Meth Withdrawal Symptoms And Treatment

Meth is a highly addictive drug, and it creates intense cravings in people who attempt to stop using it.

Meth substance abuse also creates difficult withdrawal symptoms, and those symptoms often cause people to continue using the drug, even if they know they need to stop.

These symptoms include both physical and mental health complications. Fortunately, those symptoms, like meth addiction itself, can be treated.

Physical Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical meth withdrawal symptoms consist primarily of excessive fatigue and increased appetite. These symptoms occur due to meth’s stimulant effects.

As a stimulant, meth use creates intense physical symptoms and energy. Even after a meth high ends, meth prevents sleep and can cause wakefulness for several hours.

With repeated use, the body can get used to the stimulant effects and begin to expect them. As a result, when a person stops using meth, they may experience rebound sleepiness.

Like many other stimulants, meth also suppresses the appetite. Quitting meth causes the appetite to return with intensity after having experienced a nutritional deficit and weight loss.

Many people crave starchy and sugary foods in particular when experiencing meth withdrawal.

Mental Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Crystal meth withdrawal also impacts mental health. Most commonly, people experience symptoms of depression and anxiety while quitting meth.

Some people also experience meth psychosis, which is a break from reality. Signs of psychosis include hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.

Meth Comedown Timeline

A meth comedown, or the time that it takes to detox from meth, varies from person to person.

Several factors impact the meth withdrawal timeline, including the amount of meth in the person’s system, the person’s metabolism, and other considerations.

However, in general, a meth comedown will follow a timeline.

A typical meth comedown may look like this:

• After 12 to 24 hours: initial withdrawal involving lethargy and irritability
• After two to three days: depression, anxiety, agitation, and difficulty concentrating
• After four to seven days: milder symptoms, including increased appetite and continued mental health issues
• After one week: a possible “crash,” including severe depression, fatigue, and strong meth cravings

The process can be intense, which is why it’s always best to undergo methamphetamine withdrawal under the supervision of medical professionals fit to manage detoxification side effects.

How Is Meth Withdrawal Treated?

Treating meth withdrawal symptoms can help people avoid relapse, as treatment allows people to find relief without returning to drug use.

Methamphetamine use withdrawal is treated in a few ways.

Medical Detox

Detox is the process that takes place when drugs leave the body. One of the safest ways to detox from drug addiction is to do so at a drug treatment facility.

Meth detox treatment centers provide comfort and medical supervision during this important recovery step.

While staying at a detox center, people have no access to illicit drugs, which decreases the possibility of relapse.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Doctors at detox centers are available in case of a medical emergency, and they may also provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

MAT may include medication for symptom relief, easing drug cravings and the symptoms of meth withdrawal.

For example, antidepressants can help people with certain mental health symptoms of withdrawal, replenishing dopamine, reducing suicidal thoughts, and preventing mood swings.

Addiction Therapy

Different types of therapy can help people in all stages of recovery. For many, addiction therapy begins during withdrawal.

Therapy provides support and understanding, and it teaches healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with symptoms, especially the symptoms that impact mental health.

Substance use disorder therapy techniques used during the acute withdrawal process may include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy
• dual diagnosis therapy for co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or ADHD
• group therapy

Find Help For Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine addiction is a complex disorder, but having support during all phases of recovery can increase the chances of success in sobriety.

Spring Hill Recovery Center is a rehab in Massachusetts that provides evidence-based therapies, inpatient rehab, outpatient care, and other meth addiction treatment options.

We offer detox support, providing medical care for people who need help with meth withdrawal symptoms and uncomfortable psychological symptoms.

If you or a loved one need help to overcome meth addiction, call our helpline today to learn about our substance abuse treatment center.