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How to Quit Using Meth

When wanting to quit meth, it’s best to seek treatment form an addiction treatment program. A structured program can help manage the cravings that come with quitting this substance.

Effects of Quitting Myth

When an individual stops taking crystal meth, he or she will experience withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal side effects and symptoms may not be life-threatening but can be dangerous. Some individuals experience depression when quitting meth and this puts them at an increased risk of suicide. A medically managed detox and addiction treatment center can help minimize the uncomfortable side effects that come along with quitting and reduce the urge to relapse, along with preventing injury. Some meth withdrawal symptoms include depression, fatigue, bad dreams, insomnia, increased appetite, reduced heart rate, and severe cravings. Currently, there aren’t any approved medications for crystal meth withdrawal symptoms but there are medications that are being researched.

Stages of Quitting Meth

Quitting meth and meth recovery happens in five stages. The first two weeks are the most intense.

Withdrawal Period

The withdrawal period is the first stage of recovery. During this time, there are symptoms and people should be monitored.

Honeymoon Period

After the withdrawal ends, the body then starts to recover. Energy increases, optimism improves, and cravings start to fade. This can lead many individuals to falsely believe that the problem has ended. Many people want to leave treatment and continue using other drugs or alcohol.

The Wall

During this period of recovery, individuals are more susceptible to relapse. There is also little pleasure in life at this time and individuals experience insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and low energy. Clients usually believe these symptoms will be long-term problems.

Adjustment Period

During this stage, the risk of relapse is reduced. People begin to feel optimistic and accomplished. Individuals begin to adapt to a new lifestyle, which may include new relationships and jobs.

Resolution Period

This stage means six months of sobriety. By the six-month benchmark, individuals have transitioned from learning skills to knowing the signs of relapse and are maintaining a new lifestyle.

There is no timeline because withdrawal symptoms can begin anywhere from just a few hours to a few days after the most recent dose. It’s hard to tell how long symptoms will last since it depends on the length of addiction, the amount used, and the body’s physiology.

Should You Quit Cold Turkey?

Quitting meth cold turkey isn’t recommended. It can cause severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms that lead to continued substance abuse. This is why it’s so important to find addiction treatment. Treatment can provide you with supervised detox and support care to minimize the discomfit that is felt during this period.

Why It’s Important to Quit Meth

Quitting meth can help your physical and mental health recovery and you can avoid long-term consequences from substance abuse and addiction. Certain improvements can be seen almost immediately and others take more time. You will see improvements in skin and teeth, have healthier body weight, lower your risk of a heart attack, rebuild connections with family and friends, and help improve your financial situation.

Meth addiction also permanently changes the brain. Studies show that chronic meth use changes the part of the brain that controls memory and emotions. It can impair verbal learning and reduce motor speed. People in recovery from meth addiction may have problems controlling impulses and learning. There could be problems with work or school and it takes some time and commitment to overcome the lingering problems that come with substance abuse. However, studies have found that brains can improve over time, which can be a benefit of quitting.

Finding Treatment

It can be difficult to quit on your own. The suicide risk and severe cravings increase your risk of relapse. This is why it’s necessary to seek treatment. You may want to consider traveling for treatment so you can escape your current environment and avoid triggers. There are different types of programs available. Inpatient rehab, where you attend treatment in a residential setting, can be your best option. After treatment, you want to have access to care or group counseling so you can continue to utilize what you learn in treatment.

Other Tips for Quitting

When quitting meth, it’s useful to build a support system of family and friends to help you stay sober once you complete your treatment. Be sure to get rid of any paraphernalia associated with meth use and delete your dealer’s phone numbers. Be sure to seek any medical assistance for any intravenous-related problems and dental care since many users have what is referred to as “meth mouth.” Depression can linger into recovery. There is also a combination of medications and therapy can that can improve mood and reduce depressive thoughts. Cravings can be hard to handle but they won’t last. Understand triggers and avoid situations that can cause you to relapse.

Staff Writer

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Aimee Runyon, RADT

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