Consuming high doses of meth can cause significant physical and emotional harm. It can also reduce your self-confidence and hurt your relationships. To recover from addiction, 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. People may 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.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Meth withdrawal symptoms can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening and can vary greatly from person to person.
Symptoms of stopping meth vary based on factors like:
- Body mass
- Overall health an the individual
- Presence of underlying conditions
- Intensity and duration of meth use
- Severity of addiction
Common meth withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Vivid or unpleasant dreams
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Increased appetite
- Psychomotor disturbances or restlessness
- Body aches
- Intense meth cravings
While each person’s experience is unique, the symptoms of meth withdrawal typically peak within the first few days of stopping use. With that being said, they can last for several weeks, if not months. To prevent relapse, it is important to have medical supervision during the meth detox process.
Meth Withdrawal Timeline
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
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 Used In Meth Detox
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.
Do You Need a 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.
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. Medical supervision during the withdrawal process reduces the risks of side effects and relapse. Detox programs like those at Vogue Recovery Centers have trained and certified staff who can help.
Meth Addiction Treatment Programs
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 research-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:
Medical Detox
Medical detox offers a safe and comforting environment for early recovery. During detox, your body will rid itself of harmful substances and begin to heal. However, meth detox is only the first step in the recovery process. That is why it is crucial to continue with treatment after successfully detoxing off meth.
Residential treatment
Residential addiction treatment offers a safe and nurturing environment for recovery. Also known as inpatient treatment, you will live in the facility while receiving comprehensive care. You attend individual and group therapy with a team of professionals to address your addiction, your mental health, and your goals for the future.
Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides intensive treatment in outpatient sessions three to five days a week. As a step-down program following residential treatment, PHP includes group therapy, individual counseling, medication management, and relapse prevention strategies.
Does Insurance Cover Meth Addiction Treatment?
A common concern for those seeking treatment for meth addiction is whether rehab costs are covered by insurance. The good news is that many insurance plans provide partial or full coverage for addiction treatment. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific policy. At Vogue Recovery Center, we offer a free insurance verification to help you better understand your benefits and explore tailored treatment options for substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Take the first step toward recovery today. Reach out to our admissions team and start your journey to a healthier, happier life. Don’t let meth addiction take away your well-being and joy. At Vogue Recovery Center, we provide effective treatments and unwavering support from a compassionate team, empowering you to reclaim your life and embrace a brighter future.
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 research-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
