Author: Charles Frank

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Addiction Treatment

However, these symptoms often resolve within a few weeks of methamphetamine cessation. The next step is a clinical assessment, in which the person and healthcare professionals discuss treatment options. Detox is the safest and most effective way to treat drug addiction.

Our writers include physicians, pharmacists, and registered nurses with firsthand clinical experience. All condition, treatment and wellness content is medically reviewed by at least one medical professional ensuring the most accurate information possible. Physical withdrawal symptoms usually disappear after a couple of weeks.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal Timeline

Detox centers are particularly effective when a person has a severe addiction or a concurring disorder, such as a secondary addiction or mental health problems. Your doctor will be able to provide you with more information about the timeline they expect you to personally experience with meth withdrawal. The three main portions of withdrawal are the crash, cravings and recovery.

1. Trained therapists will work on the psychological aspect of the treatment with you.
2. Meth withdrawal is hard, but it’s the first step in quitting meth for good.
3. Identifying the exact duration of meth withdrawal is difficult because the length and severity of withdrawal symptoms vary by person.
4. They may have to face feelings they have avoided in the past with the help of meth.
5. After detox, joining a rehab program greatly increases the chances of lasting recovery.

Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. Some people who use methamphetamine undergo the detox process at home. If the home environment is a triggering space, particularly one in which meth was or is highly prevalent, it is not advisable to attempt detox at home.

What is the timeline for meth withdrawal symptoms?

When the detox process is almost complete, doctors will begin to discuss next steps with their patient. Detox is only the first step in meth addiction treatment, and physicians recommend that patients continue their recovery in a rehab facility. If the detox is already taking place in a treatment facility, medical staff will help patients transition into the next stage and stay on track toward sobriety. Methamphetamine abuse is a huge problem within the United States, and because of its potency, the drug can lead to rapid dependency. The withdrawal symptoms of meth are debilitating and painful, and can cause the user to take more of the drug in hopes of counteracting the withdrawal process. This may lead to a downward spiral of repeated meth use, which can perpetuate a cycle of addiction.

However, some people can experience intense cravings for methamphetamine for more than 5 weeks. There are currently no medications specifically designed to ease the methamphetamine withdrawal process. However, there are a few that can be prescribed to help relieve the severity of some withdrawal symptoms. Bupropion, an antidepressant used to help people quit smoking tobacco, has been proven to be very helpful in reducing drug cravings. Your doctor may prescribe you medications to manage your symptoms of meth withdrawal. You can also get help from a drug rehabilitation program in a detox center.

Knowing what you might face can help you feel more prepared and supported as you begin this journey. Remember, your body has a remarkable ability to heal, and with time and support, you’ll overcome this. Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug, making the decision to quit an incredibly brave one. The process of detoxification consists of removing any traces of meth from your body. During this period, your brain readjusts the production of neurotransmitters. You can also try taking medication to help you sleep or manage uncomfortable symptoms.

During detox

People can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. These can range from fatigue and depression to intense cravings. Although most withdrawal symptoms may resolve after a few weeks, some may continue for much longer.

Should you seek professional care?

If the patient 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 patient’s body will stabilize, and they can move on to the next stage of rehabilitation. 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.

How to provide support if you are a loved one

It’s also helpful for doctors to know if the patient suffers from any co-occurring disorders, as these can affect the types of detox treatments the patient will receive. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that meth withdrawal symptoms can alter a person’s emotions. While going through meth withdrawal during detox, people often become angry, nervous or anxious. Some may experience severe mental health problems such as depression or meth psychosis.

These strategies can encourage a person to cope with their emotions in a healthy way. This plan may involve regular meetings and counseling to help manage meth cravings and triggers. Medical professionals will take care of you and your symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable even if a person has only used meth for a short time. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur based on how long and how much of the substance has been used. It usually does not matter whether the drug has been snorted, smoked or injected because of how profoundly meth affects the brain.