Legacy Healing Center Blog

Overcoming meth addiction can be achieved through an individualized and holistic healing approach.

Overcoming meth addiction can be one of the more difficult tasks for any certain individual to face. Meth use not only permanently alters the brain but it can also affect emotions and memory. Understanding what an addiction to crystal meth does to a person can help those around someone struggling from addiction not only support them but get them healthy.

Crystal meth addiction can be combated by a mixture of therapy and medication and doing so in a treatment center makes the whole process even less painful. Did you know that overcoming meth addiction comes in 5 stages?

Continue reading to learn what these 5 stages are and how addiction to crystal meth can change lives but also doesn’t have to define a life.

Overcoming Meth Addiction: The 5 Stages

Like in any recovery, the first few weeks are the most difficult physically and mentally. For individuals struggling with a crystal meth addiction, having support and help from those around them, these individuals are able to break free of the addiction and learn about what they were missing in life throughout their addiction.

Stage 1: Withdrawal

No matter the addiction, the first stage in recovery is going through withdrawal. This is one of the most difficult parts of overcoming addiction because of how hard it is on the body and the mind.

Sometimes individuals can experience serious side effects, which is why it is important that withdrawal occurs in a safe environment, such as a treatment center.  Some side effects felt are fatigue, depression, heart palpitation, cravings, disorientation, insomnia, and shakiness.

When individuals are able to withdrawal in a treatment center, the family can rest easy knowing that they are in a safe facility with trained staff and doctors that know exactly what to do for their patients, ensuring they are receiving the right care and medications to ease their pain.

Stage 2: Honeymoon

Now that the tough stuff has passed, the body can begin to rejuvenate. In the honeymoon stage, the body is able to survive without cravings and may even feel more energy and in a better mood.

The honeymoon stage is a part of recovery where the individual may feel like they have kicked their addiction, but that isn’t the case. This is the stage in which the body is feeling better and individuals should be reminded that they have to continue working toward recovery by staying clean.

Stage 3: The Wall

The wall comes after the honeymoon. The body becomes vulnerable to relapse, and this phase can last a while. It’s very difficult for individuals because they must fight their cravings and urges to use.

They may find little pleasure in daily life as well as low energy. If the wall is hit in a treatment center, the individual is able to receive help from support groups, and those around them experiencing similar situations. It’s never good for an addict to be alone during this time, there is safety in numbers.

Stage 4: Adjustment

One of the final stages in overcoming meth addiction comes in the adjustment stage. This doesn’t mean that the individual is home free, but it does mean that they have a reduced risk for relapse.

This stage is when the individual has made life changes and is able to feel accomplished about the things that they do. Making positive lifestyle changes helps addicts see the light at the end of the tunnel, and gives them something to work towards.

Stage 5: Resolution

The resolution only begins once an addict has reached 6 months of sobriety. This is a great step in the process of overcoming meth addiction. This means that they have learned everything that they can, worked through their issues and are feeling good about who they are. There is a general understanding of what needs to be done to maintain sobriety, and normally there is the urge to remain sober.

The 5 stages in overcoming meth addiction can take time. Addicts need support and help from trained professionals that are able to get the body clean and the mind moving in a different direction.

There is nothing easy about recovery but those who successfully recover are able to maintain sobriety thanks to their lifestyle changes and group meetings. If you believe that someone you love is struggling with an addiction to crystal meth, find out how to get them help, before it’s too late.

Reach out to the addiction specialists at Legacy Healing Center to learn more about detox and treatment options. Speak to someone today at 888-597-3547.