allowing you to focus on learning strategies for coping with substance abuse urges and effects.

These inpatient rehab programs require regular drug testing and provide 24/7 monitoring to help you maximize your recovery process. Therapies can involve support groups, individual therapy, and the creation of a treatment plan that fits your exact needs.

The goal of inpatient rehab is to help the person regain independence and learn how to deal with stressors. It can be a good option for people who are just starting their recovery process or who are in danger of relapsing.

Dual Diagnosis Programs

Mental health conditions can sometimes lead to meth addiction. Dual diagnosis treatments can target both the addiction and the mental health concern you face. A qualified center offers clinical professionals who can treat co-occurring disorders with various types of therapies.

Dialectical behavioral therapies focus on the social aspect of mental health and the triggers that have led to substance abuse. These therapy sessions can teach you how to recognize and deal with your emotions using healthy coping mechanisms.

Rational emotive therapy is another option that can help with co-occurring disorders. This therapy focuses on identifying negative personal beliefs and thought patterns.

Dual diagnosis programs do not just treat symptoms; they help you reshape the way you think and react to stressors.

If you battle with meth abuse, the best thing you can do is reach out for help. A treatment facility like 4 Seasons Detox can offer medically assisted detox, MAT, inpatient treatments, and much more. Receive treatment and start your path toward a healthy and sober you.

Get proper treatment by contacting 4 Seasons Detox today.

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