How Does Meth Detox Work?

meth detox in Delray Beach

How Does Meth Detox Work?

Methamphetamine addiction is incredibly destructive for those abusing the drug and their loved ones. It is difficult to ask for help with meth addiction and even more difficult to stop using, but it is extremely rewarding in the long run. Once a person who has been abusing meth decides to get sober, the first step will be detoxing from meth.

When someone is addicted to meth, their body is accustomed to having the drug in their system. This means that once they stop using meth, they will start to experience withdrawal. Luckily, meth withdrawal is treatable with the help of a meth detox center in Delray Beach.

What Happens During Meth Withdrawal

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug, which means it causes the central nervous system to be more active.[1] This causes increases in energy and alertness as well as euphoria. As people continue to abuse the drug, they eventually become addicted and develop a dependency on it.

Once the brain and body develop a dependency on meth, there will be some negative side effects when someone eventually stops taking the drug. These side effects are known as meth withdrawal. During meth withdrawal, the body begins to adjust to functioning without the substance.

The symptoms of meth withdrawal are:

meth withdrawal symptoms

  • Dehydration
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Upset stomach
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Muscle spasms and pain
  • Mood changes [2]

Meth Withdrawal Timeline

Meth Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal starts relatively soon after someone stops taking meth with symptoms usually peaking around 24 hours. The early stage of meth withdrawal is also known as acute withdrawal. This is when the most severe and uncomfortable side effects occur. It typically lasts for about 2 weeks.[3] During the acute phase, people experience symptoms such as dehydration, insomnia, nausea, headaches, and mood swings.

After getting through acute withdrawal, many people still experience some lingering side effects after the initial stage of meth withdrawal. These side effects are known as subacute withdrawal or post-acute withdrawal. The symptoms of post-acute withdrawal can last anywhere from 2 weeks to months after quitting meth. These symptoms tend to milder and include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Drug cravings
  • Increased eating and sleeping[2,3]

Treatment For Meth Withdrawal

When treating meth withdrawal, it is important to treat both the acute and subacute phases as they occur. Treatment for both acute and subacute withdrawal includes managing the withdrawal symptoms in order to minimize discomfort.

Acute Meth Withdrawal

Acute meth withdrawal requires medical detox. During detox, the body rids itself of meth and adjusts to functioning without it. This is the most difficult part of meth withdrawal to get through, so having the help of medical professionals is incredibly important. They will be able to manage unpleasant side effects with medications to reduce discomfort.[2]

Subacute Meth Withdrawal

Subacute meth withdrawal occurs after detox. These symptoms are usually addressed during an inpatient residential treatment with therapy and medication-assisted treatment.[2] The goal of residential treatment is to help people develop coping mechanisms to stay sober from meth in the long term.

What to Expect During Meth Detox in Delray Beach

Meth detox usually lasts for one to two weeks, but the length of treatment is often determined by the severity of symptoms. Detox is conducted as an inpatient program in Delray Beach where patients are monitored by highly trained staff 24/7. This ensures people are kept comfortable as well as remain safe during detox.

During meth detox, the various symptoms of meth withdrawal are addressed. This includes the mental as well as the physical symptoms. Most detox programs in Delray Beach provide some initial counseling as well as medication to help people cope with the anxiety, irritability, and mood swings that are characteristic of the acute withdrawal phase.[2] Managing these symptoms helps people to feel more at ease and makes them more likely to stick to their plan of getting sober.

In addition to treating the mental symptoms of meth withdrawal, staff will also manage the physical symptoms to make people more comfortable. One of the most important side effects to manage is dehydration, as this could lead to complications if not properly managed.[2] A healthcare provider will make sure the person is getting fluids for dehydration. They will also prescribe appropriate medications to reduce the physical side effects. Common medications that are prescribed during meth detox include:

  • Benzodiazepines
  • Tylenol or ibuprofen
  • Antipsychotic medications

Finding a Meth Detox Center in Delray Beach

After making the difficult decision to get sober from meth, the next step will be to find a detox program. Florida Recovery Group provides an excellent inpatient detox program. Our staff will monitor you closely and develop a detox plan to suit your individual needs. We will make sure you are as comfortable as possible while going through the most difficult part of your recovery from meth addiction. Contact us today to get started.

  1. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/Methamphetamine-what-to-expect-when-someone-quits.aspx
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3071736/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16128721/