Coping with Withdrawal in Meth Detox
Meth is a very addictive and very dangerous drug. It was originally formulated as a medical treatment but later transitioned to being abused for recreational use. Meth withdrawal, although generally not life threatening, is particularly unpleasant. In order to understand methods of coping with meth withdrawal during detox, you first have to know what you will go through.
Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal
According to the University of Arizona, most of the effects of meth withdrawal are opposite of the initial meth use. The symptoms of meth withdrawal come in two categories, short term meth users and long term meth users.
Short term meth user withdrawal symptoms are:
- fatigue
- depression
- increases in appetite
These symptoms are easy to cope with. The fatigue is easily compensated for by simply resting until the meth is out of your system. The depression can be dealt with by going to a doctor who will usually prescribe an antidepressant. The increase in appetite is usually a good thing because most meth addicts are malnourished and underweight. By eating healthy meals and snacks the nutritional and weight balance is easy to restore.
Long term user detox is an entirely different story. The symptoms of a long term meth user in withdrawal are:
- treatment resistant depression
- anxiety
- restlessness
- agitation
- anger
- unpleasant vivid dreams
- psychosis
- paranoia
- suicidal ideation
- disrupted sleep wake cycle
Having a positive support structure can help get you through meth detox.
If you are a long term meth user you will need specialized treatment that only a treatment center can provide. You can find a treatment center simply by calling 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?).
Things you can do to Cope with Meth Withdrawal if you are a Long Term User
According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, meth addiction is particularly hard to treat because of the tenacity at which the drug hangs onto the user. There is no medication approved for treating this type of withdrawal but there are some things that you can do to cope with the symptoms.
Develop a Support System
One of the best things you can do is to develop a social and familial support structure. This can be done in a treatment center with a variety of group recovery programs. A good support structure can help with cravings, the depression, and the suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Counseling
Behavioral counseling is extremely helpful as are a number of other counseling methods. A stay in a treatment center is highly recommended simply because counseling is available everyday almost 24 hours a day. The types of counseling are that are usually employed are:
- individual counseling
- group counseling
- 12 step counseling
- family counseling
Although most people recommend inpatient counseling, there are outpatient treatment options are available.
Find Treatment
Most doctors and former addicts agree that inpatient treatment using the Matrix Model of Addiction treatment is best for coping with meth withdrawal. This method involves a 16 week program that is specifically designed to:
- medicate for individual withdrawal symptoms
- help develop the coping mechanisms needed for cravings
- medication for psychosis and other mental disorders
- intensive therapy
To find a treatment center that can teach you how to cope with your meth withdrawal symptoms and uses these models of addiction treatment call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?).
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