How to Safely Detox from Meth

If you’re wondering how long does it take to detox from Meth, the answer is here. Methamphetamine withdrawal is a painful and debilitating process that can last for weeks. Meth addiction happens quickly, and depending upon the type of addiction, recreational or long-term, the withdrawal process is arduous. Medical detox programs are the safest way to treat withdrawal symptoms while removing Meth from the body. 

What Exactly is Meth?

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that is highly addictive. Using Meth causes a rush of dopamine in the brain, producing an extremely desirable effect. Heightened pleasurable feelings can induce the need for more. The user craves the pleasant high, develops tolerance, and needs more and more to achieve the desired effect. The danger of Methamphetamine is that addiction can occur after one use. Once a user’s happiness depends upon drug use, fear of withdrawal and cravings take over. How long does it take to detox from Meth depends on how long the addiction continues. 

Most addicts use Meth and Crystal Meth, which are chemically the same.  Meth’s toxic ingredient is usually the stimulant Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine. Initially, this drug was prescribed as a decongestant or for weight loss. However, the majority of Meth is produced illegally in labs. So how long does it take to detox from Meth? That answer follows a timeline set by the factors of the addiction. 

Street names for Methamphetamine include:

• Glass
• Speed
• Ice
• Crystal
• Crank
• Tweak
• Redneck Cocaine
• Chalk

Dangers of Meth Abuse

The process of making Meth is one of the most dangerous interactions with the drug. Gases and chemicals released into the air during processing are toxic and highly explosive. Labs have exploded in residential neighborhoods, causing an unknown danger to the community. Other hazards include the drugs dealers use to “cut” or add to the Meth they produce. To make more money from drug sales, these dealers often use antidepressants or opioids. These additional drugs present extreme danger and increase the risk of overdose. How long does it take to detox from Meth? One of the factors involved in the detox timeline is what drugs were cut into the Meth while processed.

How Long Does It Take to Detox from Meth?

How long does it take to detox from Meth? The timeline differs between individuals with different determining factors. Length of addiction, type of addiction, and how dependent the body has become are some factors. Two to three days into detox, the acute phase generally occurs, and by one week, the physical symptoms may begin to ease. Psychological symptoms, however, can take weeks, months, and even years to subside. 

Psychological symptoms from Meth detox include:

• Mood swings
• Agitation
• Drug cravings
• Sleep disturbances
• Depression

A more conclusive timeline of Meth withdrawal symptoms and their duration include: 

• First 48 hours: crash phase – between 24 and 48 hours, a sharp decline in energy and cognitive function occurs. Physical symptoms can include nausea, stomach cramping, and sweating. 
• Three to ten days: Peak withdrawal symptoms while the body adjusts to no Meth ingested. Depression, anxiety, extreme fatigue, and physical symptoms of shaking, muscle aching, and intense craving for the drug. 
• Fourteen to twenty days: Physical symptoms decline at the end of the second week, but the intense cravings continue. Fatigue and depression remain during this period. 

One month and moving forward: Physical symptoms are gone or continue to disappear over time. Depression, anxiety, and fatigue can continue for several months.

Signs and Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal

How long does it take to detox from Meth?  The detox timeline varies just as the signs and symptoms of Meth withdrawal are individualized. However, in each case, several factors influence the severity of the side effects of Meth withdrawal. Length of addiction, the amount used during addiction, other drugs combined with Meth, and the method of consuming the drug are all pertinent factors. In addition, Injection of Meth is a more prolonged and intensive withdrawal process than those who do not inject. 

Signs and symptoms of withdrawal from Meth include:

• Fatigue and loss of motivation
• Agitation and increased appetite
• Paranoia and confusion
• Insomnia and suicidal thoughts
• Excessive sweating
• Hallucinations and tremors
• Fever, nausea, and stomach pains
• Red, itchy eyes
• Anxiety and Severe depression
• Dehydration

How to Safely Withdrawal and Recover from Meth

How long does it take to detox from Meth? is a leading question when discussing addiction treatment. Detox is a terrifying thought. However, you can achieve a successful, safe detox. The first step is the medical assessment of the patient. Once the medical status is determined, the process can begin. 

The three-step process for detoxing from Meth includes:

Evaluation: The medical team assesses the patient’s medical status. A physician and nurse typically complete this process which consists of a drug screen. Evaluation questions address the factors of addiction. The patient’s medical history reveals past addiction issues. Co-occurring disorders are listed to determine an overall treatment plan.

Stabilization: Upon entering detox, stabilization to reduce discomfort and stress occurs. Sometimes patients enter treatment at the peak of their withdrawal symptoms and need help. Adjustments to treatment are maintained as symptoms improve. Communications with the family continually update the progress of the detox.

Transition Into Further Treatment: As patients transition through detox, the medical team discusses the remaining aspects of the treatment plan. When detox ends, the patient continues with the treatment plan, either inpatient or outpatient.

Detox from Meth in Atlanta, Georgia

September is National Recovery Month. If you are searching for the answer to the question, How long does it take to detox from Meth? If you live in Georgia, Retreat of Atlanta opens our doors to your every need for a detox from Meth. Our staff of experienced detox professionals can respond to your inquiries regarding addiction treatment. Time is of the essence. Addiction is dangerous. Contact us now to proceed with your desire to recover from addiction!