Crystal meth abuse has surged in Ohio in the last few years, with psychostimulants appearing in roughly 28% of the state's fatal overdoses. The danger has become even more acute because dealers often mix meth with deadly fentanyl without users knowing.
If you want to stop using crystal meth, withdrawal can make it really tough to quit on your own, and if you relapse, the chances of overdose are incredibly high. At Armada Recovery, we will help you through crystal meth detox safely, provide mental health support for the psychological withdrawal, and get you ready to move into the next phases of treatment.
Key Takeaways
What is crystal meth detox?
Crystal meth detox is the period after you stop using meth, when your body and brain begin to recover from being pushed too hard for too long. Meth does not usually cause severe physical withdrawal, but stopping can still be extremely difficult. Many people experience a sudden mental and emotional crash that can last for weeks.
A medical crystal meth detox at Armada Recovery gives you psychiatric support and a safe place to be during the worst of withdrawal. Our team will provide:
- A full medical and psychiatric assessment on arrival
- Medications to help with other meth withdrawal symptoms you are dealing with
- Mental health support from therapists who understand meth withdrawal
- A safe, drug-free environment where you can focus on getting through this
- A direct path into Armada Recovery's ongoing crystal meth treatment
Why is crystal meth detox important?
Meth withdrawal is mostly mental rather than physical, but that doesn't make it safe to quit alone. The biggest danger comes after relapse. When you go back to using meth after even a short break, you might take the same amount you were using before, but your tolerance has already started dropping. Add to that the fact that street meth is increasingly mixed with fentanyl, and a relapse can easily become an overdose. Many people who survive one quit attempt don't survive the second or third.
There is also the risk during withdrawal itself. The mental crash can be severe enough to trigger serious depression, paranoia, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm. Without someone watching you and intervening when needed, these symptoms can quickly become life-threatening.
Armada Recovery’s crystal meth detox program can keep you safe from both potential dangers. Our care team will get you through the riskiest window and set you up to begin therapy.
What crystal meth withdrawal symptoms can I expect?
Crystal meth withdrawal affects your mind more than your body, but your symptoms will be different based on your usage patterns and health. However, most people going through crystal meth withdrawal experience a combination of:
- Extreme fatigue
- Crushing depression
- Intense crystal meth cravings
- Sleeping non-stop, or struggling to sleep at all
- Increased appetite
- Anxiety and agitation
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Frightening paranoia
- Psychosis and hallucinations
If you do experience psychosis during withdrawal, it is often temporary and treatable. Our team has medications and experience to keep you safe until the episode passes.
How long does crystal meth withdrawal take?
Crystal meth withdrawal starts within hours of your last use, but the psychological symptoms often drag on much longer than you'd expect. A general crystal meth detox timeline usually looks something like this:
First 24-48 hours
The crash hits fast, and you will likely feel completely exhausted and sleep for unusually long stretches, sometimes 12-16 hours at a time. When you wake up, you'll probably feel depressed and foggy with strong cravings.
Days 3-7
Depression is usually worst during this stretch, and cravings are at their most intense. You may feel completely flat, like nothing matters or can bring you any happiness. If psychosis is going to appear, it may be during this window, which is why having psychiatric staff watching over you is crucial.
Week 2 and beyond
The crushing fatigue usually starts lifting after the first week, but depression, mood swings, anxiety, and cravings can persist. You may also find it hard to sleep for a month or so. It is these persistent symptoms that cause many people to relapse after getting through the worst phase, as they expect to feel better but don't.
At Armada Recovery, we support you through both the initial crash and the longer recovery period. Our detox team can change your medications as needed and get you ready to start therapy once you're ready.
What happens after crystal meth detox?
Whatever drove you to meth doesn’t disappear when withdrawal symptoms subside, and that’s why detox on its own rarely holds. Without tackling those underlying issues, lasting recovery becomes nearly impossible.
At Armada Recovery, detox is followed immediately by rehab treatment through our outpatient program or intensive outpatient program. You'll come in for therapy sessions regularly while living at home and managing your daily life. Crystal meth rehab focuses on individual therapy, group sessions, and relapse prevention, all aimed at helping you understand your addiction and reshape your life around something other than meth.
After completing the main program, you still have access to ongoing help. You can stay connected through aftercare and our alumni community, or step into partial hospitalization if you need more support early on. Whatever you and your treatment team decide, you won't leave us without backup.
Begin crystal meth detox today with Armada Recovery
At Armada Recovery, we know the thought of stopping meth can feel impossible right now. Withdrawal can be a lot to face, but we have guided many people through crystal meth detox successfully. They once felt exactly the way you do now, but made it through to the other side.
If you want to know more about crystal meth detox, or you're ready to get started, please contact us today. We will answer your questions honestly and help you take that first step toward a life that doesn't revolve around meth.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHIOGOVERNOR/2024/10/30/file_attachments/3052169/2023+Unintentional+Drug+Overdose+Annual+Report_FINAL.pdf