If barbiturates are central nervous system depressants, then methamphetamine (popularly called meth or crystal meth) is a central nervous system stimulant. Interestingly, it is more commonly used as a recreational drug than a medical prescription for obesity and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
Withdrawing from meth can be uncomfortable, but it is possible. The discomfort starts as soon as you discontinue taking crystal meth.
A set of symptoms surface. These can be different in type and severity in people. They wear off gradually as your body adjusts to the absence of drugs in its system. From fatigue to nausea and depression to psychosis, you must be prepared for all. Symptom-like anxiety lingers on for a long time.
That’s why it is good to be under the supervision of addiction specialists in a Florida drug rehab, where you will be safe and under medical monitoring.
Thumb rule of withdrawal
The longer you were on meth (or any drug for that matter), the worse your withdrawal symptoms will be.
Also, older people experience more intense symptoms than younger people.
Phases of meth withdrawal
As per medical studies, methamphetamine withdrawal happens in two phases.
- Phase 1: This is the most intense phase that begins 24 hours after you last used meth. The intensity dips in a week. Often, you may encounter a “subacute phase” that lasts another two weeks.
- Phase 2: This is a less intense phase. It may last for another 2-3 weeks.
Some meth users may experience symptoms for months. Doctors call it PAWS – Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome.
Factors that determine severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms include:
- History of other substance use, including alcohol
- Quality of meth used by the addict
- The addict’s physical and mental health before and during drug use
Why is a rehab center a good idea?
Experts recommend enrolling for an in-patient center for drug detox in Florida for hardcore addicts. Symptoms subside in a week or two, but coping with symptoms like psychosis can be a problem at home.
Your drug detox team may prescribe you antipsychotic drugs to deal with psychiatric symptoms, yet it is important to be in an environment that encourages healing and positivity round the clock. This may not always be possible at home.
The cold turkey method of meth withdrawal is a bad idea too. Your body, especially your brain, has become accustomed to this drug. As mentioned earlier, stopping all of a sudden can make your body produce crazy symptoms that can be hard for you to tolerate.
It is better to dial the number of the addiction hotline and see what rehab program suits you than struggle with your addiction at home.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, one of the most effective and long-lasting treatments for methamphetamine addiction is behavioral therapy. The two chief types of therapies that most drug centers use are CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and CM (Contingency Management). In addition, most centers in Florida use a 12-step program, individual counseling, family sessions, and more.
For more information, visit https://www.daylightdetox.com.
