Methamphetamine Withdrawal

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant. Also known as meth, methamphetamine blue ice or crystal causes a sense of euphoria as well as decreased appetite. Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive drugs in the United States today, with approximately 964,000 people addicted in 2017 according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. The meth withdrawal symptoms are incredibly difficult and require specialized meth addiction treatment.

Meth Withdrawal: How Methamphetamine Works in the Body

Amphetamine is the parent drug of methamphetamine. Although chemically similar, methamphetamine is also delivered to the brain in higher concentrations, making it approximately 3x as potent. Methamphetamine works by binding to neurons, causing them to produce more dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with the sense of pleasure.

Methamphetamine produces both physical and psychological effects, including:

Physical

1. Loss of appetite
2. Dilated Pupils
3. Sweating
4. Irregular Heartbeat

Psychological

1. Euphoria
2. Increased Alertness and concentration
3. Increased Self Confidence
4. Senseless-repetition of complex movements, such as collecting and rearranging objects.

Desoxyn, the prescription form of methamphetamine is common to treat extreme attention deficit disorder. This form of methamphetamine, also called meth, ice, crank, or speed is created in small labs by cooking over the counter drugs such as pseudoephedrine, commonly found in allergy medicine.

Unlike its predecessor amphetamine, methamphetamine appears to cause genetic changes and damage to dopamine and serotonin neurons. This damage appears on brain scans even 3 years later and may be permanent. These changes may explain, why even recovered methamphetamine abusers may suffer from paranoia, hallucinations and increased risk of stroke.

The symptoms of methamphetamine addiction include:

1. Extreme weight loss
2. Severe dental problems, known as meth mouth
3. Memory loss
4. Poor judgment, leading to risky behavior, such as unprotected sex

Due to its extremely addictive nature, some people find themselves addicted to methamphetamine as quickly as a single use! Methamphetamine addiction is also notoriously difficult to end and most people find that they require specialized meth withdrawal treatment in Houston.

Withdrawal Treatment

Due to its addictive nature, meth withdrawal requires a holistic approach including medication for withdrawal symptoms and counseling. While the onset of withdrawal symptoms begins approximately 24 hours after the last dose, the entire withdrawal process can take up to 40 weeks. The symptoms of meth withdrawal include:

1. Depression
2. Headaches
3. Fatigue and lethargy

Some of the medications used to treat meth withdrawal symptoms include:

1. Buproprion-Antidepressant
2. Modafinil-Used in the treatment of narcolepsy, it may help meth patients experiencing extreme lethargy.
3. Fluoxetine-Helps to treat anxiety and panic attacks.

Methamphetamine is often combined with other drugs, including cocaine, alcohol, ketamine, and extasy. Polydrug abuse may require different medications to deal with withdrawal symptoms.

Psychological treatment is required. Meth withdrawal Treatment centers such as Serenity House in Houston Texas, have found that Evidence Based Treatment, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy works best for drug addictions such as meth.

Meth Withdrawal Treatment Centers

Serenity House is a meth withdrawal treatment center in Houston Texas that specializes in meth detox. We provide a holistic approach, including medication and counseling. If the time has come for you or someone you care about to end addiction to meth, call us today at Serenity House at 866.516.8356.