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Crystal Meth
Crystal methamphetamine, more colloquially known as “crystal meth,” is a powerful psychostimulant that causes users to experience euphoria, heightened awareness, decreased appetite, and heightened focus and energy. Users who abuse crystal meth regularly develop a tolerance to the drug, which means they need to take more of it to get the same effects. This may lead to dependency and eventual withdrawal if the drug is stopped suddenly. Fatigue, excessive sleeping, depression, and paranoia are among the crystal meth withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal timeline starts a few hours after the last usage and may continue for up to 2 weeks.
Unlike withdrawal from alcohol, opiates, or sedatives, the physical risks associated with stimulant withdrawal are often lower. However, seizures are a known side effect of methamphetamine withdrawal. Withdrawal from crystal meth is often quite uncomfortable.
One of meth’s mechanisms of action is to elevate brain levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which regulates positive emotions. Dopamine levels fall below baseline when the medicine is no longer being used, leading to a painful loss of pleasure.
The typical crystal meth withdrawal symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite.
- Extreme exhaustion.
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
- Disrupted sleeping patterns.
Abusing crystal meth for an extended period leads to fewer dopamine receptors in the brain, making it harder for someone to experience pleasurable feelings even when dopamine levels in the brain return to normal. This phenomenon is known as anhedonia.
Crystal Meth Withdrawal Treatment
Many people fear seeking professional help for their meth addiction due to the illegal nature of the substance. Trying to wean off of crystal meth alone can result in a relapse and even an overdose. Therefore, seeking a reputable treatment center is vital for crystal meth addiction treatment. You will be able to choose from these treatment options.
- Medical detox.
This is a kind of detox that is supervised by medical personnel who may also monitor any side effects and offer medications to ease them.
- Inpatient treatment.
It can be either short-term (lasting for up to 30 days) or long-term (lasting up to 90 days). This option is often recommended for patients with severe crystal meth addiction.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs.
Under this program, the patient spends between four and eight hours per day in a hospital environment, where they report five to seven days per week. Individual and group therapy are standard features of most programs. Nurses and doctors offer clinical treatment, including medically managed withdrawal.
- Outpatient Treatment.
It can be either intensive outpatient care or regular outpatient care. Under intensive outpatient, the individual attends a facility 2-5 days per week for 2-4 hours per day of group therapy and sometimes individual counseling. For regular outpatient, patients participate in treatment sessions averaging 1-2 hours each session, 1-2 times per week. This option is often recommended for those with mild crystal meth addiction.
You Don’t Have To Do This Alone.
Meth withdrawal may be dangerous, but Mallard Lake Detox Center in Houston, Texas, has trained specialists who are ready to help. There is often considerable discomfort during detox; however, not everyone encounters the same withdrawal symptoms in the same manner. We’re happy to report that there are methods we can use to mitigate the discomfort of meth withdrawal. Reach out to Mallard Center today.
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