Meth addiction treatment (detox and rehab)
Last Updated:
January 2nd, 2024
Methamphetamine, widely known as meth or crystal meth, is one of the most destructive drugs in the world. Its devastating impacts on individuals, their loved ones and wider society mean addressing meth abuse and dependency requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. Meth addiction treatment at UKAT focuses on addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of meth addiction. This combines medical detox, extensive rehab therapy, holistic healing methods and ongoing aftercare support. The aim is to help individuals understand the root causes of their condition, develop effective coping strategies and build a healthier, meth-free life.
Meth detox: Breaking physical dependence
Before meth rehab can begin, meth detox is the pivotal first step in the lifelong journey to recovery that is designed to break physical dependence. Meth affects the brain’s chemistry primarily by increasing the release and blocking the reuptake of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, movement and attention.
This results in intense euphoria but also leads to physical dependence where the brain starts relying on meth to function normally. Once a person is dependent, cessation or reduction of meth intake meth triggers withdrawal symptoms, marking the body’s struggle to reestablish normal functioning without the drug.
Meth detox aims to safely manage the withdrawal process, gradually reducing the body’s dependence on the drug. This phase is critical as it lays the foundation for long-term recovery by allowing the brain and body to start healing. The meth detox process involves careful monitoring by healthcare professionals to manage the withdrawal symptoms and ensure the individual’s safety.
Meth withdrawal symptoms and timeline
The experience of meth withdrawal can differ significantly from one person to another. Various factors, including the duration of meth use, the amount typically used, individual health and even genetic makeup, can influence this variability. However, meth withdrawal symptoms generally include:
- Anxiety and agitation: Feelings of nervousness or restlessness as the body copes without meth.
- Fatigue: A profound sense of tiredness and lack of energy, contrasting the stimulating effects of meth.
- Severe depression: Emotional lows and potential for depressive episodes as the brain’s dopamine levels normalise.
- Psychosis: In severe cases, individuals may experience hallucinations or delusions during withdrawal.
- Cravings: An intense desire to use meth again to relieve meth withdrawal symptoms.
- Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping despite feeling fatigued due to disrupting sleep patterns.
The timeline for meth withdrawal also varies between individuals but a general withdrawal timeline can provide insight into what to expect during meth detox:
Initial phase (days 1-3)
Hours 0-24: Meth withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as a few hours after the last dose. Early symptoms often include anxiety, fatigue and an intense craving for meth.
Days 1-3: This period is typically marked by a peak in meth withdrawal symptoms. Individuals may experience severe emotional distress, including feelings of depression and anxiety, along with physical symptoms like lethargy, increased appetite and sleep disturbances. Cravings for meth are often at their highest during this phase.
Acute phase (days 4-10)
Days 4-7: Symptoms from the initial phase may start to decrease in intensity but psychological symptoms like irritability, mood swings and sleep irregularities often persist. Physical meth withdrawal symptoms such as aches and lethargy may continue but gradually lessen.
Days 8-10: By this time, the acute physical symptoms typically begin to subside. However, psychological symptoms can remain challenging, with ongoing mood disturbances and cravings.
Protracted phase (weeks 2-4)
During this period, the most intense physical symptoms usually resolve. However, some people may still grapple with psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety and cravings while others may experience anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure, which can be particularly challenging.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) (months 1-6)
Episodic cravings, ongoing mood disturbances and cognitive difficulties like impaired concentration and memory issues characterise paws. These symptoms can ebb and flow and are often triggered by stress or environmental factors. Long-term support, counselling, and lifestyle changes are crucial during this phase to sustain recovery and prevent relapse.
Meth detox at UKAT
Some people may be tempted to detox from meth at home but this poses significant risks, particularly during the initial and acute phases of meth detox. These risks include:
- Severe meth withdrawal symptoms: without professional care, the intense physical and psychological symptoms of meth withdrawal can be overwhelming and potentially dangerous.
- No medical oversight: Medical professionals play a crucial role in monitoring and managing health complications that may arise during meth detox.
- Risk of overdose: Post-detox, the body’s tolerance to meth decreases. If relapse occurs, the risk of overdose is significantly heightened due to this reduced tolerance.
Professional drug detox services, like those offered at UKAT, provide a safe and supportive environment for meth detox, offering numerous benefits:
Full medical assessment and bespoke detox plan
Upon arrival, each client receives a comprehensive assessment to tailor the meth detox plan according to their specific needs. This plan recognises the uniqueness of each individual’s journey and addresses specific health concerns and behaviour patterns.
24/7 medical care
Our team offers continuous medical monitoring and support, ensuring safety and comfort during the meth detox process.
Medically assisted detox
If necessary, we utilise medications to alleviate meth withdrawal symptoms, making the detox process more manageable.
Direct access to our meth rehab programme
Following detox, clients have immediate access to our comprehensive meth rehab programme, facilitating a seamless transition to the next stage of recovery.
Top 5 meth detox tips
To make the most out of the detox process and to ensure it is as smooth as possible, here are our top 5 meth detox tips:
Meth rehab: Rebuilding from the foundations up
While detox takes care of the physical aspects of drug addiction, meth rehab is a comprehensive treatment programme designed to address the psychological and emotional factors. It involves various therapies and strategies aimed at:
- Breaking the cycle of abuse and dependency
- Emotional and psychological healing
- Relapse prevention
- Holistic recovery
There are two main options for meth addiction treatment; outpatient meth rehab and inpatient meth rehab. Outpatient rehab allows individuals to live at home while receiving treatment. Inpatient rehab, on the other hand, requires clients to reside at the treatment facility for the duration of their programme.
UKAT offers comprehensive inpatient drug rehab programmes because we believe this is the most effective route to recovery. Some of the main benefits include:
- Immersive recovery environment
- No access to meth or other substances
- Sanctuary from meth triggers
- 24/7 care and support
- Building relationships with staff and fellow clients
- More diverse therapy options
Meth rehab therapies and treatment approaches at UKAT
At UKAT, our meth and crystal meth rehab programmes include various therapies and treatment modalities, each offering unique benefits. These include:
Group therapy: Facilitates shared experiences and peer support, fostering a sense of community.
One-to-one therapy: Provides personalised attention, allowing individuals to delve deeply into personal issues with a therapist.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): Focuses on improving emotional regulation and developing coping strategies.
Family therapy: Addresses family dynamics and improves communication, aiding recovery.
Meditation: helps in developing mindfulness and stress management skills.
Aftercare: This involves weekly group therapy for a year after you leave meth rehab to help you maintain sobriety during the difficult transition period.
This combination of evidence-based therapies, holistic healing techniques and continuous support will give you the best possible chance of overcoming meth dependency and rebuilding your life.
Start meth rehab at UKAT today
Embarking on the recovery journey is a courageous step, but it does not need to be taken alone. At UKAT, we provide a comprehensive and compassionate approach to meth addiction treatment with our team of professionals supporting and guiding you through every stage.
If you or a loved one is seeking meth addiction treatment, contact UKAT today and let us guide you towards a whole new life.