Methamphetamine works by increasing the amount of dopamine present in the brain. When the brain doesn’t get the drug, dopamine is not released, resulting in a loss of pleasure. During the withdrawal process, individuals tend to feel somewhere between sad and feeling nothing at all. As a result, an individual may actually be unable to experience pleasure, a condition that is known as anhedonia. This often results in severe depression. Anhedonia can last for up to two years after the withdrawal process is over.
Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is a viciously addictive drug. One or two uses increase the likelihood of developing an addiction. Meth introduces an influx of chemicals into the body that is hard to resist. The effects may lead a person to seek meth addiction rehab or withdrawal home remedies.
What Happens During Meth Withdrawal?
Detoxification and withdrawals from meth are very uncomfortable experiences. The harsh symptoms make quitting at home an unsuccessful feat. Using meth withdrawal home remedies during the process is also dangerous to a person’s health. It is commendable when a person finds the courage to end a meth addiction. However, most experts agree that trying to overcome at home alone is dangerous. Withdrawals become so intense that a person may revert to using again just to ease the pain.
This is the reason most people choose to go through detox at a quality drug rehab facility. Supervision by medical staff is best for the withdrawal process.
Signs of withdrawal from meth are mental, physical, and behavioral changes that may include:
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Red, itchy eyes
- Suicidal thoughts
- Loss of appetite
The intensity of these symptoms can last for days or weeks. Chronic meth users usually experience symptoms the longest. Trying to withdraw at home may cause them to take more of the drug to counter the traumatic symptoms.
Meth Withdrawal Home Remedies
A person may still believe they are strong enough to overcome the snare of meth addiction. They are convinced that defeating meth at home is possible. While it is not entirely impossible, it is more challenging without professional help from a substance use treatment center.
The physical withdrawals from meth are not life-threatening. It is the emotional withdrawal effects that can become dangerous. A dark mood could spiral into deep suicidal thoughts. This becomes dangerous with no one around to steer the person away from the edge.
Meth withdrawal home remedies may involve sleeping, eating, and hydrating. Having a good support system at home can help. Accountability partners can offer encouragement during the rough stages.
Professional Meth Detox, Rehab, and Recovery
A professional meth addiction treatment program provides a well-rounded approach. The person receives a customized treatment plan that addresses their specific issues. Services like individual therapy, behavior modification therapy, and life skills lessons follow the detox process.
Individual therapy exposes triggers that led to the meth addiction. The person can learn how to deal with deep-rooted issues that affected their choice to use meth. Behavioral modification therapy helps the person going through recovery learn healthy coping methods.
Life skills lessons strengthen their ability to function without the need to feel high. Combining these different aspects of meth treatment can help a person stay clean and sober.
Learn More about Meth Treatment and Recovery
The road to recovery takes time, but the results of having a healthy life are worth it. Let Crestview Recovery be part of the support system you need.
We offer a host of programs and services, including:
Change your life today. Take the next important step by calling 866.262.0531 to get into a quality drug rehab program.
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.
