Meth Withdrawal and Detox

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Methamphetamine is a Serious Drug

Methamphetamine is a serious drug that carries a high risk of abuse, as well as horrible methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms. For users of methamphetamine, right before stopping use, a crash will be felt. This period can last a few days until the user will experience full-on methamphetamines withdrawal.

Methamphetamines withdrawal can last a couple of weeks. This period of time can be extremely painful and can lead to taking more of the drug to avoid these feelings. Eventually, methamphetamines withdrawal can lead to a cycle of use which leads the user towards addiction.

Effects of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant. The effects of this drug will increase feelings of being awake and can decrease appetite. It can also cause a variety of cardiovascular problems, irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. Hyperthermia is also a possibility with methamphetamine and can result in death in extreme cases.

Euphoria is an effect that causes methamphetamine to be extremely addictive. Its use releases high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This turns on the “pleasure” center of the drug and releases dopamine. Not only is dopamine involved in motivation, but it also affects motor function.

Methamphetamines Withdrawal

Withdrawal from methamphetamines can be extremely painful but also differentiates from person to person. Your side effects will depend on many different factors, including how long you have used meth, how much you have used, and how often. It also depends on whether or not you have abused other substances as well.

If you inject meth, then the methamphetamine withdrawal may be longer than those who snort or smoke it. Methamphetamines withdrawal symptoms include:

  • fatigue
  • increased appetite
  • feeling agitated
  • insomnia
  • excessive sweating
  • paranoia
  • hallucinations
  • high body temperature including fever
  • red eyes
  • confusion
  • nausea
  • loss of motivation
  • tremors
  • suicidal thoughts
  • stomach aches
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • dehydration

Methamphetamines Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline for methamphetamines withdrawal is different for everyone, but the general phases can be broken down.

24-48 hours: Known as the “crash”, this occurs between the first two days of lack of meth. At this point, you will feel less energy, lack of cognitive function, and possibly nausea, cramping, and excessive sweating.

3-10 days: This is the point in time where methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms will peak. The body is attempting to live normally without meth. You may feel intense anxiety and depression, as well as extreme fatigue. Some people may have shakes, muscle aches, and crave for the drug.

14-20 days: When getting to the two-week mark, most of the physical methamphetamines withdrawal symptoms will begin to stop. You may still experience extreme drug cravings as well as fatigue and depression.

1 month+: Most methamphetamines withdrawal symptoms are over at this point. Any of your remaining symptoms should also eventually fade. One concern you may have is for long-term depression and anxiety that can continue for several months to a year.

Mental Illness and Methamphetamines Withdrawal

If you struggle with a mental illness such as anxiety or depression, then there are a few steps you can take to make your withdrawal process easier.

  • Exercise: Exercise can fully help to reduce anxiety during withdrawal. It can also promote an all-around healthier lifestyle.
  • Distract yourself: Your cravings may be incredibly intense, but they will reduce over time. Typically, after two to five weeks, you will be able to live your life normally again. Keep yourself distracted to avoid these feelings.
  • Avoid triggers: You may notice that certain situations or people trigger your cravings for methamphetamine. Especially during your withdrawal, avoid these triggers to avoid relapse.
  • Eat a healthy diet: Since you may have not had a huge appetite for food while you were using methamphetamine, your appetite may return during withdrawal. It is important to try to eat healthily and avoid eating processed foods.

Treatment for Methamphetamines Withdrawal

Most meth users do not want to be addicted to meth, but by the time they realize they have a problem, it can be difficult to quit. The best way to treat methamphetamine addiction is to go through withdrawal in a medical detox program.

This will ensure you receive full medical care throughout your entire detox. Both doctors and nurses will be able to monitor you and make sure your treatment plan helps you in the best ways possible to avoid painful methamphetamines withdrawal symptoms.

Many people feel worried to go through detox, but when doing so in a medical environment you should feel safe and comfortable. There are three stages of the detox process: evaluation, stabilization, and transition.

These stages allow doctors to fully evaluate and put you into the necessary treatment programs.

Evaluation

When you first arrive at a treatment center, you will have your health and well-being assessed. Doctors and nurses will usually use a urine drug screen to see how much meth is in your system, as well as general usage.

At this point, you may need to discuss your use of meth and other drugs. It is necessary that you are fully honest because it will help you more. You should also alert them of any co-occurring disorders you have so they can properly treat them as well.

Stabilization

When you arrive at the treatment program you may be within the peak of your withdrawal. After evaluation, your treatment will begin to attempt to make you more comfortable and get you stabilized.

Transition

Once you have almost been fully detoxed, you will discuss what your next step will be. Detox is only the beginning of treating meth addiction, so you will most likely be recommended to continue in a rehab facility. If you are already in a treatment facility, then you will most likely transition to the next stage and continue to reach for sobriety.

Medications for Methamphetamines Withdrawal

Although there are no medications specifically approved by the FDA to aid in the withdrawal process from meth, many doctors prescribe medications that can help.

While attempting to manage the withdrawal process of patients, physicians can legally use any medications that they believe will help symptoms. That is why antidepressants or antipsychotics are often used in withdrawal.

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

This drug is an antidepressant that has also been approved to aid in ending cigarette smoking. Along with nicotine cessation, it has also been proven in reducing the symptoms of meth withdrawal. Wellbutrin has been shown to help with those that are struggling with light to moderate methamphetamines withdrawal.

Provigil (Modafinil)

Typically used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, this is a mild stimulant that can aid in reducing sleep issues or lack of energy from meth usage.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

There are two main SSRIs, that can aid in methamphetamines withdrawal. The first is Paxil, known as Paroxetine. Paxil is a type of antidepressant medication that has been shown to reduce cravings for meth. Despite this, there has been a bit more research is showing that Prozac, known as fluoxetine, can be more useful.

Remeron, known as mirtazapine, is another antidepressant that promotes action on both serotonin and norepinephrine. This drug has been shown to prevalent relapse during methamphetamine withdrawal.

Payment Options

Do you want treatment but are worried about how you can pay for it? We have a team of financial professionals who provide free insurance verification. We will work with you to determine how to move forward with the treatment in a way that works for you and your financial situation.

How to Get Help

With our incredible program leaders, doctors, and experts, we can help you become free from your methamphetamines withdrawal symptoms and beat your addiction. Contact Resurgence Behavioral Health to get started on the path to your future.