Meth is a central nervous system stimulant that can lead to addiction rather quickly. The effects of meth might include increased energy, insomnia, and fast heart rate. Unfortunately, addiction to meth can lead to severe issues, including psychosis, paranoia, and severe health concerns.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 2.5 million people reported abusing meth in 2021.
If you or a loved one struggles with meth addiction, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. While most of the symptoms of meth withdrawal are psychological, they can be severe. As a result, you should always seek help from a medical detox center.
Meth detox programs in San Antonio treat meth withdrawal using a few different approaches. You will undergo an assessment to determine your needs and receive medication to control your symptoms. Additionally, you will be monitored consistently to ensure safety while having the ability to receive mental health support from professionals.
What are the Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal?
Meth is a highly addictive stimulant drug. When you misuse meth long-term, your body becomes dependent on it. Unfortunately, this means you will develop withdrawal symptoms once you stop consuming meth.
The common symptoms of meth withdrawal include:
- Cravings to use meth
- Fatigue
- Intense depression and suicidal thoughts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trouble sleeping
- Disrupted eating patterns
- Hyperventilation
- Irregular heartbeat
- Cognitive and memory issues
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Extreme anxiety
- Paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations
Meth abuse should always be treated by a professional drug and alcohol rehab center. These programs can assist you throughout the detox process to ensure you remain safe and comfortable. The techniques meth detox centers use will increase your likelihood of long-term recovery.
What to Expect at a San Antonio Meth Detox Center
There are many treatment options when it comes to recovering from meth addiction. The first level of care you should attend is a medical detox center. These programs offer the tools and support you need to overcome withdrawal in a safe setting.
During meth detox in San Antonio, you can expect the following:
Assessment
The first step in meth detox is undergoing an assessment. Medical staff will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of meth abuse. Doctors can use this information to create an individualized treatment plan that suits your specific needs.
Your treatment plan might include things like what medications you will need, how long detox will take, and whether you have co-occurring disorders that need to be addressed.
Medical Stabilization
Some substance use disorders like opioid addiction are treated using FDA-approved medications that control withdrawal symptoms. While there is not a specific medication intended to treat meth withdrawal, there are substances that will lessen your symptoms.
Once you begin meth detox in San Antonio, your doctor will give you one of those medications to keep you comfortable.
The medications used to treat meth withdrawal may include:
- Modafinil – decreases withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, cognitive impairment, and cravings for meth.
- Bupropion – helps to regulate dopamine in the brain during meth withdrawal
- Fluoxetine – manages psychological withdrawal symptoms like depression or anxiety
- Methylphenidate – regulates dopamine in the brain to control cravings or urges to abuse meth during the withdrawal stage
Monitoring
In addition to medication, you will be monitored to ensure you remain stable throughout the entire process. Nurses and other medical staff will routinely check your vital signs. Because the withdrawal process can cause blood pressure abnormalities or other health concerns, this is an important step.
Meth withdrawal can affect your heart rate and blood pressure. Without treatment, this could lead to serious complications. This is why nurses will come in every couple of hours to ensure your vital signs are stable.
Mental Health Support
Meth withdrawal causes some concerning psychological symptoms. For example, many people experience the symptoms of psychosis during meth withdrawal. Due to this, mental health support is a vital aspect of meth detox in San Antonio.
You will have 24/7 access to a mental health professional. You might engage in individual therapy, group therapy, or even counseling with your family members. It is also possible to receive some much-needed support outside of therapy sessions when you are feeling down.
Treatment Planning
Once you have overcome your withdrawal symptoms, you will work with your therapist to create a treatment plan. This often involves the recommendation of attending a meth addiction treatment center immediately following detox.
There are a few choices for the type of rehab program you attend, and your therapist can help you decide whether you need inpatient or outpatient services. Both of these addiction treatment programs will help you address the root causes of addiction and teach you important relapse-prevention skills.
Get Connected to Meth Detox in San Antonio
If you or a loved one struggles with meth addiction, Alamo Behavioral Health is here to help. Our premier meth detox center in San Antonio will ensure you overcome withdrawal in a comfortable and relaxing environment.
Contact us today to learn more about our drug and alcohol detox programs in San Antonio.
