Methamphetamine is a white crystalline substance that people take by means of snorting, smoking or injecting. For users, the drug creates a rush of pleasure, happiness and well-being, which is what makes it highly addictive and causes people to crave it. The “high” from meth lasts for about 6 to 8 hours or more, giving users a sense of expansive confidence and energy. But like other dangerous and highly-addictive drugs, meth invariably ends up destroying the lives of both its users and their loved ones.
If you are addicted to meth and want to get clean, this article will provide you with some helpful information to overcome your addiction in our outpatient drug addiction rehab in Denver. We’ll explore the best approaches to weaning yourself off it, how we’ll support you, and well as what to expect during the withdrawal process. Know that outpatient rehab in Denver is available and that you do not have to go through this process alone!
What is Methamphetamine? Why Do People Get Addicted to It?
Methamphetamine is an illegal drug in the same class as cocaine and other street drugs. It goes by many different names such as meth, chalk, speed or crank. Unlike cocaine and marijuana that come from plants, meth is a synthetic (man-made) drug. It primarily comes from meth labs here in the U.S. and Mexico as they mix various forms of amphetamines and derivatives to boost its potency.
Meth is a highly addictive drug, and it often takes just one dose to get hooked. It’s also an attractive drug because it provides users with seemingly endless energy. Unfortunately, this is all an illusion. Eventually, meth destroys the body, leading to severe neurochemical disruptions, psychotic behavior, heart problems and brain damage. And that’s just the beginning.
Is it Possible to Quit Using Meth?
Yes, it is possible to stop using meth, though don’t expect the road to be an easy one. Usually, people are more willing to quit meth once they have suffered enough negative consequences. If you are reading this for someone else, make sure that you are not enabling their behavior. This will only allow the addiction to go on longer than it has to.
The difficulty and length of the recovery process depends on a number of factors, such as how long you have used the drug, how often you use the drug and if you have tried to quit before. While stopping meth can seem overwhelming, it is possible if you take things one step at a time.
Recover from the Disease of Addiction & Reclaim Your Best Life
What are the Best Ways to Quit Meth?
For the safest and most successful withdrawal process, we recommend seeking professional help. Our Denver outpatient treatment center specializes in giving you the tools and resources to assist with this process.
Continuum Recovery Center of Colorado is an intensive outpatient drug rehab program in Denver, and we feature addiction one-on-one and group counseling to help give you the opportunity to explore your motivations for abusing meth, discover new coping techniques and practice essential life skills.
During your time at our facility, you can also work through your deeper internal struggles such as traumatic experiences, childhood abuse or chronic mental illness. Additionally, we have holistic healing therapies to strengthen your recovery, including art therapy, music therapy, fitness coaching, acupuncture and yoga.
Additional tools to support your meth recovery are:
- 12-step programs
- Group counseling
- Family education and therapy
- Co-occurring disorder treatment
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Re-entry and job programs
What are the Five Stages of Meth Recovery?
No matter how you choose to start your recovery journey, you can expect a predictable set of symptoms. Symptoms occur a few hours to a few days from the last dose.
Fortunately, withdrawal symptoms from meth gradually wear off as your body becomes less dependent on the drug. Here are the five stages of recovery:
- Withdrawal Stage (days 0-15). In this stage, you’ll probably experience fatigue, disorientation, depression, shaking and heart palpitations. Withdrawal is unpleasant, but not generally considered dangerous or life-threatening.
- Honeymoon Stage (days 16-45). After withdrawal ends, your body starts to recover. You’ll notice that cravings fade and energy and optimism increase. Be sure to put this energy towards your counseling, as your meth problem is not over.
- The Wall (days 46-120). During this stage, you’re at a higher risk for relapse. The emotional side effects run high during this time, often leaving people feeling irritable, depressed and unhappy. Be prepared to increase counseling and 12-step participation at this time.
- Adjustment Stage (days 121-180). After the previous stage, you’ll begin to adjust to your new lifestyle and feel more accomplished. As long as you stick to your aftercare plan, your risk for relapse should reduce.
- Resolution Stage (days 181+). At six months of sobriety, you should feel more confident in your recovery. Sobriety is an ongoing journey, so it’s important to continue with a healthy lifestyle, relapse prevention strategies and stress reduction techniques.
How Can Continuum Recovery Center of Colorado Help My Meth Addiction?
Continuum Recovery Center of Colorado is well-equipped to support your recovery from meth addiction. We have tools and resources to help you through this process. Depending on the duration and severity of your addiction, we’ll recommend one of our recovery programs – comprehensive day treatment (PHP), intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) and outpatient treatment (OP).
All of our rehab programs are flexible, adaptable and comprehensive. You can continue with much of your normal routine while receiving structured, personalized care. We hold our clients accountable, so expect to be responsible for attending counseling, 12-step support groups and more. Even with this regimen, we find that our clients enjoy the flexibility that outpatient rehab in Denver offers.
Meth Addiction Treatment in Denver, CO
If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction, please contact Continuum Recovery Center of Colorado today. We’re committed to helping you recover from this highly addictive drug in a safe, compassionate, supportive and structured environment.
