Crystal meth is a drug that wreaks havoc on users. As with any substance abuse addiction, pain and loss can occur due to the addiction, such as relationships, money, jobs, and more. One can also fall into a deep depression or struggle with other negative emotions like anger, resentment, guilt, and so on.
If you’re thinking about quitting meth, you may be experiencing some anxiety because you’re not sure what you might encounter as you do so. It can be difficult for addicts to stop using drugs, but there is plenty of help available via detox and rehab centers, as well as substance abuse professionals and 12 Step groups. It also helps to understand what you might go through mentally and physically.
If you want to quit meth, here are some things you can expect to encounter as you do:
Psychological Withdrawal
You’re bound to go through withdrawal symptoms once you quit meth and the psychological ones will most likely be the most intense depending on how much meth you were using. Once you’ve stopped using meth, the toxic substances take approximately two days to pass through your system. During this time you will mentally crave the drug more than you’d like to. Meth tends to raise the dopamine levels in your brain, which makes you experience euphoria, but at the same time, it destroys dopamine receptors. When you stop taking meth, you could very well experience major depression and perhaps anhedonia, which is a condition in which you cannot experience any pleasurable feelings at all. You may also suffer from anxiety, nightmares, suicidal thoughts, and psychosis.
Physical Withdrawal
The physical withdrawal when stopping meth is not quite as terrible as many other drugs, but you will most likely experience some. You may feel anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, sleep disruptions, and feel extra hungry.
Meth Treatment
Substance abuse professionals state that a great way to come off meth is to enter a detox center, as there is adequate support available as you go through the withdrawal symptoms. Most detox centers also offer some medical treatment to help you get through the withdrawal symptoms. Once your body is free from the meth toxins, it is advised that you enter a rehab center to continue with your recovery. There you can receive individual and group counseling, attend classes that teach you about addiction and recovery, and learn how you can cope with life issues without the use of drugs.
If you cannot attend an inpatient rehab due to work or family obligations, there are intensive outpatient rehabs that allow you to come for counseling sessions on your off time. You can also attend a 12 Step program that will provide you with ample meetings to attend to support and encourage you in your recovery and meet other recovering addicts. There is a 12 Step substance abuse program called Crystal Meth Anonymous that you can look into as well as Narcotics Anonymous.
