Dan is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with supervision designation (LPCC-S) and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor... read more
Millions of people in the United States use drugs daily to alleviate stress, anxiety, pain, and insomnia. Some of these drugs are prescribed by doctors, while others are obtained illicitly for self-medication. Meth, for example, is a powerful stimulant that is often abused for its euphoric effects. Any use of meth is cause for concern and can be dangerous. While use can begin just occasionally, it can gradually develop into dependence, requiring larger, more frequent doses. The shift from casual use to a substance use disorder may not always be obvious. Still, once you begin to experience withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug, you know you may need professional help, such as that from a meth addiction treatment program.
When you are looking for caring, non-judgmental support for substance use disorder, BrightView is here to help. Our well-rounded treatment programs provide the therapies and medication you need to turn your life around. Call us today at 888.501.9865 and start feeling better tomorrow.
How Do You Know If You Are Dependent on Meth?
Because meth is an illicit drug, any use puts you at risk of developing an addiction. There’s no safe level of meth use. However, certain factors may increase your risk of developing a substance use disorder, including genetics, mental health concerns, and past trauma. No matter your background, it’s essential to be aware of the signs of meth dependence so you can seek help early on. Early intervention can make a big difference in your long-term recovery.
Some of the signs that you may be dependent on meth include:
- You have developed a tolerance to the drug, requiring higher, more frequent doses to experience the same high.
- You feel angry and irritable often.
- You are plagued with nagging feelings of anxiety and paranoia.
- You experience periods of severe insomnia where you may not be able to sleep for several days at a time.
- You have lost a significant amount of weight due to decreased appetite.
Once you start noticing the above signs, it may be challenging to discontinue using crystal meth on your own. Once you are dependent, trying to quit can lead to uncomfortable meth withdrawal symptoms.
What Are the Signs of Meth Withdrawal?
Withdrawal occurs when you suddenly stop using a drug after being dependent on it. As your body adjusts to not having the drug in your system, you may experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms can be a major factor in a return to use, as people may start using again to try to stop the withdrawal symptoms.
Experiencing meth withdrawal symptoms is a sure sign that your body has developed a dependence on the drug. If you stop using crystal meth, you may notice signs of withdrawal, including:
- Extreme feelings of exhaustion and excessive sleeping
- Intense drug cravings
- Low mood, depression, and apathy
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Tremors
How long meth withdrawal lasts varies based on several factors, including how long you have used the drug and how large of a dose you used. On average, meth withdrawal symptoms last about two to three weeks. The most intense symptoms take place two to three days after the last use and slowly start to dissipate after one week’s time.
Two to three weeks of feeling physically and psychologically uncomfortable can feel like a lifetime. To help decrease the risk of relapse, it is recommended that you seek the help of a meth addiction treatment program. These programs can support you with medication to ease your withdrawal symptoms so you can stay focused on recovery.
What to Expect in Meth Addiction Treatment
When you first arrive at a meth addiction treatment program, you will go through a medical and psychological evaluation. This evaluation is important in helping the treatment team develop a personalized care plan for you. The care plan will take into account your unique needs and goals for recovery.
Medication, counseling, and community resources are important components of meth addiction treatment. Through counseling, you will learn how to cope with meth withdrawal symptoms and manage triggers that may lead to a return to use. You will also begin developing healthy coping mechanisms and life skills.
Recover Comfortably with a Meth Addiction Treatment Program at BrightView
At BrightView, we understand the desire to escape from everyday stress and find relief from anxiety and pain. We are here to help you find a better way to manage the difficulties that arise in your life. With the assistance of medication and therapy, you can end your dependence on meth and work toward a healthier, happier lifestyle. Call us today at 888.501.9865 to get started.
