What is Meth Withdrawal?
Meth is a stimulant drug and is also known as methamphetamine. It also has numerous street names such as ice, crank, shards, glass, etc. It’s available in the form of bluish and whitish rock or small pieces of glass that can be used in different ways like smoking and snorting. It works by releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin in the brain that helps to increase alertness, energy and sociability. It also results in the feeling of euphoria making them very popular among drugs that are abused most often. In case people get addicted to it, they find it very difficult to give up on the addiction as the brain gets used to its effect and cannot cope with its sudden absence. Such a condition is termed as meth withdrawal.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Excessive sleepiness
- Depression
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Jitteriness
- Hopelessness
- Apathy
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Aches and pains
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Cramps
Assessment
- Medical experts assess the overall health & Well-being
- Blood tests reveal the intensity of damage
- Doctors ask a number of questions in regards to dosage and frequency in which the drugs have been consumed
- Accurate evaluation about the symptoms are established before decide upon the treatments
Treatment
- A gradual decrease in the consumption needs to be adopted
- Doctors prescribe Bupropion i.e. an antidepressant to reduce cravings
- Other medications like Modafinil, Fluoxetine and Mirtazapine may be prescribed
- Detox programs and rehabilitation centers treat the physical symptoms associated with meth abuse and its withdrawal
- Inpatient rehabs are available for 30 day, 60 day and 90 day periods
- Outpatient treatment can also be given to patients having mild forms of addiction
Some of the popular therapies that might be prescribed or suggested for easing withdral symptoms are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- Creative expression therapy
- Equine therapy
- One-on-one counseling
- Contingency management
- Group therapy
Prevention
- Drug should only be consumed as and when prescribed
- Avoid use of the drug in a way that may cause a pattern of dependence
- Consult a doctor as soon as a pattern of dependence is observed
How long to detox from methamphetamine abuse?
Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal start appearing merely after 24 hours after the drug has been stopped or its consumption has been reduced. Initially the likely symptoms are fatigue and feeling sleepy which starts to become worse after a period of 3 days. The next 6-7 days are likely to have stronger cravings with a number of symptoms making it difficult to work normally. Complete detoxification may take up to 30 days during which appropriate treatment and guidance is recommended to ease the withdrawal process.