How to Stop Using Meth and Stay Clean
Learn about how to stop using meth and save your life
Anyone trying to figure out how to stop using meth will already have seen the scary statistics and horror stories about how difficult it can be. For example, one study (1) reported that methamphetamine users had an 88% relapse rate, indicating that only a few users within that study were successful in getting off meth without returning to self-destructive patterns of abuse.
However, with the right crystal meth recovery program, it's possible learn effective ways for how to stop using meth and stay clean for good.
Knowing What to Expect When Getting Off Meth
Methamphetamine doesn't cause the same type of physical dependency as other types of addictive drugs. As a result, detoxing from meth won't cause some of the more severe physical symptoms people expect when withdrawing from heroin or from alcohol.
However, quitting meth use can cause extreme psychological withdrawal symptoms that many people totally underestimate. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Intense craving
- Extreme fatigue
- Excessive sleeping
- Increased appetite
- Anxiety and agitation
- Vivid dreams and nightmares
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating
- Paranoia
- Delusional thoughts and behaviors
- Psychosis
- Profound depression
- Suicidal thoughts and tendencies
When usage first stops, it's likely the recovering person will do very little other than sleep and eat. The brain and the body go into healing overdrive in an effort to recover some of the resources burned up while the person was still using meth.
It's also common for many users thinking about getting off meth to underestimate the 'crash' that follows a crystal meth binge. As the effects of the drug wear off, the user sinks down into a deep depression filled with hopelessness and overwhelming sadness. As bad as the emotional symptoms are, it's important to remember that they don't last. Those dark thoughts and feelings aren't your own and they certainly aren't permanent.
How Long Does Meth Withdrawal Last?
The symptoms of meth withdrawal can begin as soon as a few hours after your last dose and usually last between one and two weeks. In severe cases, symptoms can extend for more than a month.
The actual length of time withdrawal symptoms last will depend on a range of factors. These include how long the person was using, the dosage being taken, and whether the person has any co-occurring mental health disorders that have been undiagnosed or improperly treated.
Improving Your Chances of Crystal Meth Recovery
Many users think getting through the detox process is all they need to do in order to quit using meth. However, detox only rids the effects of the drug from the system. Detox does nothing to address the psychological triggers behind self-destructive patterns of use.
If you're serious about learning how to stop using meth, it's important to seek professional treatment at an addiction rehab facility. Crystal meth recovery is dependent on learning strong, healthy ways to prevent relapsing, or going back to former using habits and behaviors.
Rehab treatment centers offer a range of different therapies and treatments that can help recovering meth addicts learn positive ways to avoid picking up and using again. Therapy also helps recovering people identify their own addiction triggers, including people, places, or situations associated with drug use.
When high-risk situations are recognized, the person is able to put newly-learned recovery skills into action and avoid returning to meth use, which could be the key to staying clean for good.