Medication can also help lessen insomnia (trouble sleeping) or anxiety. The first signs of meth withdrawal often include extreme fatigue, increased appetite, and feelings of depression. These symptoms typically begin within a few hours after the last use and mark the body’s initial adjustment to meth absence. Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a highly addictive substance that can have devastating effects on your physical and mental health. When you decide to stop using meth, withdrawal symptoms can be a challenging but necessary part of your recovery journey. People can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.

Should you seek professional care?

It also teaches the person to identify triggers for drug use and learn to manage those triggers effectively. If you or a loved one is addicted to meth, it’s important to seek guidance from a medical professional during the withdrawal phase to help prevent deadly seizures from occurring. During this time, symptoms may peak and then gradually begin to decrease. The type and length of these symptoms will vary from person to person and depend on how heavily and how often the drug was used. Symptoms are the strongest within the first week and can last a few weeks.

Can Meth Withdrawal Cause Dizziness?

Shame and stigma can also have a negative effect on the post-meth experience for some people, notes Vivian Veronica, a methamphetamine specialist. Veronica works with Project Neon, a harm reduction organization. First, those who have taken meth for longer periods of time will usually withdraw for longer. Higher regular doses of meth affect the length of withdrawal in the same way.

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Understanding withdrawal symptoms from meth is crucial to preparing for the physical and emotional changes you may face. Since there are no approved medications for meth dependence, treatment during medical detox is supportive. Addiction Meth Withdrawal Symptoms specialists may instead use medication to provide relief of withdrawal symptoms from meth. Treatment may ease the mood symptoms and prevent short-term physical symptoms like tremors, nausea or vomiting.

Breaking free from meth isn’t easy—and the meth withdrawal symptoms that follow can feel intense and discouraging. Fatigue, depression, and powerful cravings can make it hard to stay on track, especially without the proper support. As the 2010 study mentioned above explains, most symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal resolve within 14 days.

• During this time, symptoms may peak and then gradually begin to decrease.
• Professional support and structured treatment programs are essential in helping individuals resist these cravings and stay on the path to recovery.
• When the drug is removed, dopamine drops below natural levels, and the resulting loss of enjoyment is distressing.
• People who provide such support should make sure to practice self-care.

Tolerance, Physical Dependence, and Addiction Explained

The detoxification process is challenging with a meth addiction, but it is possible to recover from the addiction. Although it’s beneficial to end a meth addiction, the withdrawal period is unpleasant and can create problems of its own. Meth withdrawal is not considered fatal, but if symptoms of withdrawal are bad enough a person can die during the process. Many of the symptoms a person experiences during meth withdrawal are similar to those that occur when withdrawing from any drug.

Is Medical Detox Necessary for Meth Withdrawal?

This process has different symptoms that depend on how long and how much meth was used, as well as the person’s own body. Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug, making the decision to quit an incredibly brave one. As the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) explains, it can be challenging to care for someone who has a substance use disorder. People who provide such support should make sure to practice self-care. During a methamphetamine detox, some people may benefit from the support of family, friends, or partners.

• For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov.
• NIDA also supports research to understand the health impacts of methamphetamine use, including how reducing use affects health and other outcomes.
• It will also discuss treatment options for methamphetamine withdrawal and provide links to helpful websites.
• Remember, your body has a remarkable ability to heal, and with time and support, you’ll overcome this.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used treatment that helps individuals identify and change harmful thought patterns, promoting healthier behaviors. It’s critical to monitor and address mental health concerns during withdrawal to prevent any self-harm or suicidal behavior. Intense cravings are one of the most persistent and difficult symptoms to deal with. With mood swings, frustration, and anxiety, irritability is common. Support groups like 12-step programs give support and connection to others also in recovery.

Therapy like CBT (Cognitive-behavioral therapy) helps teach new ways to cope with cravings and what might trigger meth use. Working with a mental health professional can give you the skills necessary for lasting recovery. Medical detox is highly recommended for meth withdrawal to ensure safety and comfort.

These symptoms can vary in severity and duration depending on the individual’s usage patterns, but they generally manifest within the first 24 hours of stopping. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for preparing for and effectively managing the withdrawal process. Detoxing from meth at home is not advised due to risks like dehydration, malnutrition, and severe psychological symptoms.

While symptoms tend to steadily improve in 1 or 2 weeks, sleep issues may actually worsen after improving within the first week. Another small 2011 study involving 13 participants found that depression symptoms largely resolved after 1 week, while anxiety and other symptoms decreased within 2 weeks. Withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as 24 hours after the last dose. The SAMHSA phone line can also help people who are caring for loved ones who have a substance use disorder. It is also an opportunity for the person to ask questions about the facility and the care they provide. You can also try taking medication to help you sleep or manage uncomfortable symptoms.

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Though it’s not impossible to stop using meth on your own, it is often more challenging. There are also medical risks to quitting meth without medical care, depending on the level and length of addiction. Another thing to consider is the support system you have at home.

One of the most common and immediate physical symptoms is extreme fatigue. Meth is a stimulant that boosts energy and alertness, so when it’s no longer in the system, the body can feel drained and exhausted. This fatigue can last for days or weeks and can be particularly challenging.

The euphoria wears off quickly, leading to a “crash.” Some people try to avoid this and extend the euphoria by repeatedly taking the drug in a binge pattern. Repeated use in this way increases the risk of developing a methamphetamine use disorder. The purpose of therapy is to help the person with the addiction determine the underlying causes of the addiction.