Crystal Meth Detox Information
At its core, crystal meth detox exists as a critical safeguard against relapse. When crystal meth users decide to get sober, detox helps them cope with their cravings and begin the recovery process. Crystal meth detox alone is not recovery, but it is the first and most important hurdle that addicts must clear if they are to alter their trajectory and get healthy.
The importance of crystal meth detox
Crystal meth addiction is terrifying in its destructiveness, to users themselves as well as their friends and family members. Chronic use typically results in weight loss, tooth decay, violent behavior, skin sores (from picking) and hallucinations. Long-term effects of crystal meth addiction include irreversible brain damage, coma, stroke and death.
Elements of crystal meth detox
Unlike alcohol or opioid detox, crystal meth detox does not involve the administration of cross-tolerant drugs. (For example, heroin users have long taken methadone to mitigate their withdrawal symptoms.)
Crystal meth users develop a powerful psychological urge to continue using the drug. However, because of meth’s pharmacological makeup, users do not develop a physical dependence, as with alcohol and opioids. (Paradoxically, this can make crystal meth addiction more, not less, difficult to treat.)
Although addiction to crystal meth is psychological (not physical) in nature, that does not make the process of withdrawal any less excruciating. Quitting crystal meth can result in chest pain, anxiety, irritability, insomnia and intense cravings for the drug. A licensed crystal meth detox program can help people manage their symptoms and avoid relapse.
Detox services in a meth rehab provide close medical supervision and vital emotional support. Inpatient crystal meth detox removes the individual from situations in which relapse is likely to occur. Acute meth withdrawal can last a week to ten days on average. Cravings for the drug, however, can last several weeks.
The start of recovery
While in crystal meth detox, the patient may begin cognitive-behavioral therapy, a psychotherapeutic technique that has emerged as one of the most effective tools in combating relapse. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on maladaptive patterns of thinking (e.g., “I am worthless.”) and the firmly held beliefs that underpin them. A core tenant of CBT holds that internal thoughts, not external stimuli, lead to actions. By examining negative thoughts and the beliefs behind them, patients are able to consciously avoid the negative actions (i.e., using) that typically follow.
Crystal meth detox at Alta Mira
Alta Mira has a sophisticated drug detox program that is designed to limit the discomfort of withdrawal while preparing clients for the difficult and rewarding work of inpatient rehabilitation. Combining a stunning location on the California coast, well-appointed rooms and a compassionate staff of addiction professionals, Alta Mira creates an atmosphere of healing and recovery. We encourage all of our crystal meth detox clients to enroll in our core recovery program for a full course of addiction treatment.
Contact Alta Mira today
If you or someone you love needs help, contact us today to learn more about Alta Mira’s crystal meth detox program. To schedule a private, no-cost consultation call 866-922-1350.