Methamphetamine–known as “meth”– is a highly addictive illicit drug. Using meth causes many short and long-term problems. It can harm a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and more.
People who become addicted to meth often require professional treatment and support to stop using it safely. Quitting meth can be very challenging. Meth withdrawal symptoms can make people incredibly uncomfortable. Many people relapse before detox is complete.
If you or someone you love is addicted to methamphetamine, a Pompano Beach meth detox program can help. Knowing what to expect during detox can help you prepare for treatment. It can also keep you motivated when the medical detox process feels challenging.
Reach out to the team at First Step Behavioral Health to learn about our drug abuse treatment plans. You can also ask questions, verify your insurance, or schedule an intake assessment.
What is Meth?
Meth is a common term for methamphetamine. Meth is an illicit stimulant drug. People make meth in illegal labs using toxic chemicals. The process of making meth is dangerous.
One common form of meth is a drug called crystal meth. Crystal meth looks like glass or crystals. It may be pale blue or white.
Meth works by boosting central nervous system (CNS) activity. Some of the short-term side effects of meth include:
- More energy
- Faster breathing and heart rate
- Increased body temperature
- Elevated blood pressure
- Decreased appetite
Meth is highly addictive. The drug’s effects last for a very short time. People may use it many times within a short time to maintain their “high.” This increases the risk of addiction.
People who use meth casually may quickly develop a physical dependence on it. Long periods of meth abuse can lead to significant, long-term health complications. These include:
- Malnutrition
- Extreme weight loss
- Skin problems
- Severe dental problems
- Anxiety
- Memory trouble
- Sleep problems
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- Aggression or violent behaviors
- Confusion
- Addiction
People who become addicted to meth require substance use disorder treatment. Treatment typically starts with a medically-supported drug detox program.
Understanding Meth Withdrawal
When you seek treatment from a medically-supported detox program, you will receive mental health and medical care to keep you safe during withdrawal.
But what can you expect during meth withdrawal? Here is an overview of what symptoms you may experience during the withdrawal process.
Meth withdrawal symptoms
People typically develop withdrawal symptoms soon after the last time they use meth. Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Low energy
- Extreme irritability
- Chills
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Cloudy thinking
- A period of insomnia followed by excessive sleeping
- Weight gain
- Intense cravings
People who attempt to quit using meth “cold turkey” are unlikely to be successful. Intense drug cravings and other physical and psychological symptoms often lead to relapse.
Meth withdrawal timeline
Personal factors like your health and the severity of your addiction can affect how withdrawal affects you. However, people typically experience symptoms on a standard timeline.
First 24 hours
Acute withdrawal symptoms start within 24 hours of the last time you used meth. Symptoms include:
- Chills
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Intense cravings
Medically-assisted detox programs can provide treatment and support to reduce the risk of relapse during acute withdrawal.
One week
Symptoms may peak during the first week. The risk of relapse is high at this stage. Medical supervision is critical to prevent complications. Symptoms may begin to improve toward the end of the first week.
Two weeks
Most people notice their symptoms improve a lot during the second week of the recovery process. Cravings may still be strong. People continue to require supervision and support to avoid relapse.
Three weeks and beyond
Many people find their withdrawal symptoms are much easier to manage in the third week and beyond. Still, symptoms may last for several more weeks. It’s important to have ongoing support and access to treatment.
What to Expect at a Meth Detox in Pompano Beach
A medically-supported detox program provides treatment, supervision, and support that can help you have a safe, complete detox. Meth detox programs in Pompano Beach may include:
- Assessment and screenings
- Medications to reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
- Individual counseling and emotional support
- Round-the-clock supervision
- Support groups
- Nutrition support, massage, yoga, and other holistic therapies
While there aren’t any medications approved by the FDA to treat meth withdrawal, clients may receive symptom-specific medications to ease their withdrawal symptoms and ensure their safety.
After completing a detox program, it is crucial to keep building on your foundation of recovery. Your treatment facility may offer multiple levels of care. This can help you transition easily into a treatment program.
A substance abuse treatment plan can give you the skills to avoid relapse and live a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Treatment may include:
- Medical and mental health care
- Medications to reduce the risk of relapse
- Group therapy
- Behavioral therapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Aftercare planning
Meth Detox Program in Pompano Beach, FL
If you or someone you love struggles with meth addiction or any substance use disorder, you are not alone. Contact the team at First Step Behavioral Health to learn about our detox and addiction treatment programs.
