When someone you care about is struggling with a meth addiction, your instinct is to offer support. However, it can often seem overwhelming.
They know how their drug use affects their family and their own life. Still, it seems to have little impact on their choices. The cycle restarts when withdrawal symptoms arise.
Today, we will explore the duration of meth withdrawal, its causes, and the symptoms associated with it.
What is Meth?
Numerous individuals start misusing meth as a way to experiment or to deal with personal issues. Meth shares a chemical structure with amphetamine, which is often prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Meth is a very addictive drug. It comes in different forms, like a white powder, glass-like pieces, or shiny, bluish-white rocks. Common nicknames for meth include ice, speed, and blue.
People may smoke, snort, swallow, or inject the drug. This can lead to addiction after just one use, ongoing use, or a cycle of bingeing and crashing.
This potent stimulant enhances energy levels and allows users to remain awake and engaged for extended periods. However, it also promotes drug-seeking behavior by elevating dopamine levels in the brain.
Consequently, individuals who use meth over a long period may experience a lack of pleasure (anhedonia). Additional effects include taking risks or acting aggressively. People may feel anxious or paranoid. They might have trouble sleeping and make poor choices because of changes in brain structure.
Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal
The process of withdrawing from meth can often be quite uncomfortable. Symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal may begin to appear within 24 hours after the individual’s final dose. Meth causes the brain to release too much dopamine. This can lead to intense fatigue and deep sadness at first.
Some additional symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Sleepiness
- Depression
- Cravings
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
These symptoms can appear at various stages of methamphetamine withdrawal. The strength and length of these effects can change based on a person’s health and how severe their addiction is.
Essentially, the longer someone has used meth, the more severe their withdrawal symptoms may become. Below is a timeline outlining these symptoms.
Meth Withdrawal Timeline
Individuals typically experience several stages of withdrawal. They may face physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms during this period. These symptoms usually begin about 24 hours after the last drink. They can last several weeks, with two to three weeks being the average time.
Days 1 through 10
This phase is called the “crash” or “come down.” It includes intense cravings, tiredness, low energy, long sleep, and increased appetite. Symptoms typically become more intense by the third day of abstaining and reach their highest point by the seventh day. For some people, thoughts of suicide may come up. The ability to feel pleasure can decrease as withdrawal goes on for ten days.
Days 10 to 14
During this phase, people continue to experience strong cravings. They may also experience anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. Additionally, they might have a reduced appetite and feelings of paranoia. Cravings and depressive symptoms may continue for weeks or even months afterward.
Week 3 and beyond
As the client becomes more stable, drug cravings and other symptoms start to diminish. At this stage, the client is typically prepared to transition into therapy. Behavioral addiction therapy helps people in recovery see how their thoughts, stress, mental health, and substance use are connected.
What Factors Affect the Duration of Meth Withdrawal?
The length of meth withdrawal can be affected by several factors. These include how dependent the user is, how long they have used meth, and their health issues. Some users may feel euphoric and energetic, while others might show signs of paranoia, anxiety, and aggression.
This inconsistency highlights the risks of using methamphetamine. The threat of addiction and serious health problems affects all users. Additionally, the length of meth withdrawal can also be unpredictable. Several factors can influence the duration of meth withdrawal symptoms.
Severity of Addiction
People who use meth a lot and for a long time often become more dependent on it. This can lead to stronger withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. The brain and body may need more time to adjust to not having meth, which can make withdrawal last longer.
On the other hand, individuals with less severe addictions might face milder symptoms and a shorter withdrawal period. Their bodies are not as dependent on the substance and can rapidly restore balance.
Duration of Use
When someone uses meth for a long time, the levels of brain chemicals can change. The connections between brain cells can also be affected. As a result, it may take a longer time for these systems to normalize after the drug is out of the body.
People who have used meth for a long time often feel stronger withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can last longer compared to those who have used meth for a shorter time. This is because their brain and body have adapted to the drug’s presence, making the process of removing it more challenging.
Frequency of Use
People who regularly use meth can become more dependent on the substance. Their bodies and brains start to depend on meth for normal functioning, which makes withdrawal much more challenging to endure.
Regular use of methamphetamine causes quick alterations in brain chemistry, mainly affecting dopamine levels. When people who regularly use meth stop taking it, their brains and bodies need extra time to adjust and return to a stable state.
Metabolism
Metabolism is how fast the body processes substances like methamphetamine. Each person’s metabolism varies, affecting how long withdrawal symptoms last.
Genetic factors, age, and health can influence metabolic rates. A faster metabolism helps remove meth from the body quickly. This allows for a quicker adjustment to being drug-free, which can reduce withdrawal symptoms. In contrast, a slower metabolism may prolong withdrawal due to the body taking longer to clear meth.
Physical Health
A healthy person with a strong immune system, good nutrition, and regular exercise may recover faster from withdrawal symptoms. Their body can better handle the stress of detoxification. Conversely, those with poor health may face a longer, more difficult withdrawal process.
Meth Detox at Alamo Behavioral Health
Dealing with a lengthy withdrawal can leave many individuals feeling discouraged about recovering from meth use. When the negative emotions of withdrawal heighten these feelings, it’s easy for them to relapse. This shows the need for treatment that offers immediate support and ongoing guidance during recovery.
If you or someone you care about is facing withdrawal from meth, seek assistance immediately. Trying to stop without support can lead to serious health issues. Contact Alamo Behavioral Health today to learn more about our rehabilitation programs and how we can help.
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