Marcus Richards
A narcotic that got its start as a stimulant for soldiers has been altered into a highly addictive drug, crystal meth. Methamphetamine is a white drug that is crushed and then either smoked or snorted. Adderall is another form of methamphetamine but has been altered so it is not as addictive. The toxic and corrosive chemicals used in this drug make it extremely damaging to the system. It is best when done with medical supervision.
Why is Methamphetamine so Addictive?
Before you can discuss how to detox from methamphetamine, you must understand why it is so addictive, to begin with. The highs that come with taking this drug are intense and peak quickly. Due to the fact they are short-lived, people require more to prolong the sensation. The higher the dose a person takes, the harder the detox process will be.
What Occurs During Detox?
Withdrawals from methamphetamine are often severe and cause stress on the entire body. Physical symptoms are short-lived, but the mental addiction lasts for months. This is what makes it challenging to quit without professional assistance. During detox, a person can expect the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headaches
- Body aches
- Irregular heart rate
- Clammy skin
- Insomnia
- Reduced appetite
- Memory loss
- Tremors
- Itchy eyes
- Hallucinations and paranoia
- Psychosis
The paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis cause withdrawing from any narcotic a dangerous situation. People battling any of these symptoms may cause harm to others. However, they have a greater chance to harm themselves. It leads to severe depression and suicidal ideology. Symptoms begin within a day of the last dose, but craving more drugs will begin almost immediately.
How Professionals Help Detox
People find it hard to admit when they need help, and many feel they can handle their own problems. However, despite determination, withdrawal is painful and frustrating. It is common for people to have severe panic attacks and fear they will die without taking even a small dose to lessen the symptoms. Professionals help with the process by offering safe solutions to ease the effects of detoxing and prevent relapsing. Possibly one of the biggest assets with attending a rehab center is the removal of all temptations. Medical staff is on hand around the clock to assist in becoming clean, in addition to the therapist offering resources for coping with the mental battles.
Treatment Process
When you enter rehab to become clean, you should expect the first two days to be spent battling the initial detox symptoms. Depending on how long you have been using, treating withdrawal may take a few months. One of the medications doctors use during the process is Modafinil, a drug to assist with sleep cycles. It also helps with memory loss and concentration. Wellbutrin and Prozac are two antidepressants that are used to boost dopamine levels in the body. While there are no drugs that treat addiction, there are ways physicians can lessen the overall effects.
The best time to get treatment is the second you notice you are abusing the drug. The longer you use, the harder it is to overcome. Being in a facility surrounds you with support and creates a safe environment to handle meth detox.
