Methamphetamine detoxification is sometimes very difficult. The side effects of meth use are profound and usually worsen with the onset of sleep deprivation. Continuous meth use increases the likelihood of experiencing insomnia which increases the likelihood of experiencing paranoia and hallucinosis.
When a methamphetamine addict arrives at the Detox Center we have to make a quick assessment to see if they are having difficulty discerning reality. Often times if a meth user has been up for days which can lead to hallucinations and extreme paranoia. This is the definition of a psychosis meth detox.
Crystal meth users in the early stages of meth addiction generally have lower toxicity levels and can usually detoxify with normal protocol.
The first treatment in meth detox systems is the rehydration system. Rehydration system includes specific electrolyte replenishment techniques. Rehydration helps the central nervous system recover and work as it should.
Another anomaly with meth users is the ability to go days on end without ingesting a single calorie. Meth induced anorexia causes extreme malnutrition. We use a low residue diet along with a series of vitamins and mineral systems to help our clients regain a nutrient stable state.
The half-life for methamphetamine is longer than most illicit narcotics and that means that the emotional ups and downs are more extreme and last longer than most illicit narcotic withdrawals.
The riskiest time in detox for a meth addict is around day 7. That’s when the last molecule of meth is leaving the body and the brain sets off many signals to re-up the supply of methamphetamine. This is when a meth addict’s fight and flight mechanism gets activated. This is usually followed by heightened anxiety and bursts of anger. It helps immensely if the meth user is in detox during days 7 thru 10 to help overcome fight and flight mechanisms as well as obsessive thoughts and drug cravings. |
