Meth Detox: How to Flush Methamphetamine Out of Your Body Safely
Jordyn Mastrodomenico is a counselor in New Jersey. She evaluates patients using many different procedures, in order to determine what treatments must be carried out in order to properly assess their symptoms. Counselors provide consultation for each patient and their families.
Methamphetamine, also commonly referred to as meth, is a commonly abused stimulant. You might have heard it by the name of ice, crank, Pookie, etc. It is a very addictive substance with serious side effects. People assume that ice is probably not as harmful as other drugs available on the streets. In reality, it is an extremely potent drug, with harmful implications on the brain as well as the body. It has severe long-term implications, like developing paranoia, and increased risk of stroke, death, etc. However, if you want to stop using this drug, there are safe ways to flush it out of your system.
Understanding Meth Detox
Meth detox means getting meth out of the system with the help of abstinence. There are two ways of abstaining: one includes quitting abruptly without the help of a medical supervisor. The other includes undergoing detox under constant medical attention. Detox can be physically and mentally challenging. It is especially difficult for those taking large amounts for a long time. The withdrawal from meth can be very intense.
Safe Ways to Detox
Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes when it comes to detoxing from meth. The body takes its time to metabolize it completely. However, some tips may help flush it out slightly quickly.
Seek Medical Help
The best way to undergo detox is by getting professional help so that any medical issue that arises can be handled in time. The doctors administer medications to help with certain issues like body aches, insomnia, etc. Some people may get hallucinations as well during the process, which is why it is essential to have a physician monitor you. Even though no medications are available for stimulant abuse, some medications may be administered for other issues.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking a lot of water may help flush out meth and other toxins from the body. Most drugs are responsible for dehydrating the body, which is why it is important to drink water to replenish your body. It can also ease some withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
Eat Nutritious Foods
People with substance use disorder are likely to put their diet as the last priority. This can deplete the body of important nutrition. A nutritious diet can help restore your body’s strength and improve your overall well-being during detox. You can focus on balanced foods to do so. Protein, carbs, etc, can boost your immune system and help you recover faster.
Get Plenty of Rest
If you feel fatigued, it is important to understand that your body needs rest to heal. So, during meth recovery and detox, sleeping and other such activities should be your top priority. Rest and sleep are essential to allow your body to recover and rebuild.
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins that are essential for improving the mood. If you feel too fatigued, it is good to engage in some light exercise. Gentle activities like walking or stretching can help relieve some withdrawal symptoms and improve your mental health. Avoid heavy workouts during detox, as your body may still be weak.
Surround Yourself with Support
Recovery time can be challenging, especially without a support system. Going through meth detox without a support system is not only difficult but also emotionally tiring. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, family, or joining a support group can make a huge difference. If that is not feasible, many people try counseling and find talk therapies as a good source of working through emotions.
Avoid Triggers
One of the benefits of getting professional meth detox in rehab settings is not having to face triggers. If you are doing it in outpatient settings, make sure that you avoid certain triggers that can harm your recovery in any way. This may include places, people, or even circumstances.
How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?
To understand how to flush meth out of your system, it is important to understand the length of meth’s stay in the body. There are several factors that this depends on. These include:
- The amount of meth use
- The frequency of meth use
- A person’s metabolism
- Weight
- Age
- Overall wellbeing
If someone uses meth very frequently and takes large doses, meth is likely to take a relatively longer time to leave the body. Moreover, individual factors like metabolism and age also determine the stay of meth in the system. Generally, the duration of stay in the body is:
For urine, meth will show up on a drug test for up to 3 to 7 days. Blood can retain meth’s presence for 1 to 3 days, while saliva for 1 to 4 days. Hair, on the other hand, has the longest meth presence, which is up to 90 days.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person is taking drugs like meth, their presence becomes the new normal for the body. Without drugs, withdrawal starts appearing. Meth can exhibit the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Meth is a stimulant, and stopping it can lead to extreme tiredness because the brain starts depending on meth to get stimulated enough to work.
- Most people during meth detox will experience depression, anxiety, and other such emotional symptoms.
- Withdrawal also involves feeling extreme cravings for meth. They are mostly the cause of relapse and can be prevented.
- Meth withdrawal may present with troubled sleep patterns. It can either be insomnia or having vivid unsettling dreams.
- People also report having changes in appetite during withdrawal. Some people will experience increased appetite while others may not eat well.
- Meth makes it difficult to concentrate on one thing. So people in withdrawal may also experience cognitive issues during the initial stages of withdrawal.
Because these symptoms can be overwhelming, attempting meth detox alone can be risky. A medically supervised detox is recommended for your safety and comfort.
The Importance of Aftercare
Detoxing from meth is just the first step in the recovery process. After detox, ongoing treatment is essential to prevent relapse and support long-term sobriety. Aftercare options include:
- Individual or group therapy can help you work through the emotional and psychological reasons behind meth use.
- Programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer peer support and can help you stay motivated during recovery.
- Depending on your needs, continuing treatment at a rehab facility can help you learn coping skills and strategies to avoid relapse.
Meth detox can be a challenging but necessary process to begin the journey toward recovery. While there’s no quick way to flush meth out of your body, staying hydrated, eating healthy, and seeking medical support can make detox safer and more comfortable. If you or someone you know is struggling with meth addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Detox is the first step, and with the right support, recovery is possible.