What to Look for in a Crystal Meth Detox Center

If you have been abusing crystal meth for several weeks or longer and have decided to quit, the first step is usually to find a detox center that is beneficial to your needs. The withdrawal symptoms caused by long-term crystal meth abuse are intense, and you will likely require treatment at a facility that can handle any needs or problems you may have as a result of them. Below are some important aspects to look for when trying to find the right crystal meth detox center.

To speak with a treatment specialist about meth detox centers in your area, call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) . 

Inpatient vs. Outpatient

Some individuals in detox do not need to receive treatment at an inpatient center; they can get everything they need by visiting an outpatient center every day and often will stay with friends or family members until the symptoms pass. Unfortunately, the severity of crystal meth withdrawal symptoms often dictate that an individual stay at an inpatient center, especially during the beginning stages of withdrawal.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens, people who are trying to quit using methamphetamine might:”

• Experience extreme cravings for the drug
• Become incredibly anxious
• Feel depressed or even suicidal
• Experience fatigue
• Experience insomnia, which will often worsen the fatigue
• Fidget or act nervous
• Be unable to feel pleasure

Some of these withdrawal symptoms, like depression, suicidal thoughts, intense cravings, and severe anxiety, can become dangerous and may even cause the individual to relapse back to drug abuse or worse. In addition, some individuals experience a syndrome similar to psychosis during withdrawal, the symptoms of which are:

• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Hostile or violent behavior
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts

As stated by the NIDA, “Psychotic symptoms can sometimes last for months or years after a person has quit abusing methamphetamine, and stress has been shown to precipitate spontaneous recurrence of methamphetamine psychosis in formerly psychotic methamphetamine abusers.” Often, these symptoms begin to occur before or around the time of withdrawal, requiring that a person be in a controlled environment like an inpatient center.

There is no way to know for certain if an individual will experience the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with crystal meth abuse, but if they have been taking the drug for several weeks or more, the possibility is very likely. Therefore, it is best to make sure the individual receives treatment––especially in the early stages of withdrawal––in a facility that provides around-the-clock care.

Hospital Setting vs. Non-Hospital Setting

Crystal Meth detox often takes place in a hospital setting.

A hospital setting is not always required for detox either, and if an individual is going through an uncomplicated withdrawal, they often won’t need to be in a facility that provides hospitalization. However, the intensity of crystal meth withdrawal and the likelihood that an individual may experience psychotic symptoms can mean hospitalization will be necessary. If the psychotic symptoms are severe enough, the individual may need to be sedated. As stated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Acute use of benzodiazepines can… help minimize the need for physical restraints,” and a detox center with a hospital setting can be more prepared to treat individuals who must be sedated in this way.

In addition, crystal meth abuse can cause a number of problems both physically and psychologically for a person, including brain damage, high blood pressure, skin infections, stroke, heart infection, kidney damage, lung disease, and/or a weakened immune system. These problems will require medical attention during detox, especially if the individual is in a fragile state.

This is not to say that every individual who attends crystal meth detox needs to do so in a hospital setting (or a detox center that provides a hospital setting), but those with severe health problems or intense withdrawal symptoms often will. Therefore, it can be important to look for a detox center that is fully prepared to handle any issues the individual may have.

Long Term Care

As stated above, crystal meth-induced psychosis can last for up to a year or longer after the individual stops abusing the drug, and the other symptoms caused by withdrawal often linger as well. In a study from the Society for the Study of Addiction, cravings experienced by a group of methamphetamine dependent individuals lasted five weeks, the entire duration of the study and beyond, which was even longer than the symptoms associated with depression and psychosis lasted. Because the study did not exceed five weeks, there was no data on how many weeks the cravings lasted in total.

Because of the fact that crystal meth withdrawal symptoms last so long, it may be necessary for someone to be in detox for a longer period of time than most other drug detox programs require or offer. For example, most individuals are able to detox from heroin and other opioids in about a week, but the withdrawal symptoms from crystal meth can cause the need for treatment to last much longer. Long term care facilities will be able to help the individual during a longer detox program and aid in transitioning them into addiction treatment once they are ready, instead of attempting to push through the withdrawal process much faster.

Comfort

Ultimately, the best choice for a detox center will come down to the individual’s comfort with the facility and the healthcare professionals there. This can be determined by touring the facility before making a decision and ensuring that the addict will be able to attend treatment as comfortably as possible. If an individual feels safe and comfortable during treatment, no matter what stage, they will be more likely to stay at the facility, to finish the program, and to continue on, at the suggestion of their doctor, to the next stage of treatment. It is absolutely essential that the detox center chosen makes the individual feel relaxed and safe as well as meets all of their needs.

Looking for the Right Crystal Meth Detox Center

You can find detox centers by state through our directory and get in touch with the facility or facilities that best seem to fit your needs or the needs of your loved one. Make sure you consider what to look for in a crystal meth detox center, as this part of crystal meth addiction treatment requires some of the most specialized care.

For more information about meth detox centers, or for help finding the best program for your needs, call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) now! 

Sources

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2017). Methamphetamine (Meth).
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2013). What Are the Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse?
3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Adapted or excerpted from: The Textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment, second edition. Editors: Marc Galanter, MD and Herbert D Kleber, MD. (n.d.). Treatment of Acute Intoxication and Withdrawal from Drugs of Abuse- Stimulants (Cocaine and Amphetamines).
4. Society for the Study of Addiction. (2010). Withdrawal Symptoms in Abstinent Methamphetamine-Dependent Subjects.