Meth Detox in Laguna Beach, CA

Dealing with any type of substance misuse is difficult and overwhelming. Meth use is of concern in the United States, with approximately 1.6 million people over age 12 having a meth use disorder in 2021, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Understanding what is involved in meth misuse and the detox process will put your mind at ease as you move forward on your recovery journey.

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FAQs

What Is Meth?

Meth is the street name, or shortened name, for methamphetamine. This powerfully addictive drug is a Schedule II stimulant drug that can only be obtained with a non-refillable prescription. Meth affects the central nervous system, causing an array of short- and long-term symptoms.

History of Meth 

Methamphetamine is similar to amphetamine, another stimulant drug. Originally, meth was used medicinally to treat conditions such as narcolepsy, asthma, and obesity. Soldiers in World War II used meth to keep alert. Scientists first created synthetic meth-type stimulants as an alternative to the ephedra plant.

In 1970, meth use was outlawed due to its risk of addiction and its dangers to the person using it. However, people continue to use it even though it’s illegal.

What Is Meth Made Of?

Today, meth consists of common ingredients, the main one being pseudoephedrine. This substance, found in cold medications, is cooked and mixed with other toxic chemicals in a “drug lab” to make meth. People may make meth in their homes or elsewhere, while others smuggle it into the country from Mexico.

What Are the Effects of Meth?

The effects of meth are both immediate and long-term. Often, the transition from short- to long-term effects is quick.

Short-Term Effects of Meth

Some of the immediate effects of meth on a person include the following:

  • Euphoria.
  • Increased alertness and activity.
  • Talkativeness.
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  • Increased blood pressure.
  • Higher body temperature.
  • Faster breathing.

Long-Term Effects of Meth

People who do meth for any length of time are at risk for some (or all) long-term effects, including:

  • Weight loss.
  • Anxiety.
  • Severe dental problems.
  • Confusion.
  • Memory loss.
  • Intense itching and consequential skin sores.
  • Changes in brain structure and function include:
  • Addiction.
  • Paranoia.
  • Sleeping difficulties.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Violent behavior.

Not everyone will experience all of these long-term symptoms. For example, some people may not have hallucinations or violent behavior. However, you may be more at risk for developing these.

Withdrawal From Meth at California Detox

Withdrawing from meth is best done under the supervision of qualified professionals. Since there are potentially serious withdrawal symptoms, entering a detox facility will ensure you can detox safely and comfortably.

California Detox offers a seven-day program that serves as an initial detox phase.

Initial Detox Phase: What To Expect

The first week of detox involves ridding the body of toxins. This leads to withdrawals that may include depression, psychosis, cravings, fatigue, and anxiety.

Many of these symptoms will subside after a week of abstinence. The cravings for meth may take longer to conquer, though, making it helpful to continue treatment in a step-down program.

Next Steps in The Continuum of Care

After completing a seven-day detox program at California Detox, you probably won’t be ready to return to the outside world. You’ll have better success by continuing to seek treatment in a rehab treatment program.

Other programs follow the detox treatment. Some of these include the following:

Inpatient Residential Treatment

During inpatient treatment, you stay at the facility for an extended period to be determined by your situation. The facility is a residential setting and provides a comfortable place for you to delve into the deeper work of healing.

California Detox provides inpatient care with a high level of structure and support after you’ve completed your detox program.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

The next level of treatment after inpatient is a PHP. This treatment program delivers a full day of therapeutic support, and you return home at night. You may be able to transition from detox to PHP or step down from inpatient to it.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Outpatient rehab can be standard or intensive. An IOP will involve several hours of therapy that may include:

Outpatient Rehab Treatment

Standard outpatient rehab programs consist of meeting with a highly trained therapist about once a week. During therapy, you and the therapist will work on strategies for coping with triggers, overcoming emotional difficulties, and maintaining sobriety.

Dual Diagnosis Disorder Treatment

If you are simultaneously dealing with mental health and substance misuse disorders, then seeking dual disorder treatment is the best course of action. Many people struggle with both conditions, as it’s common to have a mental health disorder and substance misuse co-occurring. It’s unknown if one condition leads to the other, but if you have one or the other, you will be predisposed to dual diagnosis disorder.

Examples of mental health conditions that may co-occur with meth misuse are anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and more.

At California Detox, we offer special treatment for people who have co-occurring disorders. This common diagnosis is best addressed by mental health experts who are equipped to treat both conditions.

Minimize Relapse

Patients like yourself are best served by staying in touch with a treatment program to minimize the risk of a relapse. Whether you continue participating in outpatient therapy or join a support group, you will have less chance of relapse, and if you do relapse, the support you need will be close at hand.

Our California Detox rehab center in Laguna Beach will work to create a plan for you that best meets your needs.

Connect With California Detox to Start a Meth Detox Program

At California Detox in Laguna Beach, you can begin your recovery journey from meth addiction. Our experienced staff will be there to get you through the entire process from start to finish. You can contact our rehab facility by calling (949) 694-8305 or reaching out to the admissions team through our online options.

FAQs

Some medications that have been used to treat methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Benzodiazepines: These medications can help reduce anxiety, agitation, and insomnia during withdrawal. However, benzodiazepines can also be habit-forming, so they should be used with caution.
  • Antidepressants: These medications can be helpful in treating depression and anxiety symptoms that can occur during methamphetamine withdrawal.
  • Modafinil: This medication is a stimulant that can help alleviate fatigue and improve focus during withdrawal.
  • Antipsychotics: These medications can be useful in treating symptoms of psychosis that may occur during methamphetamine withdrawal.

Schedule a call.

We want to help, let’s setup a call and figure out the best treatment options for you or your loved one. Our detox specialists will get back to you immediately.

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