How to Handle Meth Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment
Methamphetamine addiction is a serious and often overwhelming challenge to overcome, particularly due to withdrawal symptoms that arise when stopping use. Methamphetamine withdrawal is a physically and emotionally taxing process that can feel impossible to get past without the proper support. Understanding what to expect during meth withdrawal, how long it typically lasts, the success rate of drug rehab, and what treatment options are available can make a vital difference in preparing for recovery.
Table of contents
» What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal?
» What Is the Typical Timeline for Meth Withdrawal?
» Is Meth Withdrawal Dangerous?
» What Is the Best Way to Manage Meth Withdrawal Symptoms?
» Key Takeaways on Methamphetamine Withdrawal
» Resources
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is an extremely addictive stimulant that can rapidly lead to tolerance and dependence among users. When individuals cease using meth, particularly after extended periods of use, their bodies and brains require time to readjust.
During this adjustment phase, they may undergo methamphetamine withdrawal, which can result in a variety of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms that often compel them to resume use.
It is crucial to understand the symptoms of meth withdrawal for anyone seeking first time drug rehab treatment and recovery, as well as for families and loved ones providing support. Below are the most prevalent symptoms associated with meth withdrawal:
Psychological Symptoms:
- Intense cravings
- Severe depression
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Irritability and mood swings
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Inability to experience pleasure
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of motivation
- In severe cases, suicidal thoughts
Physical Symptoms:
- Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Body aches and pains
- Nausea and stomach problems
- Chills and sweating
- Dehydration
- Dry mouth
What Is the Typical Timeline for Meth Withdrawal?
Methamphetamine withdrawal can be quite intense and severe, but it’s crucial to understand that it will eventually pass. As reported by MedicalNewsToday, withdrawal symptoms from meth generally resolve within 14 days. For those who are dependent on meth, stopping use with support groups for addicts can be highly challenging due to these symptoms and cravings.
Quitting methamphetamine is a significant challenge, but being aware of the typical meth withdrawal timeline can assist individuals and their support systems in preparing for the obstacles that lie ahead. While the exact duration and severity of symptoms can vary based on factors such as the duration and quantity of meth use, individual physiology, and any co-occurring conditions, a general progression of phases can be expected.
- The “Crash” Phase (First 24-48 Hours): This initial phase usually starts within hours after the last meth dose and is marked by a swift decline in both energy and mood. It is commonly referred to as a “crash” due to the extreme physical and psychological exhaustion that encompasses deep depression, irritability, severe fatigue, and cravings.
- Acute Withdrawal Phase (Days 3-10, potentially extending up to 2 weeks): After the initial crash, symptoms continue to escalate, and this phase is regarded as the most intense and difficult. Individuals face the highest risk of relapse due to ongoing cravings and psychological distress. During this period, some individuals may encounter paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions.
- Subacute Withdrawal (Weeks 2-4): By this stage, severe physical symptoms usually diminish, but emotional challenges may persist. Individuals might experience lingering fatigue, low motivation, anxiety or mild depression, difficulty concentrating, and cravings triggered by stress or environmental factors.
- Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) (Weeks to Months): For some individuals, psychological and emotional symptoms may continue for several months after ceasing meth use. This condition is referred to as PAWS and can manifest as ongoing anxiety, depression, mood swings, sleep disturbances or vivid dreams, lethargy, cognitive difficulties, and intermittent cravings.
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Is Meth Withdrawal Dangerous?
While methamphetamine withdrawal is generally not considered life-threatening in the same way as alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, which can cause fatal seizures, it is far from harmless. Certain psychological risks make methamphetamine detox potentially dangerous, including severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and the possibility of psychotic episodes.
Arguably the most significant danger of meth withdrawal is the profound depression and suicidal ideation that individuals can experience, which can lead to self-harm. Chronic meth use can also induce psychotic symptoms which can persist or even worsen during withdrawal. Individuals may experience hallucinations, delusions, or extreme paranoia, which can lead to unpredictable and dangerous behaviors, including self-harm or aggression toward others.
Intense cravings for meth during withdrawal can also lead to dangerous situations. Individuals may engage in risky behaviors to obtain the drug or relapse quickly. Relapse after a period of abstinence can cause a decrease in tolerance, increasing the risk of overdose if the individuals use the same amount they previously did.
It is also important to take account of the dangers of meth withdrawal in individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as heart or respiratory issues. Methamphetamine use places significant stress on the cardiovascular system, and during withdrawal, blood pressure and heart rate may fluctuate. A body that’s already struggling with high blood pressure or a weakened heart may not be able to handle these shifts, increasing the risk of cardiac events.
Meth use can also damage the kidneys and liver, organs that are crucial for detoxifying the body. The body may struggle to process and eliminate toxins, potentially leading to a buildup that further strains organs. Additionally, individuals can experience extreme dehydration and electrolyte imbalance during withdrawal, which are particularly dangerous for those with kidney issues.
What Is the Best Way to Manage Meth Withdrawal Symptoms?
Considering the serious risks linked to meth addiction withdrawal, professional medical detox programs can assist in alleviating symptoms and ensuring safety. According to the British Journal of Pharmacology, there are currently no medications approved specifically for treating meth withdrawal. Nevertheless, psychiatric medications and other drugs may be utilized during medical detox to help manage symptoms. A meth detox facility offers:
- 24/7 Monitoring: A dedicated team of medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, will continuously monitor vital signs and act promptly if any medical issues occur.
- Safety and Security: A controlled setting eliminates access to drugs and reduces external triggers, thereby lowering the risk of relapse.
- Symptoms Management: Medications can be provided to ease severe symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, pain, and digestive issues, making the detox process more bearable.
- Mental Health Support: Professionals can evaluate and treat co-occurring mental health disorders, offering therapeutic interventions and preparing patients for ongoing care through rehabilitation programs.
Key Takeaways on Methamphetamine Withdrawal
- Methamphetamine Withdrawal Can Be Challenging: The severe psychological and physical symptoms that arise when stopping meth use can make it extremely hard for individuals to quit on their own.
- Individuals May Face A Variety of Withdrawal Symptoms: Typical symptoms encompass intense cravings, deep depression, extreme fatigue, psychosis, mood fluctuations, and in severe instances, thoughts of suicide.
- Meth Withdrawal Has a Specific Timeline: Although the duration of symptoms can differ, they typically last around two weeks, with some individuals facing lingering psychological challenges for weeks or even months after discontinuing use.
- Withdrawal Is Typically Not Life-Threatening: While meth withdrawal is not usually fatal, it can present significant mental health risks such as suicidal thoughts, psychosis, and aggressive behavior, making it unsafe to detox independently.
- Medical Detox is the Optimal Approach: Detox centers offer round-the-clock medical supervision, management of symptoms, protection against relapse, and treatment for co-occurring disorders, which can alleviate withdrawal symptoms and establish a foundation for lasting recovery.
WhiteSands Treatment provides extensive detox programs for meth addiction, ensuring individuals can safely and effectively navigate the withdrawal process. With round-the-clock medical supervision and a dedicated team of clinicians ready to administer medications and offer emotional support, opting for our detox program can significantly ease the journey.
Furthermore, we present meth rehabilitation options through both inpatient and outpatient services, facilitating a smooth transition into long-term care for sustainable recovery. Our recovery programs utilize evidence-based therapies and a holistic approach, focusing on the root causes of addiction while equipping patients with practical coping strategies to handle ongoing cravings and co-occurring mental health challenges that frequently contribute to relapse.
If you or a loved one is facing challenges with meth dependence or addiction, reach out to WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877-855-3470 to begin a tailored meth addiction and rehabilitation program.
Resources
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Methamphetamine
MedicalNewsToday – What are the symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal?
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology – Pharmacological approaches to methamphetamine dependence: a focused review
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
