Meth withdrawal is a natural but uncomfortable process that begins after someone discontinues taking methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth. Withdrawal involves a predictable set of symptoms that gradually wear off as the body adjusts to the drug no longer being present. Before deciding on a Murrieta drug addiction treatment program, make sure they have a robust medical staff. This is especially important for people detoxing from large amounts of meth and combinations of meth and other drugs.
Meth withdrawal involves physical symptoms like fatigue and psychiatric symptoms like depression or psychosis. While the physical symptoms go away, psychological symptoms like anxiety can last a long time. Getting help at a Murrieta meth rehab center can greatly assist and treat the symptoms of withdrawal. Contact the caring and professional team at Solution Based Treatment to learn more about dealing with meth withdrawal.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
In the first 24 hours following meth use, people may begin to experience initial withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue and increased appetite. You may feel irritable, anxious, and depressed. Research shows that meth withdrawal consists of two phases. The first phase is most intense. During the first 24 hours after last using meth, these symptoms can be severe. They gradually get less intense over the next week. There is often a “subacute” phase lasting another couple of weeks. The second phase is less intense and lasts for about another two to three weeks. Sometimes meth users experience withdrawal symptoms for months, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Some of the most common meth withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue, sleepiness
- Severe depression
- Psychosis
- Cravings
- Increased appetite
- Shaking
- Headaches
- Red, itchy eyes
- Clammy skin
- Joint pain
- Hyperventilation
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Suicidal thoughts
Other factors that can play a role in the duration and severity of meth withdrawal symptoms include:
- A person’s mental and physical health before and during meth use
- The quality of the meth the individual was using
- History of other drug use, including alcohol
During their drug treatment programs, clients learn how to manage drug cravings, reduce their risk for relapse, and mend personal and professional relationships. We encourage clients to join our recovery activities like sober living, Rock to Recovery, and Building on the Rock during and after treatment.
Coping With Meth Withdrawal
Meth withdrawal can be difficult, but there are some things that you can do to cope with your symptoms and make the process easier.
- Exercise: Exercise and medication may help with anxiety.
- Distract yourself: Although these cravings start out quite intense, the frequency and intensity of drug cravings gradually subside over two to five weeks. Find ways to keep busy and distracted so you don’t focus on these cravings.
- Avoid triggers: If there are certain situations or people that tend to trigger your cravings, be careful to avoid them during your withdrawal period in order to minimize the risk of a relapse.
- Eat a healthy diet: Your appetite for food may return during withdrawal, but it’s important to try to keep everything in moderation. Try not to eat more than you normally would have before taking meth, as you may develop a substitute addiction to food.
Contact SBT to Learn More About Meth Withdrawal
If you or a loved one is ready to quit meth, talk to your doctor for advice. Your doctor can assess your health and refer you to treatment centers in your area. You should also seek medical assistance if you have severe or worrisome withdrawal symptoms such as depression, paranoia, or psychosis. Solution Based Treatment offers medical detox, residential, and intensive outpatient treatment for people detoxing from the following substances:
- Alcohol (including liquor, beer, and wine)
- Opiates (including fentanyl, heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin)
- Benzodiazepines (including Xanax and Klonopin)
- Stimulants (including amphetamines, cocaine, and meth)
- Multiple substances
Contact our treatment team today at 833.999.1941 to learn more.