How to Treat Methamphetamine Withdrawal
Regular methamphetamine use can change the brain chemistry and change the way it processes information. Withdrawal is a result of the body’s way of trying to balance toxicity in the body with its natural state once the drug is absent after a period of use. Find out how to support the brain and body through withdrawal from methamphetamine.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal is not an easy or pleasant experience, nor is it one that is too challenging to move beyond into a long and healthy recovery. Meth is one of the more dangerous drugs to withdraw from and is best managed under the careful eye of trained medical professionals. An inpatient detox can boost chances of successful withdrawal. Proper withdrawal takes some planning and research. The first phase can last around 24 hours after last use and gradually becomes less intense over the course of two weeks. Depressive and psychotic symptoms accompany acute withdrawal, particularly if going cold turkey.
The second phase is less intense and lasts for around 2-3 weeks. Cravings begin and symptoms may be present for at least 5 weeks. The following symptoms may come up:
- Extreme dissatisfaction with life
- Anxiety
- Cravings for meth
- Decreased energy
- Deep depression
- Increased sleeping
- Lack of motivation
- Irritability
- Paranoid ideation
- Night sweats
- Sleeping difficulties
- Suicidal ideation
Treating Withdrawal
Treating symptoms of withdrawal from meth requires medical attention. Every person experiences withdrawal differently but if symptoms feel severe, a doctor should be seen as soon as possible. During the first week of withdrawal (the most difficult), it is likely to be difficult to have energy to do anything. People sleep on average 11 hours per day around the fifth day of withdrawal (hypersomnia) so it will be necessary to have someone watching over an individual in withdrawal. Treatment of symptoms will require effective therapeutic interventions including the following:
- 12 Step recovery programs
- Referrals for community support
- Appropriate referrals for community support
- Family involvement in recovery to increase effectiveness
- Increased skill base in dealing with life
- Longer than average rehab stay
- Ongoing psych care with medical drug therapy
- Therapy to modify thinking, expectancies and behaviors
A supportive environment can be a key element of a positive withdrawal experience to recovery. Distancing oneself from others who use meth, places which tigger use and surrounding oneself with positive relationships will be a critical component of recovery. Medical help and 24-7 supervision will be helpful to cope with cravings, depression and other symptoms as they arise. Recovery is possible with the right treatment and help to get through the difficult journey of withdrawal to sobriety.
If you or a loved one are addicted to meth and need help quitting, contact Hired Power. We are here to walk you through the steps it takes to get clean and sober. Call us to find out how we can support your recovery journey.