Methamphetamine, or meth, is one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs on the streets. It’s a man-made stimulant that was used in WWII to help soldiers stay awake. However, over time, it started to be used as a recreational drug. Anyone who is using meth should reach out for help from our drug detox programs. Overcoming this addiction on your own can be challenging and even dangerous.
During meth detox, which is the first step on the road to recovery, the last of the substance will leave your body. This process can be accompanied by painful or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms as well as challenging emotions. With the support of Crestview Recovery’s experienced team, you’ll be able to start recovery with a strong foundation. In our center, you’ll begin the healing process and can work through the underlying causes of addiction.
If you’re ready to take your life back from meth addiction, or if you’re concerned about a loved one, reach out to Crestview Recovery at 866.262.0531 or connect with us online today.
What Is Meth?
Meth is a very powerful and addictive stimulant. It attacks the central nervous system and gives people a rush of euphoria. Most of those who use meth get the drug illegally on the street or attempt to make it themselves. Many of the chemicals used in meth production are toxic. In fact, when people try to cook it themselves, they often end up with a hazardous waste product. In turn, this can lead to serious health problems and even death.
Chemically, meth is similar to drugs used to treat ADHD and can result in some of the same effects. However, it has a high potential for abuse. And, unlike some other stimulants, it can stay in the system for a long time.
The Dangers of Meth
Meth is an extremely dangerous drug that causes a number of negative side effects. One example is meth mouth, which occurs as people grind and clench their teeth while taking meth. Over time, it wears down the teeth, making them chip, break, or fall out.
There are other side effects of taking meth and meth overdose. Some of them include:
- Heart attack
- Fever
- Increase in body temperature
- Sudden increase in blood pressure
- Coma
- Stroke
One of the best ways to avoid these negative consequences is to reach out for help in the early stages of meth addiction. Early intervention can lead to better long-term outcomes. However, at Crestview Recovery, we can help you or your loved one at any point in your struggle with addiction.
Meth Detox and Withdrawal
One of the most important things to know about meth detox is the timeline. In general, there are two phases:
The first phase is acute meth withdrawal, which usually lasts about 10 days. During this time, the symptoms are at their worst. The desire to use meth also goes into overdrive.
Protracted withdrawal is the second phase of meth detox. During this phase, the symptoms are much more tolerable. Unfortunately, these minor symptoms can last from weeks to months. They occur as the brain tries to balance itself.
Several factors play a role in determining the severity of meth withdrawal. The dose and frequency at which people take meth can affect the severity of the symptoms. Injecting the drug also causes more severe symptoms than other methods of use.
Another important factor is the overall health of the person. The healthier that a person is, the easier it can be for them to detox. However, people’s health deteriorates the longer that they use, which makes it harder for them to detox.
Is Meth Detox Life Threatening?
The withdrawal that people experience from meth doesn’t usually have life-threatening symptoms. In some cases, people enter a deep depression during the process. It can often lead to suicidal thoughts.
Also, the cravings for meth during detox are extremely strong. Few people have the willpower to fight them off alone. Seeking professional help can ensure that they don’t relapse and accidentally overdose.
If someone you know is going through meth detox, it’s important to be supportive. They may not be able to think clearly or make decisions. Be there for them and help them through the process. Detox is only the first step on the road to recovery.
Let Crestview Recovery Help You Fight Meth Addiction
If you struggle with meth addiction, it’s important that you seek addiction treatment as soon as possible. The longer that you struggle with it, the harder it’ll be to seek help. At Crestview Recovery, we can help you overcome meth addiction and take your life back. Medical detox is a helpful program for those struggling with meth addiction. During medical detox, you’ll have the support of our medical team as well as medications to keep you comfortable.
We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of addiction treatment program options. We create custom treatment plans for all of our clients. After detox, you might begin a course of treatment that includes:
- Inpatient rehab
- Outpatient rehab
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Extended care treatment
- Partial hospitalization program
- Aftercare programs
You don’t need to overcome meth addiction on your own. Find the support and experienced team you need at Crestview Recovery. Contact us at 866.262.0531 or reach out to our team online today to learn more.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.