By combining medical care, therapy, and lifestyle changes, you can tackle withdrawal with confidence and create a strong foundation for long-term sobriety. Remember, recovery is a process, and seeking support is a sign of strength. The withdrawal process from methamphetamine occurs in distinct phases, each with its own challenges and symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms From Meth
In the United States, there are many treatment facilities for substance use disorders. A person ready to stop methamphetamine use can search for local facilities at FindTreatment.gov. According to a 2022 review, withdrawal symptoms occur when the body tries to re-adapt to a decrease in drug usage. If you feel comfortable, you can bring it up with a healthcare professional. Keep in mind that patient confidentiality laws will prevent them from reporting this information to law enforcement.
Dealing with Side Effects of Percocet
The emergency and referral resources listed above are available to individuals located in the United States and are not operated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). NIDA is a biomedical research organization and does not provide personalized medical advice, treatment, counseling, or legal consultation. Information provided by NIDA is not a substitute for professional medical care or legal consultation. A person’s cravings fade, their sleep patterns normalize, and their mood settles.
- Methamphetamine is also present in many people who die from overdoses involving fentanyl.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
- The SAMHSA phone line can also help people who are caring for loved ones who have a substance use disorder.
- During this call, someone from the facility will ask the person questions about their addiction.
- These symptoms typically begin within a few hours after the last use and mark the body’s initial adjustment to meth absence.
There is still a risk of relapse, but with consistent support, a person who makes it to this phase has a much better chance of recovery. This phase lasts approximately two weeks beyond the first 7 to 10 days of recovery. Some individuals may experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms, known as PAWS. This can include mood disturbances, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), and cravings. The psychological toll of withdrawal—along with the urge to alleviate discomfort through meth use—can make relapse more likely.
These symptoms fade as your brain replenishes its store of dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine and serotonin are two chemical messengers called neurotransmitters that can affect a range of things, including your mood, sleep cycle, and digestive process. Meth causes your brain to release its stores of both these neurotransmitters, contributing to meth’s pleasurable effects.
The protracted phase can last for weeks or even months after stopping meth. Symptoms such as mood instability and lingering cravings may persist, though they generally become less intense over time. Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to relapse, frustration, and a sense of hopelessness. At The Edge Treatment Center, we offer personalized, compassionate care to help you overcome withdrawal and reclaim your life. This article will guide you through what to expect and how to get the help you deserve for lasting recovery.
Mental Health Treatment
It is also not advisable to try home detox if you have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring mental condition. Detoxification is a natural process by which the body rids itself of harmful substances. Methamphetamine detox takes about 20–25 hours, based on the half-life of the drug.
Medical detox treatment makes the process safe because patients detox under the supervision of a doctor. With regular meth use, your brain becomes dependent on the drug to release dopamine. Once meth use stops, the brain struggles to function normally, leading to a sharp drop in dopamine levels. This chemical imbalance triggers a range of uncomfortablemeth withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, anxiety, and intense drug cravings. Meth withdrawal is not typically life-threatening but can cause severe psychological symptoms, including depression and suicidal thoughts.
Health Conditions
One of the most significant risks during meth withdrawal is the potential for relapse. As cravings for meth can be highly intense, individuals may find it difficult to resist using again, especially in the absence of proper support. Due to the drop in dopamine levels, depression is one of the most significant psychological symptoms of meth withdrawal. Individuals may feel hopeless, overwhelmed, or disconnected, which can make it challenging to find motivation or joy in everyday activities.
In addition to therapy, people with a meth addiction also benefit from other forms of counseling and support. For example, 12-step programs or similar long-term peer group support is effective for many. When someone enters detox for meth addiction, doctors evaluate his or her physical and mental condition. After immediate issues are addressed, the detoxification process begins. If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction, please remember that you’re not alone. Help is available, and it’s the first step toward rebuilding a healthier, happier life.
Can Meth Withdrawal Be Dangerous?
- If you or a loved one is struggling with meth withdrawal symptoms and addiction, reach out to us today and take the first step toward lasting recovery.
- Withdrawal symptoms are “also dependent on individual brain chemistry, so each person can experience withdrawal differently,” Acheson says.
- Veronica works with Project Neon, a harm reduction organization.
- Contact us to learn how we can help you break free from meth addiction and start living the life you deserve.
- The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
In severe cases of meth withdrawal, some individuals may experience psychosis, which can include hallucinations, paranoia, or delusions. This is more likely to happen in those with long-term or heavy meth use. Acute symptoms usually last about 7-10 days, peaking within the first week. While physical symptoms subside in a few weeks, psychological effects like depression or cravings can persist for months, requiring ongoing support.
Personal physiology and environment are also important factors for meth withdrawal. People with substance use disorder (or family history) are likely to experience more challenges in withdrawing from methamphetamine. Attempting to quit alone or within an environment with addictive triggers can also make the Meth Withdrawal Symptoms process more challenging. Methamphetamine (also known as “crystal meth”) is an extremely addictive drug. If a person uses it more than once or twice, they have a high chance of developing an addiction. Once a person becomes dependent, the body will go into withdrawal if they try to quit.
Long-Term Recovery
After detox is complete and withdrawal symptoms subside, formal counseling begins. One of the most important aspects of this phase is determining if a person has any co-occurring conditions. If so, treating these simultaneously is a must during the recovery process. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. Group therapy enables individuals to connect with others who face similar challenges, providing a shared experience and mutual encouragement.
Anyone going through meth withdrawal should be carefully monitored for mood changes and receive immediate medical attention if thoughts of suicide arise. Meth use depletes the body of essential nutrients, and withdrawal can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. As the body recovers, it may struggle to regain a proper balance of fluids and nutrients, which can lead to physical weakness, headaches, and other health issues. Hydration and proper nutrition should be prioritized during recovery to promote overall well-being.
During initial withdrawal, people may spend most of their time catching up on food and sleep. Appetite and sleep patterns usually return to normal after a few months without meth. Many people who quit using meth experience this condition, called anhedonia.