Methamphetamine Detox, Symptoms, & Treatment

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

Methamphetamine withdrawal is usually an unpleasant experience.  Symptoms begin around 24 hours after the last dose.  Fatigue may set in at first, followed by overwhelming feelings of depression.  Many people also experience paranoia, hallucinations, anxiety, and insomnia.

Meth works by increasing dopamine, the neurotransmitter that controls feelings of pleasure in the brain. When the drug is removed, dopamine drops below natural levels, and the resulting loss of enjoyment is distressing.

Common Signs of Methamphetamine Withdrawal may include:

Long-term meth use may decrease dopamine receptors in brain cells, making it difficult for the individual to experience pleasure, even if normal dopamine levels return.  As a result, many people who quit using meth experience this condition called anhedonia.  Anhedonia can continue for up to two years after a person stops the drug.

For many, it is physiological symptoms — anhedonia and the resultant depression — that cause relapse as they seek relief from the emotional distress. In addition, the psychological dependence resulting from prolonged meth use is powerful, so the person in withdrawal will often experience an intense craving for the drug.

The primary physical symptoms of meth withdrawal are fatigue and lethargy, along with painful headaches. Meth suppresses both appetite and sleep.  During the initial retreat, people may spend most of their time catching up on food and sleep.  As a result, people may gain a significant amount of weight at this time.  Appetite and sleep patterns usually return to normal after a few months without meth.

Meth Withdrawal Timeline

How long does meth withdrawal last?  The three central stages of withdrawal are the crash, cravings, and recovery.  Methamphetamine withdrawal is a slow, complex, but enormously valuable process. It may last up to 40 weeks.

Crystal Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

The Three Phases of Meth Withdrawal

Phase 1: 

The first 3-10 days of withdrawal is the “cash’ period.  The period includes a sharp decline in energy and cognitive function.  Depression is common during this phase. In some cases, people will experience hallucinations, paranoia, and anxiety.  Cravings are typically low at this time because a person usually spends a lot of time sleeping during the crash phase.

Phase 2: 

The second phase begins with intense cravings.  Having gotten through the initial crash, many people in the early stages of recovery start to desire the fierce high that meth provides.  Due to the euphoria that the drug offers, consumption is a continuous temptation. Many people feel powerless after stopping using the medication and seeking to use it again to regain the feeling.  This phase can last up to 10 weeks and often includes depression and insomnia.

Phase 3: 

The third stage of meth withdrawal is when meth cravings begin to fade, becoming less frequent and less potent, forming an ideal opportunity to begin recovery.  It is best to maintain an environment where you are safe and have others around to help hold you accountable.  This phase can last for 30 weeks and, in some cases, much longer.  As a general rule, the longer it has been since you have used meth, the easier it will be for you to stay sober.

Withdrawal Experience

Many factors affect the withdrawal experience.  

• Those who have taken meth for more extended periods will usually withdraw for longer
• Higher regular doses of meth affect the length of withdrawal in the same way

Personal physiology and environment are also essential factors for meth withdrawal.  For example, people with substance use disorder (or family history) are likely to experience more challenges in withdrawing from methamphetamine.  In addition, attempting to quit alone or within an environment with addictive triggers can also make the process more challenging.

It is also challenging to quit meth all at once.  This method of withdrawal is referred to as cold turkey.  However, many people choose to taper instead of going cold turkey, which can be safer and more comfortable.  Tapering is the process of lowering the dosage slowly over time.

Methamphetamine Detox At Home

Detoxification is a natural process by which the body rids itself of harmful substances.  Methamphetamine detox takes about 50 hours, depending on the half-life of the drug.  Some of the most common symptoms are fatigue, depression, anxiety, and increased appetite.  These are all signs that the body is ridding itself of the methamphetamine, flushing out the toxin, and returning to a state of health.  Some people who use methamphetamine undergo the detox process at home.  However, if the home environment is a triggering space, particularly one in which meth was highly prevalent, it is not advisable to attempt detox at home. It is also not advisable to try home detox if you have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring mental condition.

Additionally, there should be a doctor, nurse, friend, or family member present for the withdrawal process.  Supported withdrawal reduces the risk of complications. However, dehydration often accompanies the withdrawal process, which can be dangerous.  For this reason, medically supervised detox can be a crucial part of a care plan. 

Detox Centers And Rehabilitation

Detox centers and rehabilitation facilities provide around-the-clock medical supervision to those undergoing detoxification.  Nurses and doctors on staff will ensure you are adequately hydrated and have the proper nutrients, allowing you to detox healthily and safely.

The first stage of rehabilitation is an evaluation by trained clinical staff. Then, if the client is still acutely intoxicated, they will undergo detoxification.  This process may serve as a personal milestone for those who complete the experience.  After some time, a client’s body will stabilize, and they can move onto the next stage of rehabilitation.

After the initial withdrawal process is complete, creating a plan for further treatment is vital.  Detoxification is one major step toward rehabilitation, but the journey to health and wellness continues long after this phase.  Many addiction professionals believe recovery is never truly finished. Instead, it is a continuous, lifelong process.  We Level Up helps clients develop a personalized plan to address individual symptoms, underlying issues, and life circumstances for long-term recovery.

Treatment For Withdrawal Symptoms

Each facility of We Level Up is staffed with a team of experienced professionals who understand the risks associated with meth withdrawal.  Although not everyone experiences the same symptoms, in the same way, there is typically some discomfort associated with the detox process.  The good news is, our team offers treatment options to provide relief from the meth withdrawal symptoms.

Meth Withdrawal Medication

Medications that treat methamphetamine dependence should accomplish at least one of the following:

• Repair damage caused by meth use
• Reduce rush of meth pleasure
• Reduce cravings that follow abstinence from meth

Unfortunately, while medications like this exist for other drugs (opioid pain medications), there are no FDA-approved prescriptions for stimulants like methamphetamine.  Since there are no approved medications for meth dependence, treatment during medical detox is supportive.  Addiction specialists may instead use medication to provide relief of withdrawal symptoms from meth.  In addition, treatment may ease the mood symptoms and prevent short-term physical symptoms like tremors, nausea, or vomiting.

At We Level Up Treatment Center, we provide world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals available to help you cope.  We work as an integrated team providing support through methamphetamine detox and other aspects of treatment.  Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life.  Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists.  Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.