At BeWell Recovery Centers we provide our patients suffering from an addiction to methamphetamines (Meth) an individually designed treatment plan; developed and supervised by a team of professional doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists. Our Meth detox and rehab program starts with a meeting with our team to develop and implement a recovery program based on the specific needs and requirements of you or your loved one.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health states that as of 2015 approximately 897,000 people in the U.S. aged 12 or older were habitual users of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine, also known as crystal, ice, meth, and glass, is an illegal street drug.
While there are some methamphetamine-based medications being lawfully manufactured and distributed, in general, crystal meth is considered to be illicit. Meth users experience a sense of euphoria, adrenaline rush and an increased sense of arousal. However, meth is a substance that causes rapid physical decline. Therefore, on time detoxification from Methamphetamines is important to avoid life-threatening consequences.
BeWell Recovery Centers, being one of the leading male and female detox and rehab centers in Los Angeles and the country, provides clients with a medically supervised detox and addiction treatment program designed to help overcome meth withdrawal symptoms and achieve lasting recovery.
Meth is being used and abused by individuals of all ages, but most often it is referred to as “Club Drug”, as it is used in clubs and during partying. Other names for the drug are ice or glass.
For individuals addicted to Meth, life becomes all about finding and getting more of the substance. When suspecting your loved one is struggling with a methamphetamine addiction look for some of the signs of meth use, which can include choices and behavioral patterns that they previously would never have done. Individuals who use meth can experience the following symptoms:
Paranoia
Rapid heart rate and/or heart arrhythmia
Aggression and anxiety
Violent mood swings
Insomnia
Hallucinations and delusions
At BeWell Recovery Centers, our meth treatment program starts with detoxification, during which the drug is gradually expelled from the body. We provide professional 24-hour supervision and medical support during this stage of treatment, to ensure a safe and comfortable detoxification process for you or your loved one.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
When an individual is a constant ice meth user, his or her brain undergoes a down-regulation process, as a result of which the natural production of dopamine becomes dependent on the drug use only. Once the individual stops using meth, the level of the dopamine decreases the individual may have withdrawal symptoms.
When an individual uses meth consistently, his or her brain undergoes a down-regulation process, as a result the natural production of dopamine becomes dependent only on drug use. Once the individual stops using meth, the level of the dopamine decreases and withdrawal symptoms may start.
During the meth detox process, withdrawal symptoms present themselves through emotional and psychological symptoms, rather than physical, although some may experience unpleasant physical side effects as well. While the effects of meth withdrawal are generally based on an individual’s physical and psychological situation, there are some symptoms which all meth addicts show during detox:
Mild physical malaise (e.g., jitteriness, restlessness, mild feelings of nausea or feeling disoriented or “out of sync”).
Lack of energy.
Decreased motivation.
Lack of sexual pleasure.
Mild depression.
Red or itchy eyes.
Increased appetite.
Difficulty sleeping.
Mild paranoia.
Suicidal ideation (rare).
Anxiety and nervousness.
Depression.
Increased appetite.
Increased need for sleep.
Fatigue.
Meth Detox Timeline
Meth withdrawal, generally lasts from one to two weeks, and in some extreme cases when the level of addiction is high, detoxification from methamphetamines may take up to 4 weeks or a bit more. At BeWell Recovery Centers, we have various meth detox programs that you or your loved one can participate in. Some programs last up to 30 days, while others up to 60 days and more. Depending on the level of dependency, our trained and highly skilled professionals may also offer programs for up to 90 days.
Although the actual timeline and withdrawal symptoms during meth detox can vary from individual to individual, there are some common symptoms which almost all meth addicts feel on their journey to recovery:
DAY 1-3
Due to exhaustion and tiredness, during the first three days of meth detox, patients may feel the urge to sleep longer. Often patients begin to feel depressed and experience anxiety or panic attacks during this initial period. This first stage of meth detoxification might also cause vivid and auditory hallucinations and paranoia, which however, won’t have long-term effects.
DAY 3-10
When the initial detox stage is over, symptoms become more difficult to manage and patients will need medical supervision more than during the first few days. This is when the individual might start craving meth, and if overlooked or not properly supervised would be at a high risk of relapse. During this period, withdrawal symptoms could include certain types of pains, such as headaches as well as mental symptoms like: irritability, anxiety, poor concentration, and sleep problems. It’s also common in this stage to experience rapid increase in appetite which might trigger weight gain.
DAY 10 & BEYOND
After the first 10 days, specific withdrawal symptoms might not present themselves, however mood swings, lack of sleep, depression and meth cravings are more likely to continue during this stage. After a month though, former sleeping habits and mood changes will gradually return.
