What Drugs Do Rehabs Use to Wean Meth Addicts?

One of the primary challenges in overcoming meth addiction is dealing with the initial withdrawal symptoms. Methamphetamines, commonly referred to as crystal meth, are incredibly addictive, and individuals who use the drug more than a couple of times are often at risk of developing a dependency. The body can quickly become reliant on meth, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings when trying to quit. Many users find themselves continuing to use meth simply to avoid these uncomfortable withdrawal effects. Fortunately, drug rehabilitation centers with detox programs offer various medications and support systems designed to ease withdrawal symptoms and assist individuals in successfully quitting methamphetamine. So what drugs do rehabs use to wean meth addicts?

Despite the lack of FDA-approved medications for stimulant use disorder, medication-assisted treatment is available. Research from the National Institutes of Health has shown that a combination of injectable naltrexone and oral bupropion can be effective for adults struggling with moderate to severe meth dependence. While naltrexone is typically used for opioid use disorder and bupropion as an antidepressant, their combined use, along with evidence-based behavioral therapies, has shown promising results. This offers a ray of hope in the treatment of a disorder that remains challenging to overcome. Although these medications may not be widely available in many detox facilities, healthcare providers can offer additional medications to help mitigate some withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, depression, and insomnia, providing much-needed relief.

What Medication is Used to Remove Addiction?

While medications like acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are commonly used to treat alcohol use disorder, and buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are used for opioid use disorder, they only address the physical aspects of addiction. They do not ‘remove’ addiction, but rather help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and deter future use. Addiction is a lifelong disorder that requires constant management. This is where behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy come into play, providing individuals with the necessary tools and skills to manage their recovery. Rehab programs offer personalized treatment plans that help patients develop these skills for lasting recovery.

For substances like methamphetamines and cocaine, which don’t have any FDA-approved medications for their treatment, medication-assisted treatment programs use certain medications to ease withdrawal symptoms while the person detoxes and their brain becomes accustomed to functioning with the substance again. Medications can include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antidiarrheals, anti-nausea medications, and sleep medications. Additionally, rehab programs may use a combination of medications and behavioral therapy to treat long-term symptoms, especially co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.  

What is Meth Detox?

Meth detox involves the complete removal of methamphetamines from the body and serves as a crucial initial step in the recovery journey. For individuals who have developed a dependence on meth, the process can trigger withdrawal symptoms as their brains readjust to functioning without the drug. Many find these withdrawal effects overwhelming, making it difficult to break free from their addiction. Although meth withdrawal symptoms are generally not as life-threatening as those associated with substances like alcohol, they can still lead to severe issues such as dehydration, hallucinations, paranoia, and even suicidal thoughts, posing significant risks to individuals.

Medical detox programs for meth can support patients with around-the-clock medical care and provide a safe way to treat symptoms as meth is removed from the body. Doctors and nurses can monitor patient’s vitals and administer medications to ease severe withdrawal symptoms, including severe depression and hallucinations. It also provides a safe space to detox, removing outside influences and temptations to detox from meth successfully.  

What to Expect When Detoxing

When individuals are detoxing from meth, withdrawal symptoms typically start to manifest within 24 hours after the last dose. The duration of meth withdrawal can differ from person to person, with those who have used the drug more frequently or in larger amounts often experiencing a longer withdrawal period. Acute symptoms usually persist for about three to five days, although some may linger for over a week. Research from the University of California, published in the National Library of Medicine, indicates that while depressive and psychotic symptoms generally resolve within a week, cravings can last for at least five weeks.

Common symptoms of meth withdrawal include:

• Anxiety
• Intense cravings
• Severe depression
• Insomnia
• Red, itchy eyes
• Lack of energy and fatigue
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Dehydration
• Increased appetite
• Agitation
• Thoughts of suicide
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of motivation
• Tremors

During the medical detox process, patients will first undergo a thorough health assessment, allowing doctors to develop a personalized treatment plan. This evaluation helps set expectations for the detox experience and identifies any co-occurring disorders that might influence the treatment. Following this, medical professionals will start administering medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and ensure the safety of the patient, as these symptoms can escalate rapidly. As the detox process nears completion, doctors will discuss the next steps with their patients, such as inpatient and outpatient programs.

Who Can Provide Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Generally, rehab centers with detox programs often provide medication treatment for meth as part of their services. These facilities are staffed with qualified medical professionals, such as doctors, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and therapists, all trained and certified to administer MAT. To prescribe buprenorphine, one of the three FDA-approved medications for treating opioid use disorder, physicians must complete an eight-hour MAT training course and obtain a waiver from the Drug Enforcement Administration. SAMHSA emphasizes that integrating medications with counseling and behavioral therapies offers a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders. The dedicated team at these centers conducts comprehensive evaluations of each patient to assess their specific treatment requirements while also considering any pre-existing health issues that may require special attention. Their primary goal is to ensure patients feel safe and comfortable during detoxification.

What Drugs do Rehabs Use to Wean Meth Addicts? Contact Muse Treatment to Learn More

If you’ve tried to break free from meth addiction, you may have faced withdrawal symptoms that pushed you back to using. The powerful hold meth can have on individuals can make it feel impossible to conquer addiction, leaving you to wonder how others have succeeded. Meth detox and rehabilitation centers offer essential support and medications to help you safely navigate the process of overcoming meth dependence and set you on the path to recovery. So, what drugs do rehabs use to wean meth addicts? The answer is that various medications like bupropion and naltrexone are used to wean meth addicts through comprehensive treatment programs that create personalized treatment plans to meet their unique needs during detoxification.

At Muse Treatment, our dedicated facility provides around-the-clock monitoring by a skilled team of doctors and nurses who can safely administer medications to alleviate meth withdrawal symptoms. Our detox programs also incorporate emotional support through therapy, helping to relieve the significant mental challenges that often accompany detoxification. Furthermore, patients can smoothly transition into one of our inpatient or outpatient programs post-detox, which use evidence-based addiction therapies to address and manage the root causes of addiction for lasting recovery.

If you would like to learn more about what drugs rehab use to wean meth addiction, contact Muse Treatment today at 800-426-1818. Our addiction specialists are ready to provide detailed information about our medical detox programs and what you can expect during your treatment.

External Sources

• National Institutes of Health – Combination Treatment for Methamphetamine Use Disorder Show Promise in NIH Study 
• National Library of Medicine – Withdrawal Symptoms in Abstinent Methamphetamine Dependent Subjects 
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Medications for Substance Use Disorders