End The Addiction
Methamphetamine Detoxification

If you or someone you love has been struggling with a methamphetamine addiction, CuraWest is available to help. Our comprehensive treatment program in Denver, Colorado provides clients with a carefully developed continuum of clinical care. Once a client has been physically stabilized in the detox portion of our program, they have the option of continuing into our residential treatment program, where they will continue healing on a physical, mental, and emotional basis.

Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive drug, one that has been classified by the US Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II chemical substance (meaning that it has an exceptionally high potential for abuse). Of all frequently abused chemical substances, methamphetamine is one of the most instantaneously habit-forming. Individuals who have experimented with this specific drug have reported becoming addicted with one use. Some of the more common side effects of methamphetamine use include increased talkativeness, unexplained and short-lived bursts of energy, decreased appetite and feelings of general well-being or euphoria. The long-term effects of methamphetamine use are serious, and often require extensive treatment.

At CuraWest we have extensive experience treating men and women of all ages and walks of life who have been suffering at the hands of a methamphetamine abuse disorder. Because this drug is so highly addictive, medically monitored detox will always be a necessary first step on the lifelong road to recovery. Our program was carefully designed by a highly experienced team of professionals, ranging from licensed therapists and psychiatrists to addiction specialists, doctors and clinicians. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive clinical care – our detox program is geared towards more than physical stabilization. We believe in setting a solid clinical foundation for long-term sobriety, preparing each client for the next appropriate phase of his or her personal recovery journey. Our state-of-the-art facility was designed with peace and tranquility in mind. We offer all of the comforts of home along with numerous luxury amenities.

About Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that directly affects the central nervous system. It generally takes the form of a white powder, and is either ingested orally, snorted or smoked. Those who use methamphetamine regularly are liable to do long-term damage to their central nervous system; the harsh chemical substance has been known to do irreversible damage in an extremely short period of time. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a 2017 national survey concluded that roughly 1.6 million Americans had used methamphetamine within the past year, and 774,000 had used the drug within the past month. The same survey found that roughly 964,000 Americans over the age of 12 suffered from a moderate to severe methamphetamine abuse disorder in 2017. In the year 2016, the number of individuals suffering from a methamphetamine abuse disorder was roughly 684,000. Clearly, methamphetamine is a major and rapidly escalating issue throughout the country.

Fortunately, there are resources available to those who have been suffering at the hands of drug abuse and addiction. At CuraWest we provide our clients with the most individualized detoxification services available. Unlike the care one might receive in a hospital or state-funded facility, we prioritize the well-being of each individual client, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free methamphetamine withdrawal.

Methamphetamine Addiction Signs & Symptoms

When it comes to methamphetamine abuse and addiction, there are several tell-time signs and symptoms to look for. The physical and psychological implications are both extremely severe.

Some physical symptoms of methamphetamine abuse include:

• Significant weight loss, resulting from a lack of appetite and increased physical activity
• Facial sores and scabs, which result from picking the skin and the development of acne (often resulting from a lack of hygiene)
• Rotting teeth, also known as “meth mouth.”
• Itchiness of the skin which can result in sores and skin lesions
• Sunken skin, predominantly in the face
• A weakened immune system, which leads to an increase in illness and infectious disease
• Organ damage, including liver damage
• Increased libido, which can result in an increase in sexually-motivated risk-taking behaviors
• An increase in body temperature
• Increased heart rate and heart palpitations
• Stroke

Some psychological symptoms of methamphetamine abuse include:

• Feelings of intense elation and euphoria
• A reduction in motor skills
• Confusion/an inability to think clearly and make rational decisions
• Significant memory loss
• Mood swings
• Violent outbursts/an increased propensity towards anger and violence
• Psychosis, including extreme paranoia, hallucinations and repetitive motor activity (such as making uncontrollable and repetitive motions with the mouth or tongue)

Treating methamphetamine addiction is no small task. In many cases, our clients come to us with severe psychological disturbances. Fortunately, we have experienced psychiatrists and prescribing physicians on staff to make returning to a state of sanity all that much easier. At CuraWest we are equipped to deal with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders of all severities, ranging from mild to severe.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms

A study titled, “An Overview of Methamphetamine (Meth) Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment” and written by medical professional and addiction specialist Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD., examines the overall withdrawal process in great detail. The study suggests that methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms will begin to take hold within the first 24 hours of the last use. The initial symptoms will be mild to moderate, and will include fatigue, anxiousness, depression and a noticeably increased appetite. When it comes to methamphetamine withdrawal, there are two predominant phases to be aware of. The first phase begins within 24 hours of the last use and typically lasts no longer than one full week. The second phase, post-acute withdrawal, will typically last from between three weeks to six months, depending on the severity of the addictive disorder.

While the signs and symptoms associated with methamphetamine withdrawal will vary on a person-to-person basis, they will almost always include:

• Extreme fatigue – At CuraWest, we understand that men and women who have been suffering from methamphetamine addiction will be in dire need of rest and relaxation. Our detox facility was designed with comfort and tranquility in mind.
• Intense anxiety – Anxiety will often be overwhelming if not treated by an experienced team of doctors and psychiatrists in a medical detox setting.
• Depression – Those who are going through methamphetamine withdrawal will generally feel low, sad and helpless. While most symptoms of depression will resolve on their own within two to three weeks, it is possible that symptoms of depression last for longer – up to a full year or more if left untreated. Our on staff psychiatrists will check in with clients regularly to see if an antidepressant would help speed along the withdrawal process.
• Cravings – Psychological cravings are a common symptom of methamphetamine withdrawal and can last for several months. At CuraWest we begin teaching our clients relapse prevention techniques geared towards helping them successfully overcome cravings whenever they should arise.
• Psychosis – This is one of the most significant and dangerous symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal. Those who are experiencing psychosis will need to undergo medication assisted treatment.

Why Does Methamphetamine Require Detox?

Psychosis is the main reason why methamphetamine withdrawal requires medical detox. While all of the other withdrawal symptoms are extremely uncomfortable and can be sufficiently treated in a medical detox facility, psychosis can be life-threatening if not overseen around the clock by a team of medical professionals. Medications will be administered when appropriate, and clients will undergo intensive one-on-one therapy sessions.

At CuraWest our methamphetamine detox experience is truly unlike any other. The National Center for Biotechnology Information published a study titled, “Withdrawal symptoms in abstinent methamphetamine-dependent subjects.” This study confirms that withdrawal symptoms can be effectively alleviated in a comprehensive detox setting – one that combines quality clinical care with necessary medical treatment. At CuraWest, we provide the highest quality of clinical care available, making for a comfortable and pain-free experience unlike any other.

Our Simple Admissions Process

Our admissions process is simple and straightforward from start to finish. The moment you make the decision to reach out for help, you will be put in contact with an experienced Treatment Advisor who will walk you through the remainder of the process. We begin by conducting a brief pre-assessment, ensuring our multi-staged treatment program is right for you. We offer a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check to those who are curious about coverage options, and help arrange local ground transportation to our Denver, Colorado treatment center. Contact us today to learn more.