Meth Withdrawal & Detox: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment
However, in cases of significant methamphetamine dependence, or if the person has had medical complications in the past, going cold turkey and ecstasy and weed detoxing at home may not be the safest way to proceed. 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. Personal physiology and environment are also important factors for meth withdrawal. People with substance use disorder (or family history) are likely to experience more challenges in withdrawing from methamphetamine.
Meth Withdrawal Timeline: How Long is Meth Withdrawal?
- Not only is withdrawal unpleasant, but the symptoms can be dangerous to a person’s health.
- The most difficult time and most intense withdrawal symptoms experienced during a crystal meth detox generally occur within the first 24 to 48 hours after the last use of the drug.
- These symptoms fade as your brain replenishes its store of dopamine and serotonin.
- Due to this experience, it is essential that individuals are monitored in order to avoid extreme hydration.
- The next step is a clinical assessment, in which the person and healthcare professionals discuss treatment options.
The body is depleted of energy and becomes more vulnerable to disease. During this time, individuals may experience fatigue, excessive sleep and increased appetite. 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.
These symptoms fade as your brain replenishes its store of dopamine and serotonin. Many people addicted to meth are unable to overcome their substance use disorder on their own. This can lead to continued use, which can exacerbate health problems. But treatment can help people safely detox and prepare to transition to inpatient rehab. The report indicated that other types of drugs failed to effectively treat meth-dependent patients, including GABA agents, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, ondansetron and mirtazapine.
Drug cravings will be heightened during this phase, and individuals may experience muscle aches, shaking, or tremors. The crystal meth withdrawal timeline can vary from person to person. But the acute withdrawal symptoms last about 1–2 weeks, on average.4 Symptoms may begin as early as a few hours after the last dose and 2cb effects may gradually worsen over the next few days before beginning to improve. Typically, the most intense symptoms of crystal meth withdrawal occur within 24 to 48 hours of the last use of the drug.
What are the symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal?
Along the same lines, once methamphetamine is taken, it is very hard to stop further use. This is because the drug is highly addictive due to its influence on dopamine production in the body and the long-lasting euphoric high it provides. The first euphoric feeling that methamphetamine provides individuals can never what does getting roofied mean truly be repeated, leaving many users on a continual chase for a high that can never be experienced again.
How to Cope with Meth Detox
Although most withdrawal symptoms may resolve after a few weeks, some may continue for much longer. Methamphetamine addiction can lead to painful withdrawal symptoms. Although most effects of withdrawal subside within about a week, some symptoms can persist for several weeks. Rehab centers can assist individuals in safely detoxing from meth abuse. Additionally, The Recovery Village asked participants about their meth withdrawal timeline.
Meth Withdrawal Medications
For those in medical detox for substance dependence, patients undergo an evaluation that helps staff understand and prepare for potential complications during withdrawal and adjust treatment accordingly. Meth withdrawal can be uncomfortable, but there are things you can do to make the experience more manageable. If you plan to stop using other substances, particularly alcohol, GHB/GBL, or benzodiazepines, talk with a medical professional first, as stopping these on your own can be dangerous.
As the 2010 study mentioned above explains, most symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal resolve within 14 days. However, some people can experience intense cravings for methamphetamine for more than 5 weeks. 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 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.