Reaching Recovery: Demystifying Medically Supervised Meth Detox

Most people who detox from meth want to sleep. And sleep. And sleep. This stage of the detox process makes normal social and occupational function difficult, if not impossible. As such, setting aside the time and space to detox free from the obligations of everyday life allows you go through this necessary process of somatic and emotional rejuvenation without competing external responsibilities. Although meth detox is typically not as physically traumatic as withdrawal from certain other types of drugs, there may still be uncomfortable and distressing physical effects upon discontinuation. The most common of these is voracious hunger, as detoxification reactivates your desire for food as your body seeks the nourishment it needs to replenish itself. Going through detox in a residential setting with professionally prepared meals ensures that your nutritional needs are met, to support restoration of physical health as your body begins to repair itself. Some people also experience muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbances, which can be addressed via clinically supervised use of non-addictive medications.

Part of the allure of meth is the explosion of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine it produces in your brain that is responsible for the feelings of elation, well-being, and happiness that meth is known for. In response, your brain’s natural chemical balance is disrupted and unable to compensate for the abrupt drop in neurotransmitter activity following meth discontinuation, leaving you in an extreme state of depression. In some cases, depressive symptoms can be severe enough to induce suicidal thoughts, and you may be particularly vulnerable to self-harm and relapse during this emotionally challenging phase. For long-term users, the damage to these vital and delicate brain functions may be extensive and strip you of the ability to experience normal levels of pleasure and happiness for a significant period of time. Medically supervised detox allows clinicians to address acute symptoms of depression through psychotropic medication and psychotherapy interventions that promote restoration of healthy neurotransmitter function and give you the tools to cope with feelings of despair, emptiness, and hopelessness throughout your recovery process.

As your brain chemistry struggles to reach a state of equilibrium, you may experience a range of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral disturbances in addition to depression. Irritability, anxiety, paranoia and aggression are common, particularly in the early stage of the withdrawal process, and can be alleviated through the support of professional detox specialists who understand the complex neurochemical upheaval you are undergoing. For some, especially long-term users, psychosis can occur during meth detox, resulting in auditory, visual, or tactile hallucinations or delusions which may be compounded by sleep disturbances. While these symptoms can be profoundly disorienting and frightening, in most cases psychosis resolves within a week of meth discontinuation. Thoughtful and compassionately administered clinical interventions, including the use of antipsychotic drugs, can ease symptoms during this time, ensure safety, and reduce the traumatic effects of psychosis.