Meth Detox
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 toward a life of recovery and sobriety.
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.
Stopping meth is dangerous and generally should not be done on your own. Learn more about detoxing meth safely and what to expect.
What Is Meth Detox?
When you decide to get help for your meth addiction, detox will be the first step of the process. Detox involves safely removing meth from your system so you can return to a healthy life.
During medical detox, addiction counselors and medical providers provide 24/7 care to manage physical and psychological symptoms. Everyone’s detox is different, but continuous support ensures your safety and comfort.
Medications may be part of your detox treatment plan, depending on your needs. These are administered to help alleviate discomfort as the meth is eliminated from your body. Medicines 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 is 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. Examples are Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.
Meth detox ensures that the drug has left your body and no longer has an influence on your functioning. Most treatment programs require a detox before therapies can begin. Meth detox is crucial for setting you up for success and truly addressing addiction.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of stopping meth vary based on factors like body mass, the health of the individual, and the intensity and duration your of meth use.
General meth withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Vivid or unpleasant dreams
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Increased appetite
- Psychomotor disturbances or restlessness
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
The meth detox timeline for withdrawal and detox is approximately two weeks. There are two main phases:
Phase 1: Acute Withdrawal Phase
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. While psychological symptoms show up in this stage, acute withdrawal is mainly physiological. Medical supervision is particularly critical at this stage.
Typical phase 1 symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Intense meth cravings
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Extreme fatigue
- Increased appetite
Phase 2: Post-Acute Withdrawal Phase
The second phase of the meth withdrawal timeline primarily involves more psychological symptoms. Your brain is returning to normal functioning over the next 1-2 weeks. While withdrawal symptoms persist, they are considerably more stable than in acute withdrawal.
Typical phase 2 symptoms include:
- Decreased motivation
- Mood swings
- Poor self-control
- Increased stress levels
- Reduced cognitive performance
Why You Need a Medical Meth Detox
When you use meth, your brain produces extra dopamine. Excessive dopamine causes euphoria and increased alertness that meth users desire. However, regular meth abuse depletes your brain’s natural supply of dopamine, and you begin relying on meth to feel “normal.” This cycle is called physical dependence.
Once you become physically dependent on meth, it’s challenging to stop. Attempting meth detox at home can be dangerous and increase the risk of relapse. Withdrawal may worsen any existing 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. Detox programs like those at Vogue Recovery Centers have trained and certified staff who can help.
After Meth Detox: Meth Addiction Treatment
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 wipe the slate clean and leave meth behind, professional addiction treatment is the next step.
Vogue Recovery Center provides multiple levels of care that offer a personalized approach to recovery. An assessment with our team of mental health and addiction professionals will determine the best strategy 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
Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Outpatient rehab
Need Help for Meth Addiction?
Meth addiction doesn’t have to ruin your life. Personalized addiction treatment can help you put a stop to drug addiction through safe, effective, and evidence-based therapies. Vogue Recovery Center, located in Las Vegas and Phoenix, is here to guide you toward recovery that starts with a successful detox.
If you or a loved one could benefit from a supportive community of people who understand the struggles of drug addiction, contact Vogue Recovery Centers today. Here at Vogue, we want you to succeed in your recovery and find lasting hope. Living with meth addiction is daunting on your own–let us guide you every step of the way.
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
