866-797-7962Meth Withdrawal and Detox: What to Expect from a North Carolina Rehab
Medically Verified: 2/1/24
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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Methamphetamine abuse is a rising issue in the United States. Unfortunately, the high level of potency related to this substance often causes dependency and addiction to develop rapidly.[1] While occasional users of meth will experience a “crash” for a few days after their last dose, addicted individuals will experience methamphetamine withdrawal. Meth withdrawal is known to last for several weeks, with the symptoms being debilitating and painful. Sadly, the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal often lead individuals to relapse to soothe their pain, perpetuating the cycle of addiction.
Individuals who suffer from methamphetamine addiction can recover with the help of a professional detox and rehab program in North Carolina. By combining medical treatment, medication, counseling, and peer support, detox is effective in helping individuals get a head start in recovery.
What are the Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal?
The symptoms of withdrawal will vary from person to person, depending on a variety of factors. Some factors include age, physical health, mental health, length of meth abuse, and severity of abuse. Additionally, the severity of the side effects could vary depending on how frequently an individual used meth and whether they engaged in polydrug use. The method of administration can impact the severity of withdrawal symptoms. For example, individuals who inject meth typically experience a longer and more intense withdrawal than individuals who smoked the substance.
Meth withdrawal symptoms often include:
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Agitation or paranoia
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Excessive sweating
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Red, itchy eyes
- Confusion
- Nausea or stomach ache
- Loss of motivation
- Tremor
- Anxiety
- Severe depression and suicidal thoughts
- Dehydration
If you or someone you love is addicted to meth, it is time to seek professional help. Attending professional meth detox in North Carolina will make the withdrawal process much less painful, allowing individuals to focus on the mental aspects of meth addiction recovery.
Is Detoxing From Meth Dangerous?
In a recent study posted by the University of Florida, withdrawal from methamphetamine was found to cause significant alterations in the brain of mice. These changes may include an alteration in one’s ability to remember things as well as a decrease in neuronal activity.[2] These differences were found to occur up to two weeks after withdrawal began (in mice).
For humans, this is equivalent to up to one year following the withdrawal. Unfortunately, meth detox has been linked to the development of neurological alterations that are similar to Parkinson’s disease, making the abuse of this drug especially concerning.
Additional dangers linked to meth withdrawal include:
- depression
- suicide
- suicidal thoughts
- fatigue
- memory fog
- relapse
How Long Does Meth Withdrawal Last?
Meth detox is known to consist of two phases. The first phase begins the first 24 hours after an individual’s last dose of meth. The first phase is most intense early on, becoming less intense over the next week. After the initial phase of meth withdrawal, there is typically a second phase, known as the “subacute” phase. This phase of withdrawal typically lasts another couple of weeks.
As with any substance, the withdrawal symptoms will be worse the longer a person has been on meth. Additionally, older individuals often deal with worse symptoms than younger people.
The second phase of withdrawal is less intense than the first phase. Usually, this phase lasts for another two to three weeks. However, it isn’t uncommon for meth users to experience withdrawal symptoms for months. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
Additional factors that play a role in how long meth withdrawal lasts include:
- A person’s mental and physical health before and during meth abuse
- The quality and purity of the meth the individual was abusing
- History of other drug use, including alcohol or benzodiazepines
How Does Meth Detox Work?
When an individual attends professional meth detox in North Carolina, they will be offered a variety of support options and evidence-based medical intervention methods. This helps patients get stable enough to continue addiction treatment.
Meth withdrawal is known to affect an individual’s psyche and emotions immensely. As a result, a large portion of professional detox tactics includes helping a patient recover on a psychological level.
If you or a loved one are attending meth detox, you can expect the following:
- Individual counseling and group therapy
- Support groups for addiction recovery
- Family support services
- Medical attention to underlying health issues
- Medical care for underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
- Nutrition programs to help individuals release toxins in their bodies and prevent or reverse malnourishment
- Exercising programs to promote healing and physical growth
- Spiritual guidance and practices
Get Started With Meth Detox in North Carolina Today
Detox is the safest and most effective way to treat any drug addiction, but especially meth abuse. By attending a North Carolina medical detox program, you will ensure that your mental and physical health will be taken care of while you recover from meth addiction.
If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to meth, it’s time to take the first step towards recovery and happiness. Call us today to see how we can help.
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