Meth abuse affects the working of the brain. Treatment for meth addiction includes helping the brain recover normal functioning. Knowledge about meth withdrawal helps plan the treatment process. The withdrawal happens in two stages. The symptoms are felt more acutely during the first stage that may last for up to one day from the last dose of this drug. The severity reduces over a period of two weeks. Completely stopping meth intake, the cold turkey approach, can result in depression and psychotic behavior. However, these subside in approximately seven days.
The second stage of withdrawal is easier to handle and it lasts for up to three weeks. The craving for the drug; however, may last for up to a month and even more. The most commonly exhibited symptoms of meth abuse include anxiety, craving for the drug, lack of interest in general surroundings, depression, loss of libido, sleepiness, night sweat, paranoia, and itchiness in the eyes.
The first thing to do when seeking treatment for meth addiction is to seek medical help. Meth withdrawal symptoms vary with the person. You need to keep your doctor in the loop about your condition, especially during the first week of withdrawal. Tiredness during this phase results in hypersomnia when you may sleep for up to 11 hours at a stretch. The tiredness then begins to leave the body by the fifth or sixth day.
The next step is to undergo therapy. Medical treatment may be required depending upon the physical state of the addict, such treatment is particularly recommended during the early stages when withdrawal symptoms are most sharply felt.
Therapies available to recovering addicts include 12-Step recovery programs, community support programs, rehabilitation centers with inpatient support, psychiatric treatment, and training to equip the recovering addict to deal with personal and professional life.
Inpatient rehabilitation offers the advantage of a planned detox under the supervision of therapists. Staying at a rehab center facilitates coping with the intense withdrawal symptoms that manifest during the early days.
It is essential that your immediate environment is supportive of his decision to stop abusing methamphetamines. You need to completely sever contact with your addict friends. Avoid visiting old haunts associated with drug taking. Seek the company of sober and interesting people with whom you share common interests. Engage in creative activities. Read books, trek, exercise, or play games. Slowly, you will regain your zest for life and move completely away from drugs. However, staying sober over the long term means that you need to constantly keep your guard up against cravings that may suddenly and unexpectedly manifest themselves. To begin with, medical help and round the clock supervision that comes with inpatient rehab are recommended.
If you have any questions about the best way to treat meth addiction then the experienced rehab experts The Villa Treatment Center will guide you. We understand that meth withdrawal is a difficult phase during which the addict requires special care. We are equipped to provide you with such care. Call us at 1-818-639-7160
