Eliminating an addiction to meth consists of multiple stages of rehab that target the physical, psychological, and emotional causes of addiction. However, the first stage is to detox from the drug itself. This requires an individual to stop taking meth, and this is best done through medically supervised detox.
During detox, an individual will experience withdrawal symptoms which can vary between each person. This is also dependent on several factors such as:
- Individual physiology
- Duration of their addiction
- Quantities used
- Poly-drug use
- Co-occurring condition or mental health issues
Withdrawal Symptoms
Because methamphetamines alter the functioning of neurotransmitters in the brain, sudden discontinuation can create several symptoms. Generally, these consist of cravings, fatigue, and mood disturbances.
The symptoms are usually predictable and include the following:
- Intense cravings for meth
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia, despite exhaustion
- Extreme fatigue
- Headaches
- Hopelessness
- Sadness
- Depression
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Lack of motivation
- Anxiety
- Muscle pain, especially from clenching the jaw
The presence of these symptoms will depend on the stage of withdrawal. The early stages typically start with cravings and increased appetite, followed by anxiety, psychosis, and depression later on.
Withdrawal Timeline
Meth withdrawal symptoms tend to start appearing within the first 24 hours. In general, withdrawal symptoms reach their peak within 7 to 10 days of discontinuation and then steadily decline thereafter.
While the duration will vary from person to person, a general timeline will look like the following.
First Phase
The first phase occurs within 24 hours, but it can take place as early as a few hours after the last dose. During this time, individuals may start to have food cravings and a depressed mood as the drug wears off.
Second Phase
The next phase takes place 1 to 3 days after the last dose. At this stage, individuals enter the period known as “the crash”. This occurs when there is a lack of dopamine in the brain, and it is characterized by irritability, excessive tiredness, depression, and negative mood.
Other symptoms include increased appetite, intense drug cravings, psychomotor retardation, and unpleasant dreams.
Third Phase
The third phase occurs on days 3 to 7 and consists of more extreme symptoms such as paranoia, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), and decreased sexual drive and satisfaction.
Fourth Phase
The fourth phase occurs on days 7 to 14 and is usually when symptoms start to lessen and improve. While the withdrawal period can last for around 14 to 20 days, there are cases where it continues much longer.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
If withdrawal symptoms last longer than the 14-day period, it is referred to as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). During this phase, symptoms include ongoing fatigue, depression, cravings, and long periods of sleep.
While the PAWS period is not necessarily physically dangerous, the psychological effects can lead to risky behavior.
Further, due to the damaging effects on the body’s nervous system, working memory, attention, planning, problem-solving, and other cognitive tasks can be impaired long after the withdrawal period has passed. This includes mood disturbances such as depression and psychosis, which may last up to a year.
Medical Complications of Meth Withdrawal
As the physical withdrawal process from meth is milder in comparison to opioids, the primary concerns when it comes to detoxing are relapses, overdoses, and depression. While there is still discomfort when withdrawing from meth, they are bearable and typically pose a low risk, especially if the individual detoxes in a medically supervised environment.
That said, there are always medical risks involved with any drug withdrawals. When it comes to meth, these potential short-term complications include:
- Risk of overdose upon relapse
- Seizures
- Suicidal ideation or attempts
- Dangerous behavior (due to psychosis or paranoia)
- Driving impairment (due to psychomotor retardation or agitation)
Methamphetamine Treatment Programs
The good news is that treatment for meth addiction is readily available. While every individual is unique and will have different treatment needs, many centers provide tailored recovery plans. Below is a list of the most common forms of treatment programs and what they entail.
Detox Programs
Detox centers consist of clinics or medical facilities that supervise a person’s detox and provide supportive medications where necessary. These clinics are usually staffed with a team of doctors and nurses who have experience with addiction and drug withdrawal.
The advantage of going to a detox center is that medical help is readily available. Detoxing isn’t easy, even though meth itself is less physically damaging during the withdrawal process. A detox center will place you in comfortable surroundings and you can be assured of help in case of emergencies. These clinics can also provide medications to ease some of the symptoms.
Short-Term Inpatient (Residential)
Short-term inpatient centers typically start with medical detox and are followed by a program of addiction treatment such as therapy or counseling for 30 to 90 days. Inpatient programs range from basic inpatient to luxury options, all varying in terms of amenities and types of therapy.
These facilities usually provide 24-hour medical support and are led by a team of clinicians and doctors. Short-term inpatient rehab is ideal for individuals who need detoxing and therapy, but who don’t require long-term treatment.
Long-Term Inpatient
Long-term inpatient treatment can vary but ranges between 3 to 18 months. This type of rehab is best suited for individuals with long-term chronic addiction, especially those who have co-occurring conditions or mental health issues.
Depending on the severity of the addiction, long-term treatment may be a good option especially as many programs aim to address the underlying emotional issues and causes of one’s drug abuse. Long-term treatment also provides ample time for the individual to physically withdraw from the drug while they focus on their mental and emotional rehab. These centers also range from basic amenities to luxury options.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
For individuals who are seeking intensive treatment but still prefer to live at home, partial hospitalization (PHP) or day treatment is also available. PHP typically consists of hospital treatment 5 to 7 days a week for 4 to 8 hours per day.
Like inpatient treatment, clinical staff are on hand to assist with detox, medication management, and withdrawal symptoms. PHP also involves counseling and group therapy as well as specialized services that focus on skill-building, relapse prevention, and employment assistance.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs are less involved than partial hospitalization and typically take place at a treatment center or outpatient clinic. Clients receiving intensive outpatient treatment will visit the center 2 to 5 days per week for 2 to 4 hours per day. IOP is well suited to clients who have just completed inpatient rehab and who wish to receive intense treatment while living off site.
These programs vary between centers but often involve a mixture of individual and group therapy, case management, 12-step programs, experiential therapies, cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT), and services that cover topics like skill-building, goal setting, and relapse prevention.
Standard Outpatient Programs
Standard outpatient programs are suited to individuals who have just completed an inpatient program and want to continue some form of therapy. Standard outpatient is also ideal for people who may be juggling other responsibilities such as work or school. Individuals typically report to a treatment center or clinic 1 or 2 days per week and these programs can include counseling, group therapy, 12-step groups, skill development, goal setting, and relapse prevention training.
Do Not Attempt to Quit Cold Turkey
While cold turkey detoxing at home is an option, it is not the safest way to proceed. Intense cravings combined with depression can lead individuals to relapse or engage in dangerous behavior. While the physical effects of meth withdrawal are tolerable, having medical support on hand can help ease the uncomfortable symptoms and prevent someone from relapsing. Also, rare complications such as seizures can arise from suddenly stopping meth use, so it’s best to seek medical detox options where possible.
Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment Options
During rehab, centers and clinics will often offer a range of treatments such as medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies. Below are some of the more effective therapy options for meth addiction.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Due to the intense psychological cravings that follow meth withdrawal, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the more effective therapies during rehab. At its core, CBT helps individuals change negative cycles of thought and behavior into more positive ones. Clients receiving CBT will learn:
- how to recognize dysfunctional thinking patterns and their origins
- how to understand the behavior and motivation of others
- how to develop a greater sense of self-understanding and confidence
In essence, CBT helps clients learn new drug-free ways to cope with triggers that might encourage them to use meth again. This includes an understanding of how situations, people, or the environment can trigger an addictive desire to take meth, or how to introduce healthy behaviors that can steer them away from using.
The Matrix Model
The Matrix Model is another form of therapy that has shown to be effective in treating meth addiction. This 16-week approach is comprehensive and consists of a mixture of behavioral therapy, individual counseling, 12-step support, family education, drug testing, and encouraging non-drug-related activities. Through guided therapy, patients learn about issues connected to addiction and relapse. These sessions are designed to promote self-esteem and self-worth while the patient and therapist work together to reinforce positive behavioral changes.
Contingency Management
Contingency management is based on a reward system where the therapist provides incentives to the patient in exchange for ongoing abstinence and acceptance of treatment. One well-known contingency approach is Motivational Incentives for Enhancing Drug Abuse Recovery (MIEDAR), which is effective for teaching individuals that it is possible to achieve abstinence using self-control.
Participants who continue to abstain receive rewards such as prize draws for money or in-demand objects. This tangible rewards system has been shown to be effective for individuals with stimulant addictions like meth.
Medications
Unlike opioid addiction, which is treated using medications like Suboxone, there are currently no federally approved medications specifically for meth withdrawal. However, research has shown that some medications such as anti-depressants may reduce meth withdrawal symptoms. Other studies have shown that medications such as naltrexone (used for alcohol addiction) can significantly reduce cravings for meth.
During treatment at a detox center or inpatient facility, medical professionals may prescribe other medications to help manage symptoms. This includes over-the-counter medicines such as Benadryl or trazodone for insomnia, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) anti-depressants for depression.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Recovering from meth addiction can be challenging, but there are ways to make this process easier. Along with treatment, there are lifestyle adjustments or activities that can ease the symptoms while transitioning to a new life. These include:
- Exercise: Exercise is good for stimulating endorphins which can help with depression and low mood. This can include a mix of low- and high-intensity exercises such as walking, running, swimming, or yoga, depending on the health of the individual.
- Meditation: Meditation helps calm down anxious or racing thoughts. It is also useful for easing anxiety and panic and may be helpful alongside other therapies.
- Eating well: Getting adequate nutrition after detoxing from meth is vitally important. Nutritionists or doctors can provide tailored food plans specific to addiction recovery.
- Avoiding triggers: If there are certain people or situations that trigger cravings for meth, it is best to avoid them during a recovery period. CBT techniques can help individuals learn to identify and avoid their triggers.
- Replacement Activities: Cravings can be difficult to manage, so engaging in activities such as hobbies, sports, or crafts is a useful alternative. These activities can help distract someone during a craving and redirect their attention.
Methamphetamine Withdrawal Resources
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