Meth withdrawal and detox

Meth detox is the process of removing the drug from the body in a medically supervised environment. It addresses the physical aspect of meth addiction and provides you with a stable physical condition to begin the next stages of the recovery process.

Meth detox is a necessary process because it reverses the changes methamphetamine use causes to your brain and body. Meth works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that controls pleasure and reward. Over time, your brain becomes used to the increased levels of dopamine and stops producing dopamine on its own. This is what causes meth withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking meth as it takes the brain some time until it resets and begging to produce dopamine again.

There are only two ways to overcome meth withdrawal: start taking the drug again so your brain reacts and produces dopamine or complete meth detox until your brain starts functioning without the drug.

There are numerous benefits to undergoing drug detox at a professional centre like Banbury Lodge, including:

A personalised meth detox plan

When you begin meth detox at Banbury Lodge, our medical team will look at your history of meth use, the type of meth you have been using and your overall health condition. This will help them to assess your risk of developing severe meth withdrawal so they can devise a personalised meth detox plan.

For example, if you are young and in good health and have been using powder meth for a short period of time, your risk of severe meth withdrawal symptoms will likely be relatively low. However, if you have been using crystal meth for a long time and you are in bad overall health, you may need to undergo medically assisted crystal meth detox with 24/7 supervision and certain supportive medications. This is because crystal meth withdrawal can be particularly uncomfortable due to the potency of this form of meth.

Comprehensive treatment

Meth detox is just the first step towards recovery. At Banbury Lodge, you will also undergo a range of therapies and other approaches as part of a comprehensive meth rehab programme. This will address the underlying mental, emotional and psychological causes of your condition so you can heal your mind, body and soul.

Reduced risk of relapse

Relapse after a period of abstinence from meth use can be very dangerous as your tolerance will have dropped which increases the risk of potentially lethal overdose. Detoxing at a professional centre where there is expert medical support and no access to meth reduces the risk of relapse when cravings or difficult symptoms flare up during meth withdrawal.

The chance to rest and focus solely on meth detox

Banbury Lodge provides inpatient meth detox where you will stay at our centre during the entire meth withdrawal period and as you go on to the new recovery stages. This will enable you to get some respite from your normal responsibilities and stresses, distance yourself from triggers and negative influences and put all your energies and focus into completing meth detox successfully.

Meth withdrawal symptoms can be severe and uncomfortable and can start as soon as a few hours after the last use and can last for weeks. While everyone’s meth withdrawal experience will be different, hence the need for personalised meth detox programmes, common meth withdrawal symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Increased appetite and hunger
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Cravings
• Paranoia
• Psychosis

As with meth withdrawal symptoms, the timeline for meth withdrawal can vary from person to person. However, a general timeline of meth withdrawal will look something like this:

• Day one to three: The first few days of meth withdrawal are often the most difficult and meth withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as a few hours after the last use. These initial meth withdrawal symptoms can include fatigue, depression, anxiety and increased appetite.
• Day four to seven: During this phase, meth withdrawal symptoms can peak in intensity and can include insomnia, paranoia and, in the most severe cases, hallucinations. Medical attention and supervision during this phase are especially critical for managing meth withdrawal symptoms and preventing complications.
• Week one to two: As the meth detox process continues, physical meth withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue and increased appetite may persist. Psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression may also continue and may require ongoing support and medical guidance.
• Week three to four: After about a month, most physical symptoms of meth withdrawal should have subsided. However, some individuals may continue to experience psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety which may require ongoing support.

Detoxing from meth is a complex process that can be both physically and mentally challenging. However, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success during meth detox. Here are some top tips to make the most of your time in meth detox:

Watching a loved one go through meth detox can be a challenging and emotional time for family and friends. If your loved one is going through meth detox, there are several things you can do to provide support and help them on their journey to recovery:

• Educate yourself: Learning more about the meth detox process can help you better understand what your loved one is going through. This knowledge will then enable you to provide more informed and effective support.
• Provide practical assistance: Let your loved one know that you are there to help them with anything they need while they are in meth detox. This can include looking after their children, visiting them in detox and preparing their home for their return.
• Look after yourself: Supporting a loved one through meth detox can really take its toll so it’s crucial you take look after yourself too. Speak to friends and family about what you are going through, take time off to do things you enjoy and consider joining a support group for friends and family of those in recovery.
• Avoid enabling behaviours: This can include giving money or meth to your loved one, making excuses for their behaviour or denying the seriousness of the situation.
• Be patient: Remember, recovery is a journey but with patience, understanding and compassion, you can help your loved one get through the meth detox process safely and maximise their chances of a successful start to recovery.

If you or your loved one is looking to start meth detox, Banbury Lodge is here to help. Our experienced staff, personalised detox programmes and high-quality accommodation will provide everything you need. Contact us today to learn more about our meth detox programmes and start your journey towards recovery today.