Meth Detox Programs in Arkansas

What Is Meth Detox?

Meth detox is a professionally managed program that helps people get through methamphetamine withdrawal safely and with less discomfort. 

Meth is an extremely powerful and highly addictive stimulant. When a person uses the drug, it triggers dramatic increases in several neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), including:

• Serotonin, which plays a role in functions such as mood, learning, memory
• Dopamine, which is sometimes referred to as the “feel-good” hormone due to its involvement with mood, reward, motivation, and arousal
• Norepinephrine, which influences heart rate, focus, attention, and energy

If a person uses meth for an extended period, their body will eventually begin to rely on the drug to maintain appropriate levels of these chemicals. If the individual then abruptly quits using meth, their body will be temporarily incapable of performing this function, which can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms.

As we will discuss in the next section, the severity of meth withdrawal symptoms can make it extremely difficult for a person to stop using the drug once they’ve become dependent on it. For people who have been affected in this way, meth detox can be a vital resource.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms 

The type, intensity, and duration of a person’s meth withdrawal symptoms be influenced by several factors, including:

• How much meth they have been using
• How long they’ve been using meth
• If they have also been using or become addicted to other substances
• If they have gone through withdrawal before
• If they have any co-occurring medical or mental health concerns

Depending on these and other relevant matters, someone who is going through meth withdrawal may deal with physical symptoms such as:

• Powerful cravings for meth
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Persistent lack of energy
• Abnormal sleep patterns (including insomnia and hypersomnia)
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fever and chills
• Dehydration
• Appetite changes

Meth withdrawal can also cause a range of psychological and cognitive effects, such as:

• Brain fog (difficulty with focus, concentration, and memory)
• Mood swings
• Vivid, disturbing nightmares
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure or joy)
• Despair and hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts

How Long Does Meth Detox Take?

The time it takes to complete meth detox can vary considerably from one person to another. 

For someone who experiences limited, mild symptoms the entire process may be over within a week. For someone who has severe, protracted symptoms, it can take up to a month. 

After detox, it’s important to continue with a meth rehab program for long-term recovery.

Meth Withdrawal Timeline

The meth withdrawal timeline can consist of two phases, acute and subacute.

The acute phase is characterized by the onset, intensification, and eventual easing of most symptoms:

• Once you stop using meth, you can expect to start experiencing withdrawal symptoms within 24-48 hours.
• These symptoms will likely become more severe over the next day or two.
• Once symptoms have peaked, they will begin to slowly subside. It may take seven to 10 days before they’re completely gone.

The subacute phase, which is also sometimes referred to as the protracted phase, involves the lingering presence of symptoms from the acute phase. 

Not everyone goes through protracted withdrawal – but among those who do, it often takes and other two or three weeks before symptoms fully dissipate.

What to Expect at Our Meth Detox in Arkansas

Each patient has a unique experience at our meth detox in Arkansas, but everyone can expect to benefit from certain fundamental features, such as:

• Before you enter treatment, you’ll complete a thorough intake assessment. The information that’s gathered during this assessment will guide the development of your personalized treatment plan.
• Throughout your time in our detox program, you will be in a safe and closely supervised environment. You won’t have access to meth or other addictive drugs, which eliminates your risk of immediate relapse.
• You will be cared for by a team of experienced professionals who are familiar with all aspects of the meth withdrawal process. They can safeguard your health, help you manage any discomfort, and answer any questions you have.
• Depending on the type and severity of your withdrawal symptoms, you may receive medical and/or therapeutic support.
• Before you complete meth detox, we will discuss follow-on treatment options with you and recommend the programs that best align with your needs and goals.

Can I Detox From Meth on My Own?

It’s possible to get through meth withdrawal on your own, but it can also be dangerous for many reasons.

First, when you’re at home, you will likely be able to easily access meth. So when your cravings intensify and your symptoms become more severe, it will be very easy for you to ease your distress by returning to active meth use.

Failing to get through withdrawal can be a source of shame and frustration, which can threaten to exacerbate your meth use and delay future efforts to finally stop using the drug.

Also, certain meth withdrawal symptoms can be quite harmful to your health, with some potentially putting your life in danger. For example, if you are alone and become severely dehydrated, or start to have thoughts of suicide, the results can be catastrophic.

When you instead choose to begin treatment in a meth detox program, you can avoid these problems. In a closely supervised detox environment, your risk of immediate relapse will be virtually nonexistent, and your treatment team can immediately intervene if you begin to experience any life-threatening medical or mental health concerns.

Does Insurance Cover Meth Detox in Arkansas?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was passed in 2010, defines addiction treatment as an essential benefit. So, most major insurers are required to cover meth detox. However, the extent of your meth detox coverage will depend on the specifics that are spelled out in your insurance policy. 

With your permission, a member of the Time Wellness Detox team can work directly with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and identify the scope and limitations of your benefits.