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How Long Does It Take to Detox From Meth?

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that has a powerful impact on your mood, energy levels, and alertness. Due to its
potency, it is very addictive which means you can develop a dependency and addiction to it fast. Once these have
occurred it becomes hard to quit.

Drug abuse can be dangerous, particularly with potent drugs such as meth. If you or a loved one is struggling with
meth use, the sooner you get help the easier it will be. This blog outlines the meth detox process, signs that you
need to seek medical detox, and where you can get support.

What Is Meth?

Meth is a synthetic stimulant drug that is often made in home labs. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine and
adrenaline in parts of the brain involved in reward, learning, and motor function. In low doses, it increases
attention, which is why its only legal form, Desoxyn, is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). In high doses, it causes feelings of euphoria which is why it is used recreationally.

Meth is a Schedule
II
Controlled Substance which means that it has a high potential for causing abuse and dependence. However,
unlike Schedule I substances, it is considered to have some medical uses. It was used by soldiers during World War II
to keep them alert.

Meth is typically found as a crystalline white powder or as a clear or blue crystal known as crystal meth. It can
have dangerous impurities that make it yellow or brown, though even if it is white or clear it may still contain
impurities. For example, it can be mixed with antidepressants or opioids which can interact dangerously in the body.
If it is cut with the opioid fentanyl this is especially dangerous as even a very small amount can cause an overdose.

What Is Meth Detox?

Detoxing from meth is the process of quitting and allowing it and its metabolites to leave your body. Metabolites of
meth are the substances it breaks down into in your body. These can also be toxic. During detox, your brain and body
readjust to no longer having meth. This involves having to work through the meth withdrawal symptoms which occur when
you are dependent on this substance.

Dependence can develop rapidly with meth. It occurs when your brain adapts to the drug to a point that it feels it
needs it to function normally. This is why you experience meth withdrawal symptoms when you quit. Meth addiction is
sometimes confused with dependence, but they are different. Addiction is a brain disease that changes your behavior,
causing you to compulsively take the substance to which you are addicted. It is common for it to be experienced at the
same time as dependence as they both develop gradually in response to drug use.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Methamphetamine withdrawal can be very difficult. Crystal meth is the most potent form of the drug, and because of
this crystal meth withdrawal symptoms can be more severe. The common symptoms can be both physical and psychological.

Psychological Symptoms of meth withdrawal

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Inability to feel pleasure
  • Psychosis
  • Vivid and unpleasant dreams
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Decreased sexual pleasure
  • Drug cravings

Physical Symptoms of meth withdrawal

  • Dehydration
  • Weight gain
  • Sleeping a lot

The thought of experiencing these symptoms after quitting meth may seem scary to you. However, there are ways to make
the meth withdrawal process easier. Going for a medical detox at an addiction center such as NP Addiction means that
you will be well looked after and as comfortable as possible during your meth detox.

Meth Withdrawal Timeline

One to two days. The first stage of meth withdrawal is also known as the crash phase. Symptoms
typically start within 24 hours. At this point, it is normal to feel depression, intense drug cravings, and sleep a
lot. Some people will experience anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.

Three to five days. Withdrawal symptoms should begin to decline at this point. Cravings will tend to
get more intense, so the chances of relapse are high if you have access to meth.

Two to four weeks. Cravings should begin to decrease at this point. Some people who have mental
health problems may find that these are uncovered once the effects of meth have been reduced.

In the following months. After the previous steps of acute meth withdrawal, some people will
experience protracted withdrawal. This is where you experience meth withdrawal symptoms for longer than is considered
normal, even lasting for months. Symptoms at this point may include difficulties with cognitive functions such as
attention, working memory, planning, and problem-solving. You are also likely to experience problems with mood such as
depression and an inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia).

What Affects the Length of the Meth Withdrawal Timeline?

The methamphetamine withdrawal process varies a lot depending on the person. There are many factors that affect how
intensely and for how long you will experience withdrawal symptoms during meth detox. Some of these include:

  • How long you have been using meth
  • How frequently and the amount you are using
  • Your method of administering e.g. smoking or injecting
  • Whether you have experienced withdrawal symptoms before
  • The purity of meth you use
  • Personal factors such as your metabolism, weight, and physical and mental health

Do I Need Medically Supervised Detox?

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Meth 2

 

Medically supervised detox is where you undergo detox in a clinic or addiction treatment center. There are risks
associated with detoxing from meth, so it is recommended that you get professional support to do it. Risks can include
depression and psychotic episodes. There is also a risk of relapse and self-harm. Experiencing withdrawal under
supervision allows medical professionals to make sure that you are as safe and comfortable as possible in a meth-free
environment.

You may also be offered medication to help with the methamphetamine detox and withdrawal process. You could be
prescribed different drugs to relieve the severity of withdrawal symptoms. These include:

  • Bupropion – an atypical antidepressant that reduces cravings
  • Modafinil – a mild stimulant used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD that can help with cravings and problems sleeping
  • Fluoxetine – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant that can help with panic attacks and other
    symptoms of anxiety

Signs that could suggest you need to undergo medically assisted detox include:

  • using meth for a long time
  • experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop
  • trying to quit but not managing
  • abusing multiple drugs
  • being pregnant

However, it is important that you speak with a medical professional before you begin the initial withdrawal process.
They can give you a full assessment and provide you with medical advice.

Signs Someone Is Using Meth

It can be useful to understand the signs of meth use so that you can recognize if a loved one needs support. You may
also be taking meth yourself but not recognize that you have a problem. Some signs of meth use and meth addiction
include:

  • hyperactivity
  • damage to skin, mouth, teeth, and gums
  • loss of appetite
  • tremors and twitching
  • paranoia and hallucinations
  • intense mood swings
  • social withdrawal
  • secretiveness
  • loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • loss of control of the amount or frequency of use

Meth Addiction Treatment

Accepting that you have a problem and quitting meth can be very difficult. Even making the step of reaching out for
support can take a lot. When you first go to an addiction center you will be assessed. Medical professionals will do
an evaluation to find out what sort of treatment will suit you. They will usually ask you about your history of use as
well as your medical history to understand if you have a co-occurring disorder. They may wish to know what sort of
meth you have been using and which methods you use to administer it. This is to work out, for example, if you have a
crystal meth addiction or have been using powdered meth. These questions are important so that together you can make a
treatment plan that is best for you.

There are then options to choose between, for example, if you will receive inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Inpatient treatment allows you to be monitored 24/7 so that withdrawal symptoms can be dealt with as they come up. It
also helps to be in an environment that is focused on recovery and in which you do not have access to meth.

With outpatient treatment, you will go to the treatment center in the days or evenings but will stay at home at night
and will be able to continue to meet your responsibilities such as school or work. You will still have support from a
medical professional and may be prescribed medication to help you manage but will not receive 24/7 monitoring. This
can suit people who have responsibilities that they cannot avoid during the detox process.

Getting Treatment at NP Addiction

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Meth 3

 

At NP Addiction we understand the struggle of accepting that you have a drug addiction and need help. We believe that
recovery takes more than detox and that it is important that you feel connected to those around you while you are in
recovery. We aim to create an environment in which you feel safe and included.

Every person’s experience of substance abuse and recovery is different. That’s why we offer a range of treatment
options so that together we can create a program that works for you. Treatment options include:

  • detox under medical supervision
  • individual and group therapy
  • art, music, and recreational therapy
  • family therapy sessions
  • transitional support

You can find out more on our
website
or by calling us at (888) 574-3506. We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to our
community.

Begin the first day of the rest of your life

To find out more contact our team

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Kim L. Buckner

Facilitator

As a Substance Abuse Motivational Speaker, Pastor, Peer Advocate, and Facilitator. Kim helps clients avoid relapse by understanding their triggers. Those people, places and things that can cause craving, as well as internal triggers like feelings, thoughts, or emotions. Kim also clients with identifying and building healthy relationships now that they’re clean and sober.

Kim’s background includes extensive experience as a motivational speaker and work in faith-based organizations helping youth and adults alike. She says she is motivated by giving back to the community, understanding, and not judging who she comes into contact with. Kim’s favorite quote is by Dr. Raymond Johnson: “The respect given to others rebounds to the giver to deny the scared in the Other is to deny it in oneself.”

Caty Burns

Clinician

Caty graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Counseling and History. Throughout her undergrad, she worked at the local CASA program, supporting volunteers advocating for children who had experienced abuse and neglect. Caty worked for seven years at a community mental health center (CMHC), partnering with children, adults, and families.

During those seven years, she taught life and coping skills as well as behavior management, provided case management and peer recovery services, and facilitated treatment teams that included the client, family, providers, and community members. I have also worked at an IOP providing group therapy services. She is currently working towards my Master of Social Work.

In her free time, Caty enjoys reading, especially historical fiction, spending time outdoors and having movie nights with her family. Disney World is her happy place, and she dreams of living among the elephants.

Madison Knowles

Mental Health Therapist

My name is Madison Knowles, I am a Mental health therapist at NPAC. I am a single-mother of two and I have a daughter who is globally delayed and has been diagnosed with autism. I have been in this industry since I was 16 years old, as I was fascinated with human behavior. I obtained my masters in applied behavioral analysis and started off working with people with disabilities. I then found my love for counseling when I worked with juveniles who had mental health and substance use issues. I then decided to go back for my mental health therapy license after that and working in a forensic treatment center. I went on to obtain my therapy credentials and since 2017, I have also been working on my PhD in forensic psychology in which I am currently working on my dissertation. I am inspired by change and how resilient people can be. My favorite inspirational quote is “Some will, Some won’t, So what, NEXT!!!” This quote has inspired me to try, try, and try again no matter how hard life gets, someone will give you a chance eventually. As a therapist at NPAC, I have been given the opportunity to work with diverse populations such as in substance use and mental health and I am known for my work with people on the schizophrenic spectrum as well as with other clients with other severe conditions including personality disorders.

Megan Carmona, LMHC

Lead Therapist

Our Lead Therapist, Megan, is a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with adults who struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. As Lead Therapist, she provides individual, family, and group therapy sessions to our clients.  Megan says “I am very passionate about therapy, especially about supporting my clients in exploring their strengths and identity. My goal is to provide individuals with the tools that can help them achieve independence in coping with their challenges and facilitating personal development.” In her free time, Megan enjoys watching docu-series and playing video games with her family. Her dream is to own acres of land so she can care for vulnerable animals, especially old dogs, cats, and horses. 

Kristen Bensley

Primary Clinician

As Primary Clinician, Kristen works with all aspects of our clinical team, from case management to primary therapy.  She has broad experience working in the mental health field. Prior to joining our team at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic, Kristen was part of the team awarded the Evernorth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Designation by Cigna. She says her motivation is to help people rediscover who they are and become excited about the future and all the possibilities life offers. Kristen’s favorite quote is: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

Ronn Daigle, MSW

Therapist, Utilization Review Clinician

Ronn Daigle services as a Therapist and Utilization Review Clinician at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has been working in the field of substance use disorder treatment since 2011, with experience in all facility-based levels of care. Ronn earned, both an Associate of Arts in Psychology (2013) and Bachelor of Science in Human Services, with an Addiction Studies Concentration (2015) from Indian River State College. 

Ronn additionally earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2021 and is a current Registered Clinical Social Work Intern working toward licensure (LCSW). He describes himself as detail oriented, and solution focused.

Ronn says: “There is nothing more fulfilling than working with someone who doesn’t believe in himself or herself, and being there in the moment with them when the belief begins. We work with individuals who come to us at a point and time in their respective lives where they do not believe that change for others is possible; let alone for themselves…throughout the process they eventually come to a point where they realize that change is not only possible, but achievable.”

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI

Assistant Clinical Director

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI is the Assistant Clinical Director at Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic who specializes in the treatment of LGBTQ, addiction, as well as mental health disorders ranging from depression and anxiety, to Bipolar Disorder, trauma, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. Erika utilizes a number of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness amongst others. Erika has been in practice for close to a decade and has earned her license in Mental Health Counseling, as well as being a Master’s Certified Addiction Professional. Erika has worked with many individuals including couples counseling and family therapy, and is fluent in Spanish.
 
Throughout my years of practice, one of the things I enjoy helping people find is inner peace. Whether you are in the deepest parts of depression, overrun by your anxiety, controlled by your addiction, or there are certain issues in your life that are negatively impacting your ability to function, and have a happy, healthy life, maybe now is the time to talk about it. I am a big believer in empowerment, working hard in therapy, and utilizing different techniques to help you regain that inner peace that may have been lost along the way. I want to work with you as a team because with two people, absolutely everything is possible. I want to be there as a therapist, to help build you up, support you, but also help you be honest with yourself and accountable. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, my biggest goal for you is going to be simple….for you to no longer need my services. Why? Because if you no longer need my services, it means that you have regained your peace, you have regained your strength, you have regained your confidence. It means that you now have the tools to address any issues that try to derail you, and best of all, you will have the insight to overcome and thrive. So let’s begin this journey together, and get you to the place you want to be, emotionally, mentally, psychologically, and in your sobriety.

Aurelio Ayuso, MSW, LCSW, CAP, ICADC

Clinical Director

Aurelio has worked with those that suffer from the disease of addiction in adults and juveniles alike for over 10 years, beginning in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 20 years, working with those that were succumbed by addiction due to trauma and continuing his passion for helping those in need locally in Central Florida.

He specializes in both Addictions and Trauma, he has worked first as a therapist then as the clinical supervisor to both the Juvenile and Adult Drug Court programs in Brevard County. Aurelio has been instrumental in developing substance abuse treatment programs directly tailored to help those that also suffer from complex trauma due to their addiction. He has been recognized by several organizations for his forward thinking and ability to tailor treatment to individuals in the most restrictive environments.

Mr. Ayuso received his Graduate Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as Certified Addictions Professional in the State of Florida, and Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. Aurelio specializes in the treatment of Addiction, Trauma, and Abandonment using strength based strategies deeply rooted in Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Therapies. At the Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic he passionately develops holistic curriculums that foster the belief that through addressing the mind, body, and spirit together, the Disease of Addiction can be addressed successfully.

Robert Lehmann, MHSA

Chief Operating Officer

Bob Lehmann is the Chief Operating Officer at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has a Master’s Degree in Human Services Administration with a concentration in Mental Health Administration and over twenty-five years of experience as a senior executive at addiction and mental health treatment facilities.

One of the reasons for his commitment to excellence in addiction treatment was his experience related to family members who suffered from the disease of addiction. Bob has been actively involved in community organizations throughout his career. Recently he was one of the founders of the Florida Addiction Treatment Coalition (FATC) and is its present Vice President. FATC was designed to bring together treatment executives in Florida to advocate on behalf of treatment facilities and the clients they serve adhering to a foundation of integrity and service excellence.

Jose R. Toledo, M.D.

Medical Director

A well-rounded and accomplished individual, Jose R. Toledo, M.D., is the Medical Director of Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a neurologist with 25 years of experience and has been in private practice since 1991 on the Treasure Coast of Florida. He completed his neurology training at the State University of New York and his Fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology.

He also completed 24 months of acute inpatient psychiatry at the Western Missouri Mental Health Center, University of Missouri in Kansas City. In 2008, Dr. Toledo participated in and was certified in the continuing medical education activity entitled “Buprenorphine and Office-Based Treatment of Opioid Dependence” from The Medical University of South Carolina during which began his quest to found and head Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a brain specialist with particular competence in addiction medicine and out-patient detoxification treatment and integrates the fields seamlessly. He is certified to prescribe Buprenorphine (Suboxone). He incorporates his background in neurology into the addiction field. Dr. Toledo is member/fellow of The American Medical Association, The Florida Medical Association and The American Society of Addiction Medicine