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What to Expect at a North Carolina Meth Rehab Center

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or, simply, “meth,” is a highly addictive stimulant drug. It is so addictive that people can get hooked if they use it more than once or twice. While the long-lasting high may be desirable, the symptoms that occur during the comedown and withdrawal are extremely difficult to endure.

When the effects of meth wear off, you may experience a “crash” marked by depression, anxiety, hunger, and fatigue. These symptoms can make you want to use meth more. These symptoms, or cravings, encourage meth users to go on meth binges or use a lot of it over a period of time. However, using meth long-term will lead to physical dependence.

Once you are physically dependent, you experience symptoms of withdrawal when you stop taking the drug. These symptoms can be so excruciating that you continue using meth simply to prevent yourself from getting sick. This causes individuals to get stuck in the cycle of addiction.

The good news is there is a way out. Recovery from addiction is entirely possible with the help of a professional treatment program. Meth rehab centers in North Carolina use an evidence-based, clinically proven approach that can help you overcome meth addiction once and for all.

Here is what you can expect during meth addiction treatment.

Intake and Assessment

The intake process usually begins over the phone when you contact the rehab center of your choosing. An admissions coordinator will learn about your situation, verify your insurance, and make sure you are eligible for the program. After a brief discussion, you will be given a day and time to arrive at the rehab center for the start of your treatment.

Intake continues when you arrive at the rehab center. A staff member will search your belongings for any prohibited items (drugs, alcohol, weapons, and more) while you sign paperwork consenting to care.

After intake is complete, you will shift into the assessment phase of treatment. The goal of the assessment is to thoroughly examine and diagnose your needs so the clinical team can curate a custom-tailored treatment plan that meets your needs.

During the assessment, you will meet with various mental health professionals as well as the lead physician. You will undergo comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessments which may consist of:

  • Mental health evaluation
  • Questionnaire about your health history
  • A discussion about your addiction
  • Physical exam
  • A blood sample
  • A urine sample

The information gathered during this assessment is used to ensure you receive the individualized care you need to recover successfully.

If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms or if the doctor determines you need detox, the next step of treatment is medically-assisted detox.

Medically Supervised Meth Detox

Meth withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, but the symptoms can surely feel like it. Withdrawal is mostly psychological, marked by symptoms such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Aggression
  • Depression
  • Hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Hallucinations
  • Headaches
  • Sleep disturbances

During detox, you will remain under medical supervision for the duration of your care. Nurses will monitor your vitals and administer medications that keep you comfortable. Medical staff is available 24/7 to provide support and intervene in the event of an unlikely emergency.

Detox isn’t all about withdrawing though–it’s also about getting your body back to optimal health. You will eat nutritious foods and catch up on much-needed sleep. This rest and restoration will make sure you are prepared to participate in treatment.

After detox, you may move on to inpatient or outpatient rehab. This is where true healing happens.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy plays an important part in meth rehab. These one-on-one counseling sessions between you and your primary therapist give you a private, safe place to heal. You can speak with your therapist about any personal issues that are holding you back from staying sober. You can also provide your therapist with real-time updates on your progress.

During individual therapy, your therapist will monitor your progress and can adjust your treatment plan, as needed. This ensures that the treatment services you are receiving are for your personal benefit.

Individual therapy sessions are typically held once per week for about an hour at a time.

Group Therapy

The majority of your time spent in a meth rehab center will be dedicated to group therapy sessions. Since peer support is a vital component of recovery, group therapy sessions can be highly beneficial. Group therapy is the standard approach when it comes to addiction treatment.

Groups may focus on a variety of topics, including:

  • Drug and alcohol use
  • Behavioral patterns
  • Relapse
  • Relapse prevention
  • Coping skills
  • Thought processes
  • Relationships
  • Trauma
  • Mental health

Groups are valuable because, although they are led by a therapist, they show other group members that they are not alone in their struggles. Group members can act as a sounding board by giving feedback and advice. Over time, group members develop meaningful relationships with one another and are able to support each other in long-term recovery.

Holistic Healing

Individual and group therapy is often limited to behavioral therapies or talk therapies. However, healing from meth addiction means treating the mind, body, and spirit. Holistic therapies are therapies that aim to bring the whole self into unison.

Holistic therapies that may be used during meth rehab in North Carolina include:

  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Chiropractic
  • Nutrition
  • Acupuncture
  • Recreation
  • Wilderness exposure
  • Tai chi
  • Exercise
  • Breathing exercises

These therapies can complement individual and group therapy sessions to promote whole-person recovery.

Aftercare Planning

Therapy can help you get sober, but staying sober is an entirely different story. Fortunately, a meth rehab program can help you come up with a detailed aftercare plan that will aid you in long-term sobriety.

Aftercare may consist of:

  • Sober living
  • 12-Step programs
  • Mental health counseling
  • Alumni group
  • Outpatient programs

Aftercare helps you stay on track in the months and years after leaving a rehab center.

Find a Meth Rehab Center in North Carolina Today

You don’t have to overcome meth addiction alone. Here at Carolina Center for Recovery, we treat every patient as if they are family so they feel safe and comfortable in our therapeutic environment. We promote whole-person healing so patients only have to come to rehab once–they don’t have to get stuck in the revolving door of relapse and rehab that so many people do.

Don’t wait any longer. Find help from a North Carolina meth rehab center by speaking with one of our dedicated admissions coordinators today.

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