What is a Meth Crash?

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meth crash

Come Down From Meth

The “meth crash” or comedown happens when someone under the influence of meth goes into withdrawals. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of meth.

Methamphetamine is an illicit substance that causes the functions of the central nervous system to speed up. People use this drug recreationally for its stimulant effects, but too often have no regard for the comedown or meth crash. As the drug wears off, the crash ensues. This involves both physical and psychological adverse effects, as the body attempts to stabilize.

About Meth

Meth is a drug made of amphetamine plus a variety of flammable household ingredients. These products are added to create the desired altered state of reality. Meth is also referred to as crystal meth, speed, crystal, ice, and crank. The drug is taken in various ways, such as being injected, smoked, snorted, or taken in pill form.

It is a potent stimulant that can cause profound damage to the brain. Even after a single use, the brain becomes flooded with dopamine, which affects the reward pathways. With ongoing use, the brain begins to depend on the drug to provide the dopamine rush.

Effects of Meth

The early side effects of meth include increased energy, extreme euphoria, alertness, and a sense of wellbeing. It also causes side effects, including:

  • Hyperactivity, mania.
  • Tremors
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite and weight loss.
  • Diarrhea
  • Insomnia
  • Meth Eyes

The drug’s effects come on quickly and fade fairly fast, leading to continued abuse and eventually addiction.

Long-term health effects  use can be quite severe. Long-term effects might include:

  • Permanent brain damage.
  • Severe tooth decay.
  • Psychosis
  • Skin infections.
  • Cognitive decline.
  • Increased risk for HIV or hepatitis.

Signs of Meth Addiction

Meth addiction can come on fast and be devastating to a person, affecting all areas of life. Here are the signs of addiction:

  • Skin sores. Obsessive itching is caused by the mistaken belief that there are bugs crawling on or under the skin.
  • Severe tooth decay. Tooth decay is known as “meth mouth” is caused by excessive dry mouth and neglect of dental hygiene. Jaw clenching, a common sign of meth use, can also harm the teeth.
  • Droopy skin. The skin appears loose or droopy. There may also be facial sores and an odor on the skin.
  • Loss of appetite. As a stimulant, it causes a decrease in appetite and weight loss.
  • Paranoia. Long-term use can lead to psychosis, including paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions.
  • High-risk behaviors. Risky or daring behaviors are common among meth addicts.
  • Hyperactivity. Rapid speech, hyper behaviors, nervousness, euphoria, increased sex drive, rapid eye movements, and jerky motions.
  • Insomnia. Meth addicts can go days without needing sleep. As a result, they appear gaunt and irritable.
  • Mood swings. While under the influence of meth, a person may be in a manic mood state. When they experience the meth crash, though, they may become depressed.
  • DUI. The individual may be arrested for driving under the influence of meth.
  • Loss of child custody rights. Child neglect, abuse, or being unable to fulfill parenting obligations may lead to loss of parental rights.
  • Arrest. The person may be charged with crimes like a violent assault, domestic violence, or theft.

What is the Meth Crash?

When someone becomes dependent or addicted to meth, their brain needs the substance to avoid feeling sick. When the drug is not available or is withheld, the person will go through a comedown or “meth crash.” This is also what is experienced when someone goes into detox and cycles through meth withdrawal symptoms.

3 Stages of Meth Comedown

The stages of a meth crash begin about 12-24 hours after the last dose of meth. The process involves these three stages:

Stage One. The first stage involves intense fatigue and lethargy, mood swings, and disruptions in eating and sleeping habits. This stage lasts about a day.

Stage Two. The second stage of the meth crash occurs on days two and three. This is the stage when the person feels the peak symptoms. They include agitation, being unable to feel pleasure, irritability, and unpredictable behaviors that often include acting out violently.

Stage Three. The final phase of the meth withdrawal can last about two weeks, depending on how severe the meth addiction was. Symptoms include cognitive issues, depression, cravings, anxiety, and sleep problems. During this phase the symptoms will gradually begin to subside.

During detox, a team of trained detox experts will monitor vital signs and provide measures to help minimize the withdrawals. During withdrawal, psych support is key to completing the detox process. This is because the symptoms of anxiety, paranoia, and depression can become very intense.

Treatment for Meth Addiction

After detox, the person will enter the rehab program. During rehab, they will reside at the treatment center for at least a month, but usually longer. The longer the stay, the better the chances are of success, as it takes time for the brain to recover.

Rehab provides the support needed to reclaim some control over thoughts and behaviors. This is a process based on CBT and other evidence-based therapies and just takes practice.

In treatment for meth addiction, these are the activities you will engage in:

  • One-on-one talk therapy.
  • Group therapy.
  • Family therapy.
  • 12-step program.
  • Education
  • Life skills.
  • Relapse prevention planning.
  • Restoring health through nutrition and exercise.
  • Holistic treatment methods.

Once the rehab program is completed, aftercare actions help reinforce abstinence from meth. These include sober living, alumni meetings, outpatient therapy, and N.A. or A.A. meetings. A strong support network is a must in recovery.

If you have had one too many meth crash events, you may be ready to turn your life around. Reach out for treatment today.

Bodhi Addiction Treatment and Wellness Offers a Holistic Approach to Recovery

Bodhi Addiction Treatment and Wellness is a comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment program with a holistic focus. If you are struggling with a meth problem and are ready to get healthy, reach out to the team today at (877) 328-1968.

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Meth Sores on Face and Body

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meth sores

The effects of using meth can be quite extreme. One such effect is getting meth sores on the skin—mostly on the arms, chest, face, and lips.

Skin sores are just one overt sign of how toxic the substance meth is. It can have a devastating affect on a person’s life. Because it impacts the brain so profoundly, it can cause psychotic symptoms, such as paranoia and hallucinations, and decreased mental abilities. It also causes violent behavior and impulsive risk-taking. Learn more about methamphetamine and its risks.

About Methamphetamine

Meth is a manmade stimulant drug composed of amphetamine and hallucinogenic ingredients. These are often derived from household products like drain cleaner, lighter fluid, brake cleaner, batteries, paint-thinner, or battery acid.

The drug is manufactured mostly in Mexico. Meth use has risen during the pandemic, and seizures of the drug along the border have doubled in the last two years.

Meth is a white powered substance. A more potent version, crystal meth, has a glass-like look and is referred to as ice. Meth can be taken in many ways, such as being smoked, swallowed in pill form, snorted, or injected.

The effects of meth produce a powerful rush, causing the person to feel more confident, energetic, hyperactive, and in need of little sleep. Meth can also cause agitation, irritability, and aggressive behavior. It is referred to as the “meth crash” when the drug wears off. The crash features lethargy, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, cravings, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

What Are Meth Sores?

The skin is where meth can really reveal itself, in the form of sores on the body and the face. Sores can take on different appearances. Some may look like scabs, while others may look like burns, and still others as acne or open wounds. When someone presents with sores on their body, face, or lips, there is a good chance they have a meth problem.

What Causes Meth Sores?

There are many reasons why someone may acquire meth sores. These include:

  • Meth mites. The user hallucinates that there are tiny mites crawling on or under their skin. This prompts the person to pick at the skin in an effort to get rid of the imagined bugs.
  • Crystal meth pipe. Someone who smokes crystal meth may develop meth sores around their mouth, caused by burns from the pipe.
  • Meth sweat. Because meth is water-soluble, it can sweat out through the pores. This irritates the skin, causing sores.
  • Restricted blood flow. Meth causes the blood vessels to restrict, which can cause dry, scaly patches on the face or arms.
  • Weakened immune system. Meth use causes the immune system to become compromised. This makes it harder to fight off infection, so the sores that are there will not heal in a timely manner.

Because the meth sores cause irritation, the person may continue to pick at or itch their skin. This only makes the sores worse, even leading to infections. Once an infection enters the bloodstream it increases the risk of sepsis, which is often life threatening.

Signs of Meth Addiction

Meth abuse and addiction are very hard on the body and the brain. There are some distinct features of meth addiction that cannot be missed. These include:

  • Psychological signs of meth addiction:
    • Insomnia
    • Paranoia
    • Psychosis
    • Mood swings.
  • Physical signs of meth addiction:
    • Droopy skin.
    • Severe tooth decay.
    • Skin sores on face and body.
    • Weight loss.
    • Contracting HIV or hepatitis from IV meth use.
  • Behavioral signs of meth addiction:
    • Risky behaviors.
    • Hyperactivity
  • Legal problems:
    • Incarceration
    • Child custody battles.
    • DUI arrest.

Struggling with meth addiction?

Meth addiction can feel impossible to break alone. Bodhi can help you take the next step.

Explore meth treatment options

Treatment for Meth Addiction

When someone has developed a meth addiction, they should seek treatment at a residential or inpatient program. Meth addiction is a more challenging substance use disorder to treat and often requires a longer treatment window. Also, the erratic behaviors that are associated with meth are better managed in this higher level of care setting.

The recovery process begins with a detox. It takes about a week for a meth detox to be completed. During the detox and withdrawal, there is some discomfort. The detox team is tasked with providing meds to help manage the withdrawal symptoms.

Benefits of Meth Addiction Rehab

To assist someone in overcoming a meth addiction, the rehab provides a series of ongoing therapies. Each of these works in a specific way to help the person change their behaviors:

  • One-on-one therapy. These private sessions with a therapist help the person in recovery identify any underlying issues that may be factors. CBT can assist the person in taking a hard look at thought/behavior patterns that are fueling drug-seeking actions.
  • Group therapy. Group therapy is a very important treatment element. A trained clinician leads small peer group sessions during which the group chats about a given topic. These sessions are sources of support and foster bonding among peers.
  • Medication. In some cases, the person may have a co-occurring mental health challenge. If so, meds can help manage the symptoms, which allows treatment to proceed in a productive way.
  • 12-step program. The A.A. or N.A. The 12-step program is often part of the rehab programming.
  • Classes. Classes teach the addict how meth addiction develops and how this dangerous drug impacts the central nervous system and brain. The classes also focus on relapse prevention planning as well as teaching practical coping skills.
  • Holistic. Recovering from meth is very hard. It helps to have some holistic techniques that can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. These include yoga, meditation, journaling, and art therapy.

Meth sores are just one of many adverse effects caused by this harmful drug. If you are finding meth sores on your body, it is time to reach out for help. Enroll in a treatment program and change your life for the better.

Bodhi Addiction Treatment Provides Treatment for Meth Addiction

Bodhi Addiction Treatment Center is a full-spectrum addiction and dual diagnosis treatment program. If you or a loved one is showing the signs of meth addiction, including the sores, please reach out today. Call us at (877) 328-1968.

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How Long Does Methadone Withdrawal Last

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how long does methadone withdrawal last

Maybe you’ve been on MAT with methadone after treatment for heroin addiction, or maybe methadone was your drug of choice. Either way, you want off this drug and may wonder, “how long does methadone withdrawal last?”

Methadone is an opioid that is mostly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs. These are drugs that replace heroin or other opioids. Methadone is prescribed for a minimum of one year, although some people may remain on the drug for years.

Even though you have replaced heroin with methadone, the problem is that you become dependent on this drug as well. At some point, you may decide to attempt total sobriety or to replace methadone with another drug.

When the time comes that you wish to stop the MAT program and quit methadone you will need expert support. How long methadone withdrawal lasts, and how severe the symptoms will be, is unique to each person. Keep reading to learn more about methadone and going through methadone withdrawal.

What is Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is prescribed for people in recovery from a heroin or opioid use disorder. Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, requiring that maintenance therapy be tightly regulated. Methadone is dispensed from clinics using strict controls in order to reduce the risk of misuse.

As a drug that will replace heroin, methadone satisfies the brain’s reliance on an opioid. It, therefore, thwarts withdrawal symptoms as the body adjusts to it. Unlike other opioids, methadone does not produce a euphoric effect. The treatment goal is that, over time, the person no longer exhibits drug-seeking behavior. This allows them to be more stable in recovery.

What is MAT?

Heroin addiction treatment now involves MAT. The treatment provides opioid antagonists and agonists to help control cravings and slowly reduce the desire for the drug. These drugs are prescribed for the purpose of helping someone in recovery have a better shot at a successful recovery. In most cases, the drugs are prescribed for a limited time, such as 3-12 months, before starting a taper. However, in some cases, long-term use of these drugs is warranted.

MAT is always closely monitored, as these drugs themselves are prone to abuse. Some people may begin to use them illicitly. They may crush the drug and snort it or liquefy the drug and inject it. These drugs are always prescribed as one part of an aftercare program. It should include outpatient therapy and support groups.

Methadone is the most strictly controlled drug of all the MAT options. By replacing heroin, it tricks the brain into thinking it is getting the heroin. Methadone is only to be obtained through a special clinic.

Long-Term Effects of Methadone

While methadone is used for at least a one-year period, there are risks involved with the long-term use of methadone. Some of the adverse events that can occur when this drug is used for a protracted time period may include:

  • Becoming dependent or addicted to methadone.
  • Damage to sexual function.
  • Lasting changes in menstrual cycles of women.
  • Memory impairment.
  • Cognitive changes.
  • Lung damage.
  • Problems related to neglect of personal hygiene, such as tooth decay.

What to Expect in Methadone Detox and Withdrawal?

When you decide to stop taking daily methadone and wish to achieve total sobriety it is important to have medical support. Withdrawal symptoms may be anywhere from mild to severe.

There are some factors that will influence how severe the methadone withdrawal symptoms will be. These include:

  • How long you have been on methadone.
  • Your age.
  • The dose of methadone you were on.
  • BMI
  • Genetics

Before stopping this drug you will need a tapering plan in place. This allows you to slowly adjust to lower and lower doses of methadone. By doing a taper you greatly reduce cravings, the pain of the symptoms, as well as the risk of relapse.

The onset of withdrawal symptoms is slower than with other drugs. This is due to the long half-life of this drug. It means that the symptoms emerge later and last longer. During detox, a doctor provides meds for the symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, high blood pressure, pain, and anxiety.

The detox process will progress in three stages:

Stage 1. The withdrawal symptoms start off mild. Expect to feel light flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, or muscle aches. It is common to feel a little fuzzy-headed on the first day, as well as have excess yawning. Anxiety is also present in many people.

Stage 2. During this stage, days 2-3 of detox, the symptoms become more intense. The flu-like symptoms will become more pronounced, along with irritability and insomnia. There are strong drug cravings present during this phase of withdrawal. Many have psychological symptoms like hallucinations and paranoia.

Stage 3. The final stage, days 4-10 of detox, sees the symptoms starting to subside. When wondering how long methadone withdrawal last, most symptoms will resolve by day 7, but those with a longer history of methadone use or higher doses take longer. During this stage, depression is quite common, as are cravings.

During stages 2 and 3 of detox, there is a high risk of relapse. Without expert support, the symptoms and cravings can overpower your desire for sobriety and you just give up. This is why it is so important to have detox support throughout the process.

For some people, methadone addiction is due to misuse and not the effects of a MAT program. If so, you will follow up the detox phase with a treatment program. Treatment will involve a multi-pronged approach of many types of therapy, classes, and 12-step programming.

How long methadone withdrawal lasts depends on several factors. Knowing what to expect during detox can help you get in the right frame of mind before starting the withdrawal process.

Bodhi Addiction Provides Safe Methadone Detox Services

Bodhi Addiction Treatment offers on-site medical detox support for those wishing to stop the methadone MAT program. At Bodhi we strive to provide the utmost in comfort as you progress through the detox process. If you have questions about methadone detox, please give our team a call today at (877) 328-1968.

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