Meth is a powerful and popular stimulant drug. Some may take meth to self-medicate for undiagnosed mood disorders or self-soothe unprocessed trauma and prolonged stress. In the LGBTQ community, meth is especially popular among gay men. Like other addictive substances, quitting meth cold turkey can be dangerous. A meth addiction treatment program is the safest, most effective, and least painful way to detox and recover from methamphetamines.
If you or someone in your life is trying to quit crystal meth or methamphetamines, don’t quit cold turkey. Call La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center today. Our inpatient and outpatient programs help the LGBTQ community across Southern California recover. Call us now at 888.903.9898 to learn more about our meth detox and treatment programs.
Understanding the Signs of Meth Withdrawal and Addiction
In its more concentrated crystallized form, methamphetamine powder is called “crystal meth.” Both types of meth give people a fast and powerful high by releasing dopamine. This speeds up the brain and body’s processing, elevating heart rate, breathing, metabolism, and other bodily functions. Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical that gives us feelings like joy, pleasure, and mental focus. Dopamine also causes a “dopamine reward effect.” The more dopamine someone receives, the more dopamine they will want. While the brain produces dopamine every day, meth provides an enormous rush of dopamine, making meth highly addictive.
The first sign of meth addiction is withdrawal. Withdrawal differs from the “come down” effect someone experiences when meth leaves their system. Come down happens about 12 hours after someone smokes, injects, or ingests meth. Withdrawal occurs when the brain stops making its own dopamine and relies on meth for other chemical processes. During this stage, the brain thinks it cannot live without more meth. Signs of meth addiction include:
- Paranoia
- Drug cravings
- Confusion
- Carb cravings
- Difficulty staying awake
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep
- Fatigue
For those who use meth to self-medicate for mental health, withdrawal can worsen mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. A treatment program can provide dual diagnosis to help people regain mental health and recovery from addiction at the same time.
The Dangers of Quitting Crystal Meth Cold Turkey
During withdrawal, willpower is not enough to stop someone from using more meth or other drugs. That’s why quitting cold turkey can be harmful. Someone can become a danger to themselves or others. Medical detox and psychiatric treatment are the best way to mitigate withdrawal and understand addiction triggers. Meth detox can be impossible without help, especially for those with easy access to meth and other drugs, because withdrawal symptoms will push them to use simply to stop the pain and discomfort. Quitting cold turkey can lead to relapse, overdose, and other drug use. When a person experiences a meth overdose, they become incapacitated and cannot seek medical attention. Overdose is the leading cause of meth-related deaths.
Find the Right Meth Addiction Treatment Center in Southern California
If you or someone you love is struggling with meth, don’t wait; call us today. The team at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center is here for you. Our cutting-edge LGBTQ clinic provides intimate inpatient and outpatient treatment for the greater community. With a range of treatment programs, La Fuente prides itself on comprehensive dual diagnosis and addiction recovery care for the local LGBTQ community. Our programs combine alternative and evidence-based therapies for a holistic approach. With inpatient, outpatient, and sober living, let the team at La Fuente help you get your life back on track.
Begin Meth Detox and Recovery at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center Today
Don’t attempt to quit meth cold turkey. Call us now at 888.903.9898 to learn how La Fuente Hollywood can help you recover.