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Meth Detox

Meth, also known as methamphetamine or crystal meth, is an illegal stimulant synthesized from amphetamines and other chemicals. Users consume the drug by smoking, snorting, or injecting it into their veins. Consuming high doses of meth can cause significant physical and emotional harm. It can also reduce your self-confidence and hurt your relationships. Meth detox is the first step towards a life of recovery and sobriety.

While it may seem intimidating, undergoing meth detox is a crucial first step in recovery from meth abuse. Vogue Recovery Center provides drug addiction recovery plans for meth addiction. Having our professional team available for support and guidance can make all the difference in effective treatment and recovery.

What Is Meth Detox?

Detoxing from meth can be challenging. Meth causes levels of dopamine in the brain to fluctuate. When you take meth, it tells your brain to produce extra dopamine. When your body has too much of it, dopamine can cause you to feel euphoric, alert, aware, and relaxed. But with regular meth abuse, your brain’s natural supply of dopamine depletes. It begins relying on meth to produce dopamine. This is called physical dependence.

When you decide to get help for your addiction, detox will be the first step of the process. Detox involves getting all the meth out of your system so you can return to a healthy life.

meth detox

Meth Withdrawal Timeline

The meth detox timeline for withdrawal and detox is a couple of weeks. There are two main phases:

Methamphetamine Withdrawal Phase 1

Once the detox process starts, the worst meth withdrawal symptoms occur in the first 24 hours. Symptoms begin more acute, then taper off as detox progresses. The first week of meth withdrawal is post-acute withdrawal, and symptoms can persist through the duration.

Some common symptoms of meth withdrawal include:

  • Anxiety
  • Meth cravings
  • Tremors
  • Headaches
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • Increased appetite

Methamphetamine Withdrawal Phase 2

Following post-acute withdrawal, there’s another two-week period where other symptoms may arise. These symptoms tend to be more psychological as your brain returns to normal functioning.

Some meth withdrawal symptoms during phase 2 include:

  • Decreased motivation
  • Sour mood
  • Poor self-control
  • Increased stress levels
  • Reduced cognitive performance

If you or a loved one has fears about withdrawing from meth, Vogue Recovery Center can help. Our meth detox program is safe and effective for all. Counselors help manage withdrawal symptoms, so detox is as comfortable as possible.

What Is Medically Assisted Meth Detox?

The FDA has not approved any specific medications for meth withdrawal. But there are options to use medications to help manage meth withdrawal symptoms. Medication-assisted treatment should only occur under the supervision of detox and addiction professionals.

Medications that can help meth detox include:

Mirtazapine (Remeron): Remeron is an antidepressant. It helps regulate serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Research suggests it may reduce drug cravings and symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.

Provigil (Modafinil): Modafinil functions as a central nervous system stimulant. It’s less potent than amphetamines. It can help control cravings and regulate emotions.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like antidepressants are sometimes used in meth detox and treatment. They can help ease symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Some examples include:

  • Celexa
  • Lexapro
  • Prozac
  • Paxil
  • Zoloft

Methamphetamine use can disrupt sleep. Some people experience insomnia and nightmares during withdrawal. Sleep medications can provide relief but should only be prescribed by a clinician.

Why You Need a Medical Detox

Meth withdrawal can be uncomfortable and dangerous.

  • Symptoms like irritability, agitation, cravings for more drugs, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, depression, and anxiety can be distressing.
  • You may experience intense cravings for the drug.

Detoxing at home can be hazardous and increase the risk of relapse. This is especially true for those who have co-occurring mental health conditions as part of a dual diagnosis. Withdrawal may worsen depression and anxiety symptoms and even trigger psychosis, increasing the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and risky behaviors.

Medical supervision during the withdrawal process reduces these concerns. Treatment centers have trained and certified staff who have helped countless others find safe and effective addiction treatments. You’ll receive ongoing structure and support. Staff are available around-the-clock to help if complications arise. You are part of a supportive community of people that understands the struggles of withdrawal and want you to succeed.

In medical detox addiction counselors provide 24-hour care, nutritional support, and, if necessary, medically assisted treatment to manage physical symptoms or psychological symptoms. This can help make sure you have all the resources you need to complete your detox.

What Happens After Meth Detox?

Detoxing from meth is just one step in a journey. Returning to the triggering people and situations of your daily life can cause relapse. If you want to truly leave meth behind, professional addiction treatment is the next step.

When treating a substance use disorder, every situation is different. A treatment plan that works for one person may not be the right course of action for another. Vogue Recovery Center provides levels of care that offer a more personalized approach to recovery. An assessment with our team of mental health and addiction professionals will determine the best approach for your successful meth detox and recovery.

Vogue Recovery Center’s levels of care include evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) as part of the rehab program.

The treatment programs for meth addiction treatment at Vogue Recovery Center include:

Residential treatment

Residential treatment for drug abuse offers a safe and nurturing environment for recovery. This type of drug addiction rehab allows you to live in the facility while receiving comprehensive care. Therapies include:

You will work with a team of professionals to address your addiction, your mental health, and your goals for the future.

Partial hospitalization program (PHP)

PHP provides intensive treatment in a series of outpatient sessions between three and five days a week. These programs help you stop using drugs and reduce cravings. Treatment includes group therapy, individual counseling, medication management, and relapse prevention strategies.

Intensive outpatient program (IOP)

IOPs provide more flexible and individualized treatment options. During an IOP, you attend counseling sessions led by certified therapists who specialize in helping people with substance abuse issues. These therapies focus on identifying underlying psychological and behavioral issues which may have contributed to your addiction. The goal is to start using the tools and skills learned in recovery and apply them to life outside of drug rehab.

Outpatient rehab

Someone may only attend treatment once or twice per week in outpatient care.  This type of drug addiction rehab is best suited for individuals motivated to succeed and have other supportive resources in place, such as family or friends. The focus of outpatient treatment is to use the relapse prevention techniques learned in recovery to manage triggers in the future.

Does Insurance Cover Meth Detox & Treatment?

Insurance may pay for treatment depending on your specific provider and policy. Each plan is different and may cover all or just part of treatment. A treatment facility like Vogue Recovery Center can verify your insurance and create a plan that gives you the best chance for recovery. Contact Vogue Recovery Center today. We’ll answer your questions about treatment and get you started on insurance verification for drug detox.

Meth addiction doesn’t have to ruin your life. Professional treatment can help you put a stop to drug addiction through safe, effective, and evidence-based therapies. Personalized addiction and behavioral health treatments offer a chance at success in recovery. Vogue Recovery Center is here to guide you down the path of crystal meth detox and recovery.

Kelsey Jones

Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC

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