Essential Tips for Transgender People Undergoing Meth Detox

Methamphetamine commonly known as meth, is a powerful stimulant with a well-earned reputation for its addiction. While not as bad or as dangerous as alcohol, opioid, or benzo detox, meth detox is still a difficult and uncomfortable process. Some trans people do not even believe that meth can be addictive, and this misunderstanding can cause some trans users to underestimate the significant difficulties they might face when trying to stop. 

Meth detox is the initial phase of the recovery process, a period of physical and psychological adjustments that can be difficult but necessary. When meth leaves a trans person’s system, it throws their body into shock as it tries to rebalance itself without the substance. However, with a comprehensive approach, meth detox can be a trans person's launchpad towards a healthier life free from meth addiction.

What Are the Symptoms of Meth Detox for a Trans People

While the withdrawal symptoms of methamphetamine aren’t usually life-threatening, they are extremely unpleasant. The meth detox process can be made safer and much more comfortable when it is done in a detox program where symptoms can be monitored medically. The exact length of time the detox takes varies from one trans individual to another trans individual, but there are some common symptoms and a typical timeline that they may follow.

Meth has a short half-life, so it acts fast and is metabolized by the body quickly. Withdrawal from meth usually has three stages: acute, post-acute, and protracted abstinence.

Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

These symptoms are typically experienced by the trans person within 24 hours of the last use of meth, and they last for a few days. They may include physical symptoms such as extreme fatigue, dry mouth, muscle and body aches, slowed reaction, increased appetite, jitteriness, body twitches, and slowed movement. Trans users may also experience emotional and psychological symptoms during this phase, including:

• Irritability
• Emotional outbursts
• Extreme mood swings
• Confused thoughts
• Unpleasant and vivid dreams

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms are typically experienced by the trans person for two to three weeks after the acute stage. During this stage, the acute withdrawal symptoms lessen in severity and intensity. During the weeks of post-acute withdrawal symptoms, the trans individual is likely to feel depressed, fatigued, and lethargic, and they will likely have intense cravings for meth and may even have suicidal ideations during this time.

Protracted Abstinence

Lastly, protracted abstinence is when the emotional and psychological withdrawal symptoms ramp up and the physical symptoms of the trans person subside. During this phase, the trans individual often experiences cravings, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations. These symptoms can persist for weeks or months after the discontinued use of meth, making it a vulnerable time for the trans person that is prone to relapse.

How Long Will It Take for a Trans Person to Detox from Meth?

There are numerous factors that can affect the length of time it takes for a trans person to detox from methamphetamine, including:

• Length of time the trans person has used meth
• Amount and frequency of meth use
• How meth was used by the trans individual (injected)
• Age and overall health of the trans person

In general terms, the longer the trans person has used meth, the more severe and longer-lasting the withdrawal symptoms will be. That said, methamphetamine has a short half-life. That means that the substance acts quickly, has a short high, and leaves the body of the trans person fairly quickly. Withdrawal symptoms typically start within 24 hours of the last use of the drug, peak between one and two weeks, and then gradually subside. However, the psychological and emotional withdrawal symptoms may persist much longer after discontinued use by the trans person.

What Are the Difficulties Faced by Trans People During Meth Detox

When trans people undergo meth detox, they encounter various significant obstacles. Two primary difficulties they face are drug cravings and psychological dependence.

Drug Cravings

One of the struggles faced by trans people during meth detox is experiencing intense cravings for the substance. These cravings can be triggered by environmental cues, social situations, trauma, homophobia, or emotional distress. Developing strategies to cope with cravings and resist the urge to relapse is important. Professional support can provide guidance and coping mechanisms to overcome this particular struggle.

Psychological Dependence

Meth use can create psychological dependence, where trans individuals rely on the substance to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues. During detox, trans individuals may struggle to manage their emotions without the crutch of meth. Building a solid support system and engaging in therapy or counseling can assist the trans person in addressing the psychological dependence.

What Happens After a Trans Person Undergoes Meth Detox?

As soon as the trans person starts feeling better following meth detox, they can participate in a full range of therapies for meth addiction treatment. 

Residential treatment programs for meth addiction may last 30, 60, 90 days, or more. Partial hospitalization programs and aftercare programs may extend the continuum of care for as long as the trans individual needs.

While in rehab, the transgender person participates in a variety of therapies, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy

After completing residential treatment, they might opt to step down to a partial hospitalization program, or PHP. A PHP can also serve as an effective stand-alone treatment for a trans person. 

PHP trans patients can live at home and participate in treatment during the day. This schedule provides flexibility for these trans individuals who have work or family responsibilities that prohibit them from living in a residential facility for an extended period.

Aftercare programs are developed to help the trans patients transition smoothly back into everyday life. Aftercare may include group events, participating in an alumni network, and ongoing peer support such as Crystal Meth Anonymous. Aftercare is a long-term program focused on preventing relapse and helping the trans person build a solid sober-support network they can count on for years to come. 

The idea of detoxing from meth may seem overwhelming, but medical detox and the ongoing support of meth addiction specialists make the process easier. A more positive detox experience is a stepping stone to a more productive meth addiction treatment.

Ready to Quit Meth? Pride Detox Will Help You Through the Meth Detox Process

At Pride Detox, we provide quality support and guidance for trans people seeking to detox from meth. Our specialist team of healthcare professionals provides a safe, comfortable environment to help them successfully complete the meth detox process. We are committed to helping these trans clients find the best treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs.

If you or a trans loved one is struggling with meth addiction, know that there is help available. Reach out to Pride Detox at 1-562-545-3289 for compassionate support and expert guidance.