Due to the intense dependence and addiction that meth creates, detoxing from meth use without professional medical assistance can be difficult and even dangerous. Since each individual’s addiction and recovery journey is unique, there is no single detox experience, and it will depend on the individual. Here’s what to expect when entering treatment:
Stage One: The Crash (2-3 days)
The first stage of detox and withdrawal is the crash. This begins as the final dose wears off, and will last for about 48-72 hours. During this stage, those in recovery are likely to feel exhausted and depressed, while experiencing intense cravings to use meth.
This is because the brain is experiencing a drop in dopamine, which causes feelings of depression and the inability to feel pleasure, rewarding feelings, and constant fatigue. The brain will begin to readjust to the newly available dopamine levels, which can result in agitation and restlessness.
Stage Two: Acute Withdrawal (1-2 weeks)
Once the initial crash is over, the acute withdrawal stage begins, which is where the majority of the withdrawal symptoms will be experienced. Acute withdrawal will typically last less than two weeks, but generally longer than one, and it is characterized by a variety of symptoms both physical and psychological.
Common psychological symptoms during acute withdrawals include anxiety or panic, agitation, irritation, and insomnia. Individuals will also frequently experience physical symptoms that grow in intensity eventually peaking about 3-5 days in, after which the symptoms begin to subside. The physical symptoms will include headaches, muscle aches, and persistent fatigue.
The end of the acute withdrawal stage is usually marked by the return of semi-normal dopamine levels in the patient’s brain. This allows many of the withdrawal symptoms to fade away completely as the body begins to return to a more normal mode of daily functionality.
Stage Three: Protracted Withdrawal (several months to years)
Protracted withdrawal is the final stage of meth recovery, and it can last for months or even years beyond the end of the acute withdrawal stage. The symptoms often experienced during this stage include lingering depression, general fatigue, and challenges concentrating or maintaining focus. This is because while dopamine levels have started to return to normal, they are still far below previous levels. Those who experience protracted withdrawal will find that cravings periodically return, making them more likely to relapse.
The best way to manage this, however, is to work with a leading meth addiction treatment center in Orange County, like Capo Canyon. From the medically-supervised detox that is made as comfortable as possible with private rooms, 24 hour nursing care, and onsite chef , to the ongoing dual diagnosis treatment aimed at preventing relapse and strengthening recovery, Capo Canyon is here to support you.