What You Should Know About Meth Addiction Detox

Meth addiction detox is one of the first steps an individual takes when beginning their road to recovery. Meth detox consists of a user stopping meth use and allowing the drug to leave the individual's body completely. This could take several days. Individuals may experience meth withdrawal, which can add to the discomfort the individual is already feeling from detoxing.

Meth is a very addictive substance that affects the brain's overall workings. When an individual uses meth, the brain becomes flooded with dopamine, which creates euphoria for the individual. This stimulant drug can increase blood pressure, heart rate, energy and concentration.

Because meth is a stimulant, there is a very high potential for abuse. The longer the abuse lasts, the worse the withdrawal symptoms will be when the individual stops using.

Chronic use of methamphetamines can cause amphetamine psychosis, a condition that resembles schizophrenia. This psychosis can last up to 6 months after the individual has stopped using.

When an individual continues to use meth, the constant flow of dopamine in the brain can corrupt the body's natural reactions to reward and pleasure. This can cause the addict to become depressed when their drug use is stopped.

Physical symptoms of Meth addiction detox

Along with the psychological withdrawal symptoms, individuals will experience rather uncomfortable physical symptoms. Meth abuse can cause serious dental problems and weight loss.

Individuals who abruptly withdrawal from meth can experience extreme distress. By seeking help from a drug rehab center, medical professionals can administer medication to help ease the horrific withdrawal symptoms.

Some of these symptoms include:

· Severe depression

· Fatigue

· Paranoia

· Aggression

· Vomiting

· Flu-like symptoms

Meth addiction detox centers combine medication and talk therapy to help ease the immediate withdrawal symptoms that the individual may be experiencing.

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms

In some cases, meth withdrawal can cause what is known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms. This type of withdrawal can last up to a year after the individual's drug use persists.

Some of the post-acute withdrawal symptoms include:

· Headaches

· Anxiety

· Irritability

· Chronic fatigue

Those who experience post-acute withdrawal may have a long road ahead of them. Because of this, they will be monitored closely for almost a year after the individual has discontinued their use of the drug. Individuals are prescribed anti-depressants to help with the withdrawal symptoms.

Hospitalization may be needed if the individual suffers from the following:

· Seizures

· Psychosis

· Severe depression

· Addiction to many drugs

Even though meth addiction detox clears the individual's body of meth, it cannot undo the damage that the drug did to the individual. Damage done to a meth user's brain might heal 12 to 24 months after having detoxed. Unfortunately, the individual may still face other health problems, both physically and psychologically.

It is important to follow through with meth addiction detox and continue with recovery thereafter. Detoxing from meth can be uncomfortable, but opening yourself up to treatment can lessen those uncomfortable withdrawal effects. During rehab, you will learn how to maintain your sobriety and stay on the road to recovery.