Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can lead to addiction. More than 6% of Americans have used methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime and even occasional use can result in dependency. When you become physically dependent on methamphetamine, a detox for meth can help you safely withdraw and connect with a treatment program.
Addiction is a progressive, chronic disease that impairs your judgment, impacts your mood and changes your brain chemistry. Drugs and alcohol are neurotransmitter inhibitors, which cause your brain to release more neurotransmitters than it should. Abusing drugs and alcohol can cause significant neurotransmitter imbalances and intense craving.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, meth is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States. In 2015, there were nearly 10,000 meth-related deaths in the U.S. This number has quadrupled since 2007.
Tens of millions of Americans meet the criteria for a substance abuse disorder each year. Unfortunately, most people don’t reach out for help. Since addiction is an incurable condition, a drug and alcohol detox center is usually needed in order to recover.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a schedule II narcotic that has a high potential for abuse and limited medical benefits. Methamphetamine is illegal to possess, sell and manufacture in the United States. Since methamphetamine is illegal, there are added dangers because there is no regulation of the ingredients in street methamphetamine. Cooking methamphetamine is also extremely dangerous and can cause explosions, fires and noxious gas fumes.
Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant and causes energizing and euphoric effects. It’s sold in a powdered or crystal form. Individuals can smoke, inject or inhale meth. People may also take it orally. However, taking methamphetamine orally results in a much lower bioavailability than other routes of administration.
Users can inhale, smoke or inject methamphetamine. Methamphetamine overdoses can also be fatal, especially if you inject it. Methamphetamine can cause enhanced moods and increased energy, as well as severe insomnia and psychosis.
Long-term use or abuse of methamphetamine can cause damaging consequences, such as:
- Lung and heart problems
- Infections
- Tooth loss
- Weight loss
- Mood changes and paranoia
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Brain damage
Methamphetamine is also physically addicting, meaning that you can deal with severe withdrawal symptoms if you immediately stop using, making it important to contact an inpatient detox center program FL offers when you decide to quit. Withdrawal symptoms can also intensify cravings and increase your risk of relapsing. A Florida detox center specializes in ensuring that you can comfortably withdrawal in a controlled, safe and supportive environment.
What to Expect from a Detox for Meth
A methamphetamine detox center can offer both inpatient and outpatient meth detox treatments. Severe addictions typically require the help of an inpatient methamphetamine detox center, while a less severe addiction can afford you the flexibility of completing a program at an outpatient methamphetamine detox center.
How Long Does It Take to Detox From Meth
A methamphetamine detox center utilizes evidence-based and holistic therapies to help reduce and alleviate your symptoms and prepare you for recovery. While withdrawal symptoms vary in length and intensity, most symptoms peak within 72 hours of your last use and last for several days.
Most people experience withdrawal symptoms that are similar to those experienced when quitting other stimulants, like cocaine. These symptoms may include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Irritability
- Muscle aches and pains
- Sleep disturbances
Some people may also experience more severe symptoms, such as:
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Seizures
During methamphetamine withdrawal, it is common to require an excessive amount of sleep. Many meth users stay up for an extended period of time and struggle with sleep deprivation, which is a common symptom and needs to be seen by a methamphetamine detox center during withdrawal. Medications can reduce symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, and pain, making it easier to complete the withdrawal process.
A methamphetamine detox center can set up inpatient or outpatient treatment for you before discharge, which helps strengthen your recovery and increase your chances of remaining abstinent.
How to Get Involved in a Detox for Meth
Battling a methamphetamine addiction can become burdensome, overwhelming, and frustrating. Methamphetamine is an extremely dangerous drug and has the potential to cause long-term medical and cognitive problems. Finding help from a methamphetamine detox center is the first step in your recovery journey.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a methamphetamine addiction, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. A methamphetamine detox center can offer you the structure, support, and resources you need to detox safely and start your journey to recovery.
To find out more about our methamphetamine detox center, or to learn more about addiction treatment programs, call us today at 866.723.3127.