Meth is a highly addictive drug that can consequently cause long-term health and psychological issues. If a person or their loved one is addicted to meth, drug treatment programs can help someone avoid the severe negative side effects of addiction. For anyone wondering what happens during detox, and if they need it, meth detox in Atlanta at the Retreat of Atlanta, is the first step in recovery from meth addiction.
Meth Use in Georgia
Boasting a host of entertainment, career, and living opportunities, Georgia is known for its southern charm and rich history. As a destination, Atlanta has expanded greatly in recent years. Job opportunities continue to pour into the state and affordable housing options continue to help the city grow. Additionally, tourist attractions such as Atlanta’s professional sports teams, the Atlanta Aquarium, and the Fox theater keep a steady flow of traffic coming to and from the city.
However, as with any other area of the nation, Georgia is no stranger to the hardships brought about by substance use disorder. Meth use in particular has ravaged the state in many areas. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 0.6% of Georgians over the age of 12 have used methamphetamine at some point during the last 12 months. Furthermore, in 2020, nearly 24,000 deaths across the nation were attributed directly to meth use.
With production seemingly steady throughout the state, these unfortunate statistics will likely remain steady over the course of the next few years. By seeking meth detox in Atlanta, a person can reclaim their freedom from addiction and find lasting sobriety.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
Meth withdrawal symptoms will mimic the “crash” many users experience after coming down from the effects. In fact, these unpleasant feelings additionally cause many users to relapse when attempting to quit in order to avoid withdrawal.
Meth withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue and excessive sleepiness
- Increased appetite
- Depression and anxiety
- Suicidal ideations
- Intense cravings to use meth
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations and delusions
Meth withdrawal typically occurs along the following timeline:
- Mild withdrawal symptoms appear within 24 hours after last use
- Symptoms continue to intensify, reaching a peak around a week to ten days into detox
- Physical symptoms steadily decline in intensity over the next several days
- Most withdrawal symptoms last about 14 to 20 days
The timeline of symptoms can vary based on the nature of one’s addiction. As a note of importance, symptoms can also last longer if a person has underlying physical or mental health conditions before detox. Often, people become addicted to drugs to deal with symptoms of mental health conditions.
With detox, one’s mental health symptoms could come back. Despite this, however, entering an inpatient or outpatient rehab program following detox can help someone learn healthy ways to deal with underlying mental health symptoms.
Can I Detox From Meth Cold Turkey?
First off, detoxing from meth “cold turkey” is not recommended for many reasons. When people attempt to quit drugs or alcohol “cold turkey,” they usually refuse support or help from others. In other words, without support, a person is more likely to relapse or experience adverse physical withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, meth detox at an inpatient facility offers patients the best outcomes as a person begins a lifelong journey of recovery.
Inpatient detox facilities can help, hence providing the following benefits:
- Keeps someone safe from temptation and triggers
- 24/7 supervision and support
- Medical assistance for physical health symptoms
- Psychological counseling for underlying mental health issues
- Medications for comfort to make detox easier
- Transition to a drug rehab program after detox
The Process of Meth Detox in Atlanta
The process of meth detox involves managing withdrawal symptoms after someone stops using crystal meth. To be more specific, stimulant drugs like crystal meth cause users to experience an unpleasant crash following their high. Due to the high potency of meth compared to other stimulants, the crash from a meth high can be incredibly unpleasant. Undoubtedly, during medically-assisted meth detox, someone can manage withdrawal symptoms in a safe and supportive environment. The symptoms can vary depending on the overall state of health and the specifics of the addiction.
Additionally, factors that influence the severity of withdrawal during detox include:
- Length of crystal meth use
- Frequency of use
- Dosage per use
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Physical health problems
- Method of use
- Polysubstance abuse (using other drugs with meth)
At a professional inpatient detox facility, someone can manage these symptoms with 24/7 supervision. They would tend to their physical health and psychological needs. Sometimes, the severity of withdrawal symptoms can be a mystery. Therefore, it is best to seek professional support instead of detoxing on one’s own at home.
Medications Used During Meth Detox in Atlanta
Unlike opioid and alcohol addiction, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have any approved medications specifically for meth detox. However, some medications can help ease withdrawal symptoms during detox or treat co-occurring mental health symptoms.
For example, medications for meth detox include:
- Antidepressants to manage depression or anxiety
- Provigil is a mild stimulant that can help manage sleep issues during detox
- Wellbutrin can help curb cravings in light or moderate crystal meth users
- Benzodiazepines can help with restlessness and irritability, though these drugs can also be addictive
At this time, the treatment team will assess whether or not medications are appropriate during detox. In most cases though, withdrawal symptoms from crystal meth are not life-threatening and medications are not needed. However, detox is still important. To add, most people can successfully detox from meth with the support, structure, and safety of an inpatient detox facility.
Does Insurance Cover Meth Detox?
Since substance abuse treatment is considered a vital health benefit, most insurance carriers cover some or all of the cost for crystal meth detox and treatment. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing mental disease. Therefore, it makes sense that meth detox is a medical necessity due to the negative health consequences of addiction.
In addition, many treatment facilities often offer payment plans for those with partial or no insurance coverage for detox. Contact the Retreat of Atlanta for more information on insurance coverage and payment options.
Take Back Your Life With Meth Detox in Atlanta
Meth detox is the first step in recovery from meth addiction. If you or a loved one struggles with meth addiction, the Retreat of Atlanta is here to help. There has never been a better time to reclaim your freedom from dependency. We offer help near the Augusta, Atlanta and Columbus areas. Give yourself a fighting chance to beat addiction.
Contact us today or visit our admissions page to begin meth detox and rehab today.
