Methamphetamine is a powerful and addictive illicit drug. People who experiment with meth may quickly develop physical addiction and other severe complications. People who become addicted to meth struggle to quit using it on their own. They require comprehensive detox, treatment, and support programs to stop.
Detoxification is typically the first step of a recovery journey. During withdrawal, people with meth addiction require significant support and supervision to have a complete detox. Intense symptoms can threaten people’s ability to avoid relapse. Comprehensive treatment during detox can help people manage withdrawal symptoms and stay on track.
Knowing what to expect throughout the meth withdrawal timeline can help you prepare for what will happen at each stage. This article will detail what happens during the meth withdrawal process. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of meth abuse
- Common symptoms of meth withdrawal
- How long meth detox may last
- What treatment to expect in a medical detox program
- Where to find comprehensive detox and treatment programs
Contact the specialists at The Living Room now to explore our holistic substance use disorder treatment programs. Our intake specialists can verify your insurance, answer questions, and help you schedule an initial appointment.
The Effects and Risks of Meth
Methamphetamine (meth) is a potent illicit drug. People make meth by mixing dangerous chemicals in unregulated laboratories.[1] Users smoke, inject, or snort it. In 2021, 2.5 million people reported using meth, and about 1.6 million were addicted to it.[2]
Meth is a powerful stimulant drug. It stimulates central nervous system (CNS) activity. People who ingest meth may experience side effects, including:[1]
- Elevated blood pressure
- Faster breathing
- Decreased appetite
- Increased alertness, activity, and energy
- Rapid heart rate
Long-term meth abuse can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications, including:[3]
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Aggression
- Violent or erratic behaviors
- Physical dependence
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Extreme weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Sleep problems
- Memory problems
Prolonged periods of using meth can change how your body and brain work. Meth use affects dopamine levels and can lead to physical and psychological addiction.
Meth addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive physical, behavioral, and mental health treatment.
Symptoms of Methamphetamine Withdrawal
When people with meth addiction stop taking methamphetamine, they can experience a range of withdrawal symptoms. Some common acute symptoms of meth withdrawal include:[4]
- Intense cravings for meth
- Chills and goosebumps
- Fatigue
- Inability to feel pleasure
- Cloudy or slow-thinking
- Anxiety
- Extreme irritability
- Weight gain
- Insomnia during the initial withdrawal period, then excessive sleep
- Depression
After an initial withdrawal period, people may experience a condition called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Symptoms of PAWS can linger for weeks, months, or even longer. They include:
- Psychosis
- Excessive sleep
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Cravings
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Difficulty experiencing happiness or pleasure
Living with ongoing withdrawal symptoms can make it incredibly difficult to stay committed to sobriety. Without treatment, many people with meth addiction will relapse before experiencing a complete detox.
Medically-supervised meth detox programs can keep people on track toward long-term sobriety. Many treatment centers begin a holistic treatment program with a medically-supported detox program.
How Long Does Meth Withdrawal Last?
Many factors can affect your meth withdrawal timeline. The severity of your addiction, your health, age, and other things can determine how long your symptoms last. However, meth withdrawal symptoms typically follow a pattern.
Here is an overview of what symptoms and treatment to expect at every stage of the meth withdrawal process.
First 24 hours
Most people experience the start of acute withdrawal symptoms during the 24 hours after their final dose of meth. Your symptoms may include:
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Depression
During a medically-supported detox program, your treatment team will monitor your progress and provide evidence-based therapies to support detox. You may receive FDA-approved medications to help you manage withdrawal symptoms.[5] Your team will also provide mental health care, emotional support, and screenings and assessments throughout detox.
Week one
Your symptoms will likely intensify during the first several days of your detox process. However, you may notice significant improvements in how you feel as you approach the end of your first week of detox.
Your treatment team will continue to assess your symptoms and provide treatment. As you begin to feel better, you may participate in individual and group therapy sessions. You will likely continue to take medications to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms.
Week two and beyond
Your acute withdrawal symptoms may begin to improve as you finish your second week of detox. By the third week, your physical symptoms may have disappeared or become much more manageable.
Your treatment team will continue to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan. You may transition into a comprehensive rehab program as you begin to feel better.
Support and treatment are critical during every stage of detox. If you live with meth addiction or another form of substance use disorder (SUD), you must seek professional care to support lifelong recovery.
Explore Your Meth Addiction Treatment Options
If you or someone in your life struggles with meth abuse or addiction, you do not have to face it alone. Reach out to The Living Room specialists to learn about our treatment facility and holistic meth rehab programs. Take the first step toward a healthier future by contacting us now.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Risks of Meth
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of methamphetamine use in the United States?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine misuse?
- Science Direct: Factors associated with methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms among people who inject drugs
- Wiley Online Library: Pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine withdrawal: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials