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Meth Detox

Methamphetamine (meth) is a potent and highly addictive stimulant that creates a sense of euphoria. The National Institute on Drug Abuse data from 2021 shares that 16.8 million people reported using the substance at some point in their lifetime. Meth is one of the most misused stimulants in the world.

As a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant, meth is a very dangerous drug. Data from the National Institutes of Health shows that, in 2022, 34,022 people in the United States died as a result of a meth overdose. Meth is easily accessible on the streets and more affordable than other stimulant drugs like cocaine. However, this easy access leads to significant mental and physical health complications for those who use it.

What makes meth even more challenging is that withdrawal symptoms can be significant and may cause a person to experience intense complications to mental health and physical well-being. As a result, professional meth detox treatment may be necessary to help a client get the help they need.

Engage Wellness Actondoes not provide meth detox treatment directly but partners with local providers who offer this service as a specialized level of care. Contact our team for immediate help in getting into the process to start the meth detox process.

What Is Meth Detox?

Detoxification (detox) is a natural process in which the body rids itself of the presence of the substance. This is done through the digestive system and eventually flushed through waste.

Detox removes the substance and toxins from the body as long as a person does not continue to use them. For detox to occur, a client must stop using meth for a period of time. During this process, the brain and body need to re-learn how to function without the presence of the substance. This is challenging from a mental and physical perspective due to the numerous withdrawal symptoms a person may experience.

There may be medical care and medications to ease that process in formal meth detox treatment.

What Happens During Detox?

Many people who wish to overcome meth dependence must work through the detox process. A formal meth detox treatment plan helps to provide the help and guidance necessary through every stage of this process. Typically, there are three steps to detox.

  • Intake: The initial step in the meth detox process involves a comprehensive medical and mental health review from a licensed medical professional. The client’s medical history, current use of meth, and mental health disorders will be considered. This enables the treatment center to create a plan.
  • Detoxification: In the active detoxification process, the body removes the toxins naturally as long as no more is used. During this stage of the meth detox process, symptoms of withdrawal will likely emerge.
  • Post-detoxification: Within about 48 hours, withdrawal symptoms slow, and a period of recovery occurs. During this detox process stage, a client’s medical and psychological needs are met to help them start to recover.

The Meth Detox Process

Meth detox treatment typically happens within a treatment center where a person’s medical and mental health needs can be met. For those with a mild addiction and with a stable environment, at-home treatment may be an option. Most often, the following timeline and symptoms apply:

First 48 Hours After Last Dose

The first 48 hours after the client’s last use of meth will lead to the onset of intense withdrawal symptoms. They can vary from one person to the next but tend to include symptoms such as:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion and agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Severe onset of depression
  • Loss of motivation
  • Tremors
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Dehydration

For some people, acute meth withdrawal symptoms come on quickly, often within just a few hours of no longer using the substance. They can also create intense medical complications and psychosis.

In the days after those first 48 hours, most people see symptoms improve somewhat. This is often still a difficult period, and complications can occur. Common symptoms during this stage of the meth detox process may include:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Depression onset
  • Anxiety
  • Shaking
  • Muscle pain and weakness
  • Intense cravings transition to mild cravings

What Is Post-Acute Meth Withdrawal Syndrome?

For some people, the symptoms of withdrawal may continue to linger for several months. Though often much milder, they can include trouble with fine motor coordination, irritability, trouble remembering, and mood swings.

Types of Meth Detox

Finding the right type of meth detox treatment for a person takes careful consideration of their situation. Inpatient and outpatient meth detox treatment may be an option.

Who Is Inpatient Meth Detox Treatment For ?

A person with prolonged or consistent use of meth may benefit from a formal, inpatient meth addiction treatment program. During this process, a person lives within the detox treatment center and receives medical and psychological care to meet their needs as their body works to flush the substance.

Inpatient meth detox involves careful monitoring of a client’s mental and physical health throughout this process. If there are any medical emergencies, professionals are available to offer help. Because meth can cause such damaging changes to the brain, cravings are often very intense. An inpatient program like this provides a safety net to manage those symptoms.

For some people who may have a strong at-home support system and a drug-free environment, outpatient meth detox may be an option. In these situations, clients visit the treatment center during the day, receive counseling and supportive medications, and then return to their homes in the evening.

This type of meth detox treatment may be best suited for those who do not have intense withdrawal cravings and complicated mental health symptoms.

A person with moderate to severe meth dependence may benefit from a medically-assisted meth detox center. This treatment type focuses on providing care not just through a stable place to live but also offers medications and medical care to meet symptom needs over the detox process. For those with severe addiction to meth, this type of treatment can be critical to support their well-being and overall health.

There are no FDA-approved medications to treat meth addiction directly and no fast cure. However, doctors and treatment centers may prescribe medications to help with some of the more significant withdrawal symptoms a person faces during the process. This may include:

  • Bupropion: A type of antidepressant, this medication may help to reduce the cravings associated with meth addiction in some people, helping to reduce both physical and psychological impact.
  • Modafinil: A mild stimulant often used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, modafinil may be a support tool to help improve craving management and sleep in those who are working through meth detox.
  • Fluoxetine: This medication can help to treat mental health complications that often occur in those who suffer psychosis during the detox process.

Medically-assisted meth detox is only done with the help of a licensed medical provider within a treatment center or with medical supervision as an outpatient level of care.

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Finding the Right Meth Detox Facility for You

For those who are battling the intensity of meth addiction and dependence, it is critical to seek out immediate help. For those who have tried to stop and relapse or those who have used meth for a long time, going through the meth detox process may be necessary.

At Engage Wellness Acton, MA we can help. Reach out, and we’ll provide insight into available detox options. After the meth detox process, we can provide the dual diagnosis support you need on your road to recovery.

Contact us to learn more about the treatment options offered at Engage Wellness Acton.