How to Detox from Meth at Home
It’s always better to detox in a facility with 24-hour medical supervision. However, when this is not an option, it can be possible to detox from meth at home. Remember to seek the advice of a medical professional before undergoing detox to ensure you are safe at all times.
What Is Meth?
Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It comes as a white crystalline powder that dissolves in water. Meth is a highly addictive substance with a high potential for abuse.
What Is Meth Dependence?
Meth dependence happens when you repeatedly take meth over time. Your body gets used to the presence of the substance in your body and begins to adapt its functions in response. You develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring higher and higher doses to feel the same effects. Eventually, you become dependent on meth to feel normal.
What Is Meth Withdrawal?
If you have developed a physical dependence on meth and then suddenly stop taking the substance, you experience a series of withdrawal symptoms as your body readjusts. The time, length, and severity of meth withdrawal depends on various factors, including:
- your drug use – people with prolonged meth use are more likely to experience severe symptoms
- your metabolism
- any co-occurring mental health disorders
- any physical health conditions
What Is the Meth Withdrawal Timeline?
For most people, acute withdrawal symptoms begin about 24 hours after the last dose and may persist for up to two weeks. Some people experience prolonged meth withdrawal, known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). These can last for several months or years and usually resemble symptoms of mood disorders, such as depressive symptoms.
What Are Meth Withdrawal Symptoms?
In the acute withdrawal phase, people can experience a range of psychological and physical symptoms. These include:
- aches and pains
- fatigue
- agitation
- mood swings
- anxiety
- depression
- memory problems
- difficulty concentrating
- paranoia
- hallucinations
- psychosis
- intense cravings
While meth detox is not usually life-threatening, severe psychological symptoms can result in suicidal ideations, attempts, and other behaviors that put the person’s life at risk. For this reason, people who are at risk of severe symptoms – such as those who have used meth for a long time, at high doses, or have co-occurring mental health conditions – should complete the detox process in a detox facility with 24-hour medical support.
What Is A Home Detox?
Home detox is when you detox at home, rather than in a professional detox facility. However, this doesn’t mean you should detox alone – always seek the guidance of a medical professional before you start to detox.
How Can You Prepare for A Home Detox?
There are a few things you can do to make the home detox process easier and more likely to succeed.
- Enlist the help of a safe, sober friend or family member to support you
- Make note of what did and didn’t work in previous detox attempts
- Eat well to give your body the nutrients it needs to heal
- Stay hydrated
- Get lots of rest
- Think about some strategies to cope with meth cravings
- Write out your plan in case your experience memory or concentration issues
- Make sure you and your support monitor your symptoms, watching out for depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
What Can You Expect During the Withdrawal Process?
In the crash phase of the withdrawal process, you may experience hangover-like symptoms. The crash phase can last for a couple of days after the last use and usually involves the most intense withdrawal symptoms. You may sleep a lot and feel irritable, anxious, or dissatisfied with life.
The second phase of withdrawal, the acute phase, lasts for about 7-10 days. During this time you may experience the symptoms of acute withdrawal listed above.
During the third phase, acute symptoms start to fade. However, you may experience continued symptoms of depression, mood swings, and sleep problems. Cravings can be strongest during this phase.
For some people, post-acute withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, can persist for several months. If you are struggling with PAWS, speak to a doctor for support in managing symptoms.
What Are the Advantages of a Medically-Assisted Detox?
During a medically-assisted meth detox, doctors are by your side to help you manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings while ensuring your safety at all times. Medically-assisted detox can make the detox process smoother and easier so you are ready to engage in long-term addiction treatment.
Doctors may prescribe certain medications to alleviate symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal. These include:
Modafinil
Modafinil, a much less potent stimulant, can help to stabilize the rapid wake-sleep cycles that can occur during meth withdrawal. Research has also found that taking modafinil during the meth recovery period may reduce meth-seeking and using behaviors.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a type of antidepressant that may also aid people in smoking cessation. Bupropion is a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor, increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Some evidence suggests the medication can help alleviate cravings for meth and aid the recovery process.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is an antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication. It may help to alleviate symptoms of depression during the withdrawal period and resolve heart problems.
Meth Addiction Treatment
If you have developed a meth addiction, detox is only the first stage in the recovery process. Long-term recovery requires addressing the underlying causes of addiction and making meaningful, positive changes to thoughts and behaviors.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, effective substance abuse treatment programs should be individualized to suit each client’s unique needs. Treatment programs usually combine a range of different treatment approaches to provide a holistic healing experience aimed at the entire person. Dual diagnosis programs identify and treat any underlying mental health conditions that may be driving drug abuse, promoting lasting recovery and preventing relapse.
Addiction treatment options include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Support groups
- Experiential therapies like creative art therapy
- Complementary therapies like mindfulness meditation
- Dual diagnosis
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Life skills development
Addiction treatment programs can be inpatient or outpatient. During inpatient programs, you stay at a treatment facility for the duration of the treatment program, offering a controlled and safe environment away from the triggers of everyday life. With outpatient programs, you continue to live at home while visiting the center for regular treatment sessions, allowing you to balance work and home responsibilities throughout the process.
If you’re unclear about which type of recovery program is right for you, contact a treatment facility or speak to another mental health professional for expert advice.
Transformative Treatment Experiences At Ebb Tide
Ebb Tide offers individualized recovery programs grounded in the science of addiction. We offer evidence-based treatment at every level of care, delivered by our team of highly trained medical experts.
We combine clinical excellence with compassion, non-judgment, and respect, acting with integrity in everything we do. We provide gender-specific facilities, ensuring a welcoming and comfortable environment for all our clients.
Our pristine, waterfront locations offer opportunities for rewarding and exciting activities in between treatment sessions, including meditation, yoga, and kayaking. We help clients to reconnect with their inner selves and love of life as they move through their recovery experience.
If you are struggling with meth abuse or another type of addiction, contact us today. We’re here to help.