Methamphetamine Detoxification Treatment*
Methamphetamine can work its way into all aspects of an individual’s life. It is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that is highly addictive and, once adapted to, creates one of the strongest sensations of craving of all mood-altering drugs. Individuals rarely quit on their own. Putting down methamphetamine is extremely difficult because users find themselves unable to function without it.
Many individuals use methamphetamine without consequence – for a while. They might brush their teeth five times a day in fear of “meth mouth.” The drug seems to increase their ability to function and perform (work all day, party all night). Household chores are a breeze when you’re high on meth. Individuals are able to lose weight they were unable to shed in the past. But at some point, the benefits are replaced by alarming “life-style” effects:
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Extreme weight loss
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Psychosis
- Engagement in risky sexual behaviors
Many individuals have tried to stop on their own. They describe the feeling as “crashing” with a total lack of energy. Other detox symptoms can include:
- Extreme exhaustion
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Extreme cravings
Most methamphetamine users fail repeatedly to quit on their own. Frequently individuals end up compensating for methamphetamine by increasing their alcohol intake, getting a “medical marijuana” card, or by turning to prescription drugs. Most people attempting to free themselves from meth and other drugs need help. Knowledgeable, compassionate staff can help clients through the experience of withdrawal in a safe, comfortable setting. Clients are supported with symptom-relieving medications, through a tapered detox process of usually just a few days to two weeks. Perhaps most common in methamphetamine detox is the absolute exhaustion, for which clients receive solid nutritional support and plenty of rest. Detoxifying the body from the harmful chemicals in meth usually makes clients feel much better. Nursing and psychiatric staff is available around the clock to help manage any acute physical symptoms that can accompany withdrawal from methamphetamine.
One client described his detox journey: “I was totally spun out. The stuff I was getting wasn’t working anymore. I felt like my skull was gonna crack. Even though I couldn’t think straight I knew one thing, that I wanted help. After detoxing and joining treatment at Morningside, I look back on the stuff I was doing and shake my head. I’m so grateful that I got off that stuff before the damage got too bad.”
The goal of Morningside Recovery is to relieve the suffering that made our clients choose meth. We know there is hope for a successful recovery from meth addiction. A detox program gets the treatment process started, and long-term treatment (3-9 months) is recommended following detox. Our individualized programs will support the unique needs of each client. Through drug addiction education, psychotherapy and activities, clients learn to live drug-free.
*Detoxification services are not provided at Morningside Recovery facilities. We work closely with local, fully licensed detoxification centers that provide the highest level of care to our clients. If a client requires detoxification and is admitting to any of Morningside's programs, our clinical team will follow the client’s detoxification treatment at these local facilities. If the detoxification period is to exceed 72 hours, we will also begin private therapy and other treatment services at the designated location. Our consulting physician and psychiatrist will also follow each client’s case at this outside center in order to ensure a smooth transition into any of our many levels of care. Although outcome studies have shown significant increase in client success when receiving full or extended treatment services after detoxification, if you require only a detoxification without further treatment, we are happy to refer you to one of the highly regarded and trusted detoxification facilities that we utilize.
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