Key Takeaways
- Drug medical detox helps people safely stop using drugs and lowers the chance of their relapsing.
- Brain chemistry, withdrawal stress, and psychological cues may all make you want stimulants like meth.
- Because of the hazards and withdrawal requirements that are similar, a benzodiazepine addiction rehab program generally occurs at the same time as stimulant treatment.
- People who get relapse prevention therapy learn how to deal with urges even after detox is over.
- For long-term recovery, treatment, healthy habits, and support networks must be kept up.
Introduction
Stimulants like methamphetamine affect the brain’s reward circuits so much that quitting is seldom as easy as just stepping away. Even when someone quits using meth, they may still want it for weeks, months, or even years. These desires frequently lead to relapse, which is why it’s so important to have a well-thought-out recovery plan.
The first phase is usually a drug medical detox, where doctors keep an eye on patients while they go through withdrawal. Detox makes sure that you are secure and comfortable while also setting the stage for longer-term care. But can detox alone stop cravings? Is there more to becoming better?
This article talks about how detox, therapy, and relapse prevention measures work together to help people with stimulant addiction deal with the physical and mental problems that come with it. It also talks about how programs like benzodiazepine addiction treatment may help people recover from stimulant addiction.
Why Do Stimulants Like Meth Create Such Intense Cravings?
Stimulants, particularly meth, produce a lot of dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter that makes you feel good and gives you rewards. Over time, the brain changes by making less dopamine on its own. This implies that individuals frequently feel sad, tired, and uninspired when they don’t have meth.
The brain tries to get that fake dopamine rush again, which makes you want things. Stress, triggers, and memories of drug usage may easily bring back the need, even after a long time of being clean.
What Part Does Drug Medical Detox Play in Getting Better?
A drug medical detox is typically the safest method to start getting well. Patients get the following during detox:
- Medical monitoring around the clock to avoid problems.
- Medications that help with symptoms, including anxiety, sleeplessness, and restlessness.
- Support for your emotions throughout withdrawal, when cravings might be at their worst.
As the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) explains, detox is a stabilization step, not a cure. It clears the body of substances and reduces immediate risks, but ongoing treatment must address psychological cravings and behavioral issues to prevent relapse.
Can Detox Alone Prevent Cravings from Returning?
The simple answer is no. Cravings are not merely bodily; they are also quite mental. Detox is mostly about dealing with the acute withdrawal risks. If you don’t get follow-up treatment, your cravings are likely to come back and cause you to relapse.
That’s why detox has to be followed by structured programs, like inpatient or outpatient care. Here, the next step is relapse prevention therapy.
What Is the Purpose of Relapse Prevention Treatment?
People who are getting therapy to stop using drugs learn how to spot and deal with triggers before they start using again. This method includes:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Changing the way you think about urges.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Helping individuals discover the inner strength to resist impulses.
- Mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress.
- The HALT method: Knowing when you’re weak because you’re hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
People who use these strategies are better equipped to deal with the problems that come with rehabilitation.
How Can Benzodiazepine Rehab Programs Help People Who Are Trying to Go Off Stimulants?
Many people who abuse meth also abuse other drugs, such as benzodiazepines. Stimulants speed up brain activity, whereas benzodiazepines calm it down. This may lead to dangerous cycles of dependency. If someone is using more than one drug, a benzodiazepine addiction rehab program may work with a stimulant-focused treatment program. These programs deal with:
- Cross-dependence: When one substance is taken to cancel out the effects of another.
- Dual withdrawal risks: Benzodiazepine withdrawal may be deadly.
- Integrated care: Taking care of both stimulant cravings and sedative dependency at the same time.
This two-pronged method makes sure that rehabilitation isn’t broken up, which gives people a better chance of long-term sobriety.
What Are the Best Therapies to Use After Detox?
Medications for stimulant withdrawal are still being studied, with limited but growing evidence for pharmacological options (McGregor et al., 2019). Some standard evidence-based methods are:
- CBT and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Changing the way you think about things that are bad for you.
- Trauma-informed care: Dealing with prior events that lead to drug use.
- Group therapy: Getting help from others to feel less alone.
- Family Counseling: Repairing relationships and building support systems.
These treatments are essential for lowering cravings since untreated mental health conditions are one of the best predictors of relapse.
How May Changing Your Lifestyle Help You Want Meth Less?
Getting well isn’t only about therapy; it’s also about creating a life that makes you less likely to want to go back to meth. Some strategies are:
- A healthy diet and regular exercise can help naturally raise dopamine levels.
- Consistent sleep patterns help control mood and reduce stress.
- New hobbies and interests to bring joy and meaning without drugs.
- Accountability systems: meeting regularly with mentors, sponsors, or peer groups.
These practical measures are often reinforced during relapse prevention treatment, making recovery sustainable.
Is It Really Possible to Get Over a Meth Addiction?
Yes, but you need to be committed and seek help regularly. You may never completely get rid of your desires for meth, but you may learn how to deal with them. Medical detox is only the first step. Therapy, relapse prevention measures, and, in certain situations, programs like a benzodiazepine addiction treatment program to deal with co-occurring addictions are all necessary for lasting recovery.
Conclusion
Drug medical detox is necessary for safe withdrawal, but it doesn’t stop urges. Detox gives you stability, but to be free for good, you need to stop relapsing, go to therapy, and make lifestyle changes that heal both your body and mind. When someone is addicted to sedatives and stimulants, a benzodiazepine addiction treatment program may help them fully recover.
It’s time to act if you or someone you care about is addicted to stimulants. Virtue Recovery Center, Killeen, has detox and aftercare programs that are tailored to each person’s needs and treat all levels of addiction. Call 866-843-0545 today to start your recovery.
FAQs
Does medical detox permanently remove cravings for meth?
No. Detox gets rid of the substance in the body, but it doesn’t get rid of cravings. Ongoing therapy and relapse prevention are crucial.
What drugs are given during medical detox?
Providers may give patients sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, or antidepressants to help with withdrawal symptoms.
Why is relapse prevention therapy so important?
It gives patients the skills they need to handle stress, cravings, and triggers without returning to drug use.
What makes a rehab program for benzodiazepine addiction different from one for meth?
Benzo rehab focuses on safely tapering off and preventing seizures, whereas meth treatment focuses on controlling cravings and repairing brain chemistry.
Can outpatient care assist after detox?
Yes. Outpatient treatment offers continued therapy and support, allowing patients to return home and rebuild their lives.
Resources:
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. “Overview, Essential Concepts, and Definitions in Detoxification.” Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment (TIP 45). U.S. National Library of Medicine. 2006. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64119/.
- Wang, Grace, et al. “Effects of Length of Abstinence on Decision-Making and Craving in Methamphetamine Abusers.” PLoS ONE, 2013, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3722210/.
- McGregor, C., et al. “Pharmacological Treatment for Methamphetamine Withdrawal.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019, U.S. National Library of Medicine,
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10083934/.
- About the Author
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Gigi Price holds licenses as a Master Social Worker and Clinical Drug Counselor. She completed her master’s degree in Social Work at Texas State University. Over the last decade, Gigi has been dedicated to utilizing evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and treatment planning, resulting in positive, long-term outcomes for patients and their families. Her passion lies in creating a treatment environment where professionals collaborate to bring about positive change and provide a safe, trustworthy therapeutic experience. Patients can be confident in receiving top-quality care under her leadership.
In her role as the Clinical Director of Virtue Recovery Houston, Gigi conducted research to identify the most effective approaches for treating patients with acute mental health diagnoses, PTSD, and Substance Use Disorder. She then assembled a team of skilled clinicians who could offer various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
(DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Gigi takes pride in overseeing the development and implementation of Virtue Houston’s Treatment Program, which includes two specialized therapeutic curricula tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and PTSD.
