The Ultimate Guide to Detoxing From Meth

Amphetamines are a class of drugs that includes prescription medication such as Desoxyn and Adderall, which are used to treat ADHD and help with weight loss.

There is also methamphetamine. It’s also known as meth and is highly illegal. While all types of amphetamines come with side effects, crystal meth is particularly dangerous. Because crystal meth is made from chemicals that are toxic to humans, crystal meth takes a massive toll on the physical and mental health of the user.

There is also an emerging variant of the drug called P2P meth.

Effects of Meth Abuse

Being addicted to amphetamines, whether it is a prescription drug or crystal meth, can be all-consuming.

For those addicted to prescription amphetamines, it can be harder to pinpoint the symptoms of substance abuse because they are similar to the signs of the mental health conditions they are prescribed for.

Symptoms of prescription amphetamine abuse include:

• Decreased appetite

• Weight loss

• Risky sexual behavior

• Rapid heart rate

• High blood pressure

• Depression

• Insomnia

Symptoms of meth abuse are similar to those of prescription amphetamines. Although, there may be more noticeable physical effects on the body. Signs and symptoms of meth abuse include: 

• Facial acne or sores

• Excessive skin picking or scratching

• Rotted teeth

• Liver damage

• Weakened immune system

It’s also possible to overdose on methamphetamine, a situation which can rapidly turn fatal.

Aside from the physical and emotional effects of meth abuse, long-term substance abuse will often impact a person’s relationships and the ability to care for oneself. Addiction takes away people’s control over their lives.

However, they can take that control back.

If an individual is suffering from methamphetamine addiction, it is vital that they seek medical treatment to detox from the drug and start their journey to recovery.

Detoxing From Meth: What’s Next

If an individual decides to undergo drug detox, it is essential for them and their loved ones to remember that patience is vital. The person who is detoxing will need to have the support of friends and family while detoxing because detox can be incredibly challenging. They will likely experience symptoms of withdrawal, which may include:

• Headaches

• Appetite changes

• Dehydration

• Muscle pain and spasms

• Anxiety

• Fatigue

• Psychosis 

These withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks and make it nearly impossible for someone to detox from meth on their own. More importantly, the symptoms of meth withdrawal can be dangerous and life-threatening. No one should ever detox without the supervision of a medical professional. 

Withdrawal should be closely monitored to ensure that serious complications do not occur. An additional benefit of detoxing under the guidance of a medical professional is that they will be able to provide medications that can reduce draw symptoms and help people overcome cravings.

Having access to medical interventions while detoxing from meth is vital for successfully completing a detox. After the initial crash, people withdrawing from meth begin experiencing intense cravings, which may lead to relapse if not properly managed. These intense cravings can last up to ten weeks and trigger insomnia and depression. Luckily, there are inpatient and outpatient treatment centers across the country that can help individuals successfully and safely detox.

Detoxing From Meth: Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Treatment

In order to ensure that an individual detoxes properly, it is essential that they decide what level of care they need. In an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility, the person detoxing will be under the care of a medical professional and will be given the necessary medications and therapies to ensure they safely complete the detox.

Outpatient treatment centers are usually best for people with mild to moderate addictions, and inpatient treatment centers are often better for individuals with severe addictions who would benefit from around-the-clock care.

In mild to moderate amphetamine use disorders, people will usually be addicted to prescription amphetamines. They may still be able to take care of themselves, go to work, and have a stable support system that can be there for them while they detox.

Outpatient treatment centers are part-time programs ideal for people with mild to moderate addictions. Programs that offer outpatient treatment often allow people to continue going about their daily lives while receiving the treatment they need to recover.

People suffering from severe amphetamine use disorders will usually be addicted to meth. Due to their compromised immune systems, they will need extra monitoring while detoxing to ensure no severe complications arise.

More importantly, people with severe addictions are more likely to experience extreme cravings and need regular intervention to ensure they do not relapse while detoxing. Inpatient treatment centers provide 24/7 care from medical professionals trained in limiting withdrawal symptoms and providing patients with the medications they need to stop cravings and survive the detox.

Detoxing From Meth: Long-Term Care

Meth addiction can be hard to beat, especially if someone is addicted to crystal meth. In cases of severe meth addiction, it is crucial to consider long-term addiction care options after detoxing to ensure a full recovery. Due to the intense cravings caused by severe methamphetamine use disorders, a sober living home may be a suitable option for long-term care.

In a sober living home, the individual will be in an environment free of drugs and alcohol. They will still have access to around-the-clock care from medical professionals to ensure they have the resources and tools to beat cravings and burnout.

Additionally, in a sober living home, individuals will be around people who are also committed to their healing, which can help with self-discovery and the development of friendships with people who share the goals and commitments to sobriety.

Detoxing From Meth with The Forge Recovery Center

At The Forge Recovery Center, we know how difficult detoxing from prescription and crystal meth can be. Withdrawal symptoms can be excruciating, and cravings can cause intense burnout. We believe no one should have to face detox alone.

Our expertly trained staff have years of success in guiding people through their recovery process every step of the way. With our scientifically proven medications and therapies, we can help you beat your cravings.

If you have questions about treatment options available to you or your loved one seeking to detox from meth, we would love to assist you. Contact The Forge Recovery Center today to learn more.

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

July 6, 2022