Crystal Meth Detox
How Crystal Meth Works
Crystal Meth“Crystal meth” (methamphetamine), known by dozens of slang names including “ice,” “crystal,” “blade,” and “L.A. glass,” is a stimulant used to increase wakefulness and physical activity, while decreasing appetite. There are many more names that refer to methamphetamines combined with other drugs, such as “crank,” “blues,” “boo,” “chalk,” and others, all of which are seriously addictive combinations. Meth is smoked, injected, or snorted. Unknown to those who abuse these drugs, it stays in the system longer than other stimulants and has more harmful effects on the nervous system and brain.
According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly twelve million Americans have tried methamphetamines. Stimulants work on the central nervous system and the spinal cord. They increase levels of “catecholamine,” the brain chemical responsible for increasing energy and the ability to be alert. Stimulants, like other drugs designed to affect the nervous system, cause the body’s blood vessels to narrow which forces the heart to work harder. An irregular heartbeat can be a dangerous side effect.
Stimulant abuse can lead to malnutrition. Regular use can create “meth mouth,” causing the gums to decay and the teeth to rot. Long-term use can cause permanent brain damage that has a profound impact on memory and emotions. Paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior are some of the psychological manifestations seen in crystal meth users. Crystal meth use has a direct correlation with increased transmission of infectious diseases.
Crystal Meth Withdrawal
For the “pure” meth addict there is no direct medical protocol for detoxification. That means patients detoxing from meth alone usually go directly into drug treatment while coping with the withdrawal symptoms. The most difficult challenge of crystal meth withdrawal is the intense cravings and desire to use, which is accompanied by severe depression and anxiety. Untreated crystal meth detox can lead to suicide.
The seriousness of crystal meth (methamphetamine) addiction cannot be overstated! Because the body cannot stay in a hyper-animated state constantly, people who use crystal meth almost always become addicted to depressant drugs, especially benzodiazepines. The need to sleep becomes imperative, so these drugs are used to “come down.” Soon enough feelings of discomfort and a longing for a high invade and the addict again seeks stimulants. Not only does the cycle continue, it worsens. Detox is a complicated process under these circumstances.
Some of the symptoms associated with methamphetamine addiction are: irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure (which can lead to heart attack), and increases in the body’s temperature (which can lead to liver and kidney failure).
Vital Signs |
Withdrawal Symptoms |
Length of Detox |
Irregular heart rhythms
Increased blood pressure
Hyperthermia
|
Irritability
Anxiety
Hyper-verbal
Intense cravings
Depression
All other symptoms are dependent upon the combination of drugs taken |
Crystal meth detoxification symptoms
(without other drugs)
can last 7-10 days |
We recommend that a crystal meth detox take place in a rehabilitation facility, under the care of medical doctors and licensed addiction therapists.
Detoxification from both crystal meth and other drugs (a cross addiction) should take place, when possible, in a medical facility under the supervision of medical staff and addiction counselors. The physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms of those cross-addicted require special attention. An in-depth understanding by the medical staff (doctors, nurses, psychologists, and clinical therapists) of addiction and detox should be the standard. The physiological ramifications of cross addiction on the mind and the body during substance detoxification requires regular monitoring or the patient is likely to return to using before detox has been completed. Thorough detoxification should be followed by comprehensive addiction treatment.
Crystal Meth Detox Programs
Detox from crystal meth, as with other drugs and alcohol, should be done in a licensed detoxification facility. Withdrawal symptoms can be so profound that close monitoring on an hourly basis is advisable. The idea that one can “tough it out” alone at home is fool hearty. The nature of these drugs induces hallucinations, violent behavior, and paranoia, and can jeopardize the well-being of both the patient and those around him or her.
Lakeview Health Systems has a state-of-the art detoxification facility with a medical staff trained and licensed in drug addiction, dual diagnosis disorders, and detox protocols. We pride ourselves on providing patients with medical processes that are considered “best evidence-based practices.” Our staff believes that patients can detox from crystal meth and other drugs and alcohol with dignity while preparing for treatment. It should be noted that detoxification from any addiction does not replace addiction treatment. Detox from cross-addiction with crystal meth should be followed by treatment to break the cycle of use and relapse.
Beyond Crystal Meth Detoxification
You can’t believe you have become addicted to crystal meth or that you are cross addicted. Your life has spun out of control and you seem to be in trouble constantly. Is it your fault? Perhaps you have been through detox before, but for some reason you are back yet again to face this painful process.
Lakeview Health Systems, unlike other facilities handling alcohol and drug addiction, believes that the whole person must be treated if he or she is to have a chance at leading a productive, healthy, happy life. Substance abuse treatment at Lakeview provides patients with the ability to examine all the influences that lead to use in the first place. Our treatment program, based upon “best evidence-based practices,” allows the patient to confront painful issues in a safe, caring, and confidential environment.
Our doctors and master’s-level therapists have special experience and training in a multidisciplinary team approach to addiction and treatment. They understand the pain, confusion, frustration, anger, grief, and shame that often accompanies early sobriety. They can help every patient build a strong foundation for recovery that is based upon: individual and group counseling (dual diagnosis treatment if needed), medication management, 12-step workshops, leisure and wellness workshops, relapse prevention groups, education sessions, nutrition consultations, aftercare treatment plans, a free, four-day family treatment program, and much more.
We are ready to help you step out of the pain of addiction. You don’t have to continue your self-destructive path. Someone can talk to you right now at our 24-hour, 7-day-a-week hotline. Any questions or concerns about crystal meth addiction, detox, or treatment will be answered.
Trained admissions counselors are ready to help you or your loved one enter detox or rehabilitation. We have simplified the process so you do not have to worry. Call 1-800-884-1727 now and a counselor will help handle your insurance and travel arrangements. If you prefer to chat online click here, or fill out our Contact Us form.
Stop the madness, get the help you need at Lakeview Health Systems, a safe, secure, confidential, nationally recognized, gold standard environment.
Other Detoxification Programs that Lakeview Offers:
Trained admissions counselors are ready to help you or your loved one enter crystal meth detox or rehabilitation. We have simplified the process so you do not have to worry. Call 1-800-884-1727 now and a counselor will help handle your insurance and travel arrangements. If you prefer to chat online click here, or fill out our Contact Us form. Stop the madness, get the help you need at Lakeview Health Systems, a safe, secure, confidential, nationally recognized, gold standard environment.
