Meth Detox Center in Weston, MA – Charles River Recovery

Meth Detox Center in Weston, MA

In the United States, the use of meth has steadily risen from 2014 to 2024. The latest data that can be verified indicates that roughly 2.5 million people in the country have used meth in various forms during the last 12 months. That information comes from 2021.

The trend at the time was that it would continue to rise. Now, three years later, it’s likely more than the 0.9% of the population that the previous data showed, and that information comes from 2021. 

The numbers of people experiencing full methamphetamine use disorder are no less sobering: more than 1.6 million people. More than 32,000 people died during those same 12 months, and many of them were first-time users.

What Makes Meth So Dangerous?

Meth is notorious for its “quick high,” which leads many users to use it again and again in quick succession. This is the chief reason that the drug is so dangerous. Many of the deaths associated with methamphetamine use disorder happen because the users take too much of the drug too quickly in an effort to “chase the rush.”

The urge to use becomes so overwhelming that users often don’t eat or drink for days, which can, in and of itself, be lethal, particularly the “no drinking” part. People who don’t eat can survive several weeks, possibly even months, but without water, even three days can result in death. The irony is that, by eschewing fluids of any kind, even if they decide to try to stop using them, they could very likely die anyway.

The powerful rush from smoking or injecting it is more powerful than the milder sense of euphoria that results from snorting it or eating it. Long-term meth use also increases the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease.

Using meth is life-threatening. Therefore, getting professional help is essential in your fight to come back from methamphetamine use disorder. There have, however, been some changes to the treatment regimen during the last few years.

In the past, the focus was punitive: The person with the disorder was deemed to be faulty in some way and deserving of punishment. Concurrent research showed the faults in that strategy. Consequently, the philosophy of treatment centers morphed into a client-centric model that focuses on recovery rather than punishment. Still, the treatment requires the attention of a dedicated group of medical professionals and support staff because people with methamphetamine use disorder aren’t able to monitor themselves while high or experiencing withdrawal. Meth use can also contribute to the development or worsening of mental disorders, making comprehensive treatment even more important.

Our treatment programs may also include medication-assisted treatment when clinically appropriate, ensuring safety and stability during early recovery. These evidence-based methods provide crucial support for individuals seeking long-term healing from methamphetamine use disorder.

Why Is Rehab Crucial for the Treatment of Methamphetamine Use Disorder?

Not for the least of reasons, the process of withdrawal is supremely uncomfortable and dangerous, so around-the-clock monitoring is essential for the client’s protection and well-being. Such a controlled environment is the best way to protect the client’s health and start them on the road to recovery. Additionally, a rehab clinic has all the necessary support facilities and staff in one place, so there’s no carting the person around by ambulance.

The simple fact is that methamphetamine use disorder does horrifying things to the body. The worst damage is done over the long term. Damage to every major organ is common, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain. The dental changes are less dangerous but still severe, which usually result in tooth loss. It’s not uncommon for someone using meth chronically to lose every single tooth. Methamphetamine use disorder also causes mental health issues, and these include hallucinations, delusions, changes in personality, and recurring violent behavior. Even if the client stops using, the mental health conditions could persist for years thereafter. Without treatment, methamphetamine use disorder usually ends in death.

Recovery from methamphetamine use disorder is a lifelong proposition. Even people who successfully complete rehab might start using again within five years. The numbers are staggering: Nearly two in three will return to use during the first year, and even if people make it through the first year, the rate of return to use during years two through five is one in four. If someone were to be able to stop using without treatment, the rate of return to use is 95%. Most of the time, the return to use happens within three months. Part of the trend away from punitive rehab treatment is including the entire family as a support system for the person with methamphetamine use disorder. In Weston, MA, Charles River Recovery is one of the rehab facilities that focuses on this new method.

What Are the Kinds of Available Rehab Programs?

Normally, there are three forms of rehab: in-client, out-client (also known as an outpatient program), and residential.

Every client will respond differently to each of the three methods. Appropriateness for the particular client and the strengths and weaknesses of each treatment method are all considerations for which treatment might be right for any particular person. At Charles River Recovery, we offer outpatient treatment programs as well as inpatient care, allowing clients to receive the right level of support based on their needs. This flexibility ensures that a person’s life outside of treatment can be balanced with their recovery process.

SAMHSA classifies out-client treatment as a situation where you live at your primary residence but travel to appointments with the members of your treatment team, which could include physicians, psychiatrists, and counselors. Going to group therapy sessions is common. In the 21st century, conducting such appointments by video call is increasingly commonplace.

Some programs also offer specialized care for older adults, tailoring addiction recovery services to meet the unique needs of this age group.

In-client treatment is what most people think of when they think of rehab: 30-day, self-contained programs. During those 30 days, you’ll stay at the treatment center. The advantage of in-client treatment is that you can receive the 24-hour care that you might need, based on your particular situation. It’s also common for these treatment programs to be affiliated with a hospital so that clients can get immediate emergency treatment if it’s necessary.

Residential programs are basically long-haul versions of in-client programs. Generally, residential programs are for the most serious cases of substance use disorder of any kind. Such cases could also include dual diagnoses. In the very severest instances, the client can be at the treatment center for a year or more.

Clinical stabilization services often serve as a foundational step before ongoing therapy or residence, providing personalized, evidence-based treatment that begins with an assessment to guide detox and primary care stages.

There might come a time when you need treatment for methamphetamine use disorder, but there are no available spots at Charles River Recovery. It is in these cases where interim care is important. While it is true that you’ll be “treading water” during interim care, such care is useful in making sure that you don’t get worse while waiting for a place to open in a full-fledged treatment center.

What Goes Into Methamphetamine Detoxification?

The entire process is complex. One of the most common complications is a form of psychosis that develops during withdrawal.

Hypersomnia, anxiety, and both physical and mental exhaustion also occur. In some instances, you can experience symptoms that mimic depressive disorder. Both physical dependence and pleasure dependence create intolerable cravings. During detox, there is a significant risk of relapse and returning to drug use, making close supervision essential.

There are also mild symptoms, like muscle aches and irritability, which are quite common. Although these mild symptoms are easily settled, the serious withdrawal effects require constant supervision and specialized treatment options.

One of the key obstacles when it comes to detoxing from meth is that some of the treatments rely on substances that are also prone to misuse. For example, to combat psychosis and anxiety, benzodiazepines are the usual choice. Haloperidol and aripiprazole are also useful in some cases.

Medical personnel should only prescribe these medications in the smallest efficacious dose possible and for the shortest time possible. Meth detox can sometimes last more than a month, but three weeks is the most common time frame. The more serious the methamphetamine use disorder, the longer the detox will take.

The number one reason that 24-hour monitoring is crucial is that anxiety and psychosis can lead to destructive behaviors that are often violent. Most of the time, there is a danger that clients will harm themselves. It’s also important because medical professionals can notice and identify a co-occurring disorder and provide the applicable treatments.

Access to mental health services during detox is essential to address underlying psychological issues and support long-term recovery. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often included in the treatment plan to help clients recognize and manage triggers and cravings. Additionally, contingency management may be used as a behavioral strategy to encourage participation in treatment and support ongoing sobriety. It’s not uncommon for the most violent clients to need sedation for their own protection and for that of others.

What Kind of Rehab Center Should I Choose?

Other than in situations where a certain kind of rehab therapy is medically necessary or mandated by law enforcement agencies, after conferring with a doctor, you can jointly select the best program for your case.

Because of the complexity of treating methamphetamine use disorder, no two clients will need exactly the same treatment. That’s why selecting a rehab center with a client-centric focus is so important. Additionally, seeking a treatment center that provides customized treatments is wise.

The center’s treatment regimen should be evidence-based and backed by peer-reviewed research. Evidence-based programs often incorporate positive reinforcement techniques, which reward individuals for maintaining sobriety and participating in treatment, supporting ongoing recovery.

At Charles River Recovery, we offer a full spectrum of services, including inpatient detox, residential treatment, and outpatient services, all designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients.

Our facility is staffed by experienced professionals dedicated to providing exceptional care and individualized addiction treatment. With expert licensed staff and a compassionate philosophy of care, Charles River Recovery’s effective programs have become a trusted choice in Weston, Massachusetts. Families who are supporting a loved one through meth recovery can feel confident knowing we prioritize safety, dignity, and measurable progress.

With state-of-the-art amenities and a supportive environment, we ensure that every client feels safe and comfortable throughout their recovery journey. By choosing Charles River, individuals can significantly improve their chances of achieving long-term sobriety and reclaiming their lives from addiction.

What Are the Benefits of Meth Rehab?

Effective communication between the client and the treatment team is essential. Therefore, the chief benefit of going through treatment for methamphetamine use disorder is that it’s more likely that you won’t die.

Of course, there are no guarantees with any medical procedure or treatment. However, attending a qualified rehab treatment center that provides evidence-based care practices and customizes treatment to your specific needs will usually achieve the most practical results.

Meth rehab programs at Charles River Recovery offer a range of benefits designed to address every aspect of addiction. Our clients receive medically supervised withdrawal to ensure safety and comfort during detox, as well as ongoing counseling sessions to support emotional and psychological healing.

Our treatment programs focus on helping individuals develop self-control, build healthy coping mechanisms, and strengthen their support networks. With the guidance of our expert staff, clients experience improvements in both mental and physical health, reducing the risk of relapse and promoting long-term sobriety. At Charles River, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, nonjudgmental care and empowering individuals to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery.

What Should I Expect During Meth Rehab?

For something as complicated as the treatment for methamphetamine use disorder, the general progression of things is remarkably simple: detox, therapy, discharge. Of course, how long the treatment lasts depends on the specifics of each case. As an example, let’s say that you’re a long-time heavy user of meth.

Your treatment could require a residential spot where you will participate in dialectical behavioral therapy. This form of therapy could last more than a year. If, however, you’ve only used two or three times, and your friends have convinced you to get treatment before your usage gets worse, you might be able to complete a short stint of out-client therapy to be successful.

As with any substance use disorder, the goal is not a “cure.” Because of the lifelong nature of the condition, the goal is to provide you with coping mechanisms and other strategies to manage your methamphetamine use disorder. Community support is crucial, especially from friends and family. Discharge isn’t the end of the journey. Aftercare for the rest of your life is important, too, for your continued success.

At Charles River Recovery, the process typically begins with a comprehensive assessment and medical detox, where our expert staff closely monitors withdrawal symptoms and provides 24/7 support.

Following detox, clients participate in a variety of counseling sessions and alternative therapies such as yoga and art therapy. Educational sessions, support groups, and recreational activities are also integrated into the program, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Our team works with each client throughout treatment to develop a personalized plan that addresses their unique needs and goals.

Conclusion

The concept of shaming someone for experiencing a substance use disorder is passe. Substance use disorder is a disease that requires lifelong treatment. Walking through the door of Charles River Recovery will take great bravery, and doing so shouldn’t carry a stigma.

Getting such treatment is in the same category as getting an antibiotic for an infection. We’re ready to help you. All you need to do is call us to set up an appointment.

Dr. Salah Alrakawi

Dr. Salah Alrakawi brings over 30 years of expertise in clinical medicine, academia, and administration. He is dual board-certified in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine, reflecting his deep commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.

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Dr. Salah Alrakawi

Dr. Salah Alrakawi brings over 30 years of expertise in clinical medicine, academia, and administration. He is dual board-certified in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine, reflecting his deep commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Currently serving as the Medical Director at Charles River Recovery, Dr. Alrakawi also holds roles as an Attending Physician in the Department of General Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Atrius Health, and the Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center (MASAC). His multifaceted work underscores his dedication to advancing both the treatment of addiction and general internal medicine.

Dr. Alrakawi earned his medical degree from Damascus University and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Woodhull Medical Center. He is also a valued member of the teaching faculty at Harvard Medical School, where he helps shape the next generation of physicians.

Throughout his career, Dr. Alrakawi has been recognized with numerous awards and honors from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Tufts University School of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, highlighting his contributions to public health, education, and patient care.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Alrakawi is an avid traveler who enjoys hiking, playing soccer, and immersing himself in diverse cultures around the world.

Steven Barry

Steven Barry holds a B.A. in Economics from Bates College with extensive professional experience in both financial and municipal management. In his role as Director of Outreach, Steve leads the Charles River team in fostering relationships across the recovery community, local cities and towns, labor partners, and serving as a general resource for anyone seeking help.

Steve’s Charles River Why – “Anything I have ever done in my professional career has been rooted in helping people.  There is no more direct correlate to that end than assisting people find their path to reclaim their life from the grips of addiction”. 

Jillian Martin
Jillian Martin, the Director of Clinical Services, brings over 15 years of experience in behavioral healthcare and more than a decade in national executive clinical leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Concordia College in Bronxville, NY, combining psychology and sociology, and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazarene College. Licensed as an LADC I and LMHC, she is also EMDR-trained. Her diverse background spans patient care in various settings, including inpatient treatment for underserved populations, utilizing an eclectic approach and innovative therapies to enhance patient experiences across levels of care. Jillian enjoys planning adventures, living life to the fullest, and spending quality time with her son.