Crystal meth detox is an essential part of any recovery program. Without it, residual crystal meth toxins can remain tin the body and cause cravings years after the crystal meth use has ceased, putting the person at risk for relapse. Detoxification flushes out all of the drug’s residual toxins and purifies the person’s body so they no loner experience the unwanted effects of their crystal meth use. Undergoing crystal meth detox at a crystal meth rehab can provide the additional treatment necessary to finally maintain sobriety.
Crystal Meth Detox: Withdrawal Symptoms
The goal of crystal meth detox is to rid the body of all toxins left behind by the crystal meth use. During the initial stages of detoxification, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms will appear. The nature and severity of these withdrawal symptoms vary greatly depending on how frequently crystal meth was abused, but a good detoxification program will provide medical and supervised care to help alleviate and even eliminate the uncomfortable symptoms of crystal meth withdrawal. During the detox process, the individual will be safely monitored and treated for withdrawal symptoms that can include extreme fatigue, flu-like symptoms, insomnia, depression, anxiety, cravings and dangerous psychotic reactions.
Crystal meth withdrawal is not as physically painful as opiate withdrawal, but the psychological symptoms can be intense. That’s why the detox period will be supervised by trained medical personnel who will monitor your withdrawal and make sure you are safe and as comfortable as possible. Crystal meth detox typically lasts between 24 and 48 hours.
Crystal Meth Detox: Getting Treatment
Most crystal meth detox centers simply provide treatment to avoid the physical withdrawal symptoms. If you’re serious about recovery, though, you should find a crystal meth detox center that incorporates counseling and therapy during the detox process to help with psychological components of your addiction as well. Detox alone is not a treatment and is not effective in preventing relapse.
After detox, successful treatment can begin. The most effective treatment for crystal meth addiction is behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management interventions. A comprehensive approach that combines behavioral therapy, individual counseling, 12-Step support, drug testing and positive reinforcement has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce crystal meth abuse. Some crystal meth rehab centers will also introduce holistic therapies such as yoga and equine therapies to help you reconnect your body, mind and spirit — all areas that are damaged by addiction.
When choosing a treatment center, ask if they offer dual diagnosis treatment. Oftentimes a person will turn to crystal meth as a way to cope with an underlying mood or personality disorder, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc. Dual diagnosis treatment will simultaneously treat both the addiction and the underlying disorder so that full recovery is possible.
Crystal Meth Detox: After Treatment
The point of crystal meth detox and treatment is to rid the body of all residual crystal meth and to treat the physical and psychological addiction to crystal meth. Even after treatment, though, relapse may occur. This is an unfortunate reality of recovery, but it is one that can be minimized through aftercare programs.
When choosing n crystal meth rehab, choose one that offers aftercare programs to help you work through the difficult first months of sobriety and maintain your sobriety. Effective aftercare can include continuing outpatient therapy through weekly phone calls or in-person visits, or through joining a support group such as Crystal Meth Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Sober living is often a good follow-up to any effective crystal meth rehab center. It allows you to live in a clean, sober environment so that you can re-learn how to live a life without drugs and alcohol during the delicate first months of recovery. Sober living is often recommended for people who have just completed residential treatment and are at risk for relapsing if they return home.
If crystal meth addiction has a hold of your life or the life of a loved one, a crystal meth rehab center can finally set you free. Call one today and start the healing process.
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