Crystal meth is a stimulant that causes increased attention, energy, alertness, anxiety, and psychosis. Meth is also psychologically and physically addictive. People who are withdrawing from meth experience exhaustion, agitation, and intense drug cravings. The intensity of the withdrawal symptoms depends on how much meth a person uses and how long they’ve been using it.
Detox is the first step for a person working to overcome methamphetamine addiction. For both addicted and dependent users experiencing withdrawal symptoms, many will begin using meth again to counteract the withdrawal. Withdrawal tends to take place within 24 hours of stopping use. This is why it is valuable to enter a program at a meth detox center rather than trying to quit on your own. The pain of withdrawal only lasts a short time, but by quitting crystal meth, you are adding years to your life.
Signs of Meth Withdrawal
Different people have different reactions to meth withdrawal. You may have some or all of these symptoms. It can be a confusing time, and you may feel like everything that could go wrong is doing so all at the same time. But the intensity of the symptoms will dissipate, and you will begin to feel better after the symptoms peak. These are some signs of meth withdrawal:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Headaches
- Hunger
- Aggression
- Insomnia
In the first 24-48 hours after someone stops using meth, they will likely feel a crash. Along with abdominal cramps, sweating, nervousness, and nausea, you will feel like you have no energy. It is likely that your ability to think rationally and clearly will also be affected. Over the next 3-10 days is when meth withdrawal symptoms are most likely to peak. This is the phase of withdrawal where the body tries to adapt to not having any meth in its system. The anxiety, depression, paranoia, and fatigue can be overwhelming. They may also be joined by muscular pain and shaking. This is when the drug cravings are at their most significant.
Meth Detox: Week 3
In the third week of meth detox, many of the physical and psychological symptoms of meth withdrawal may have subsided, but drug cravings are likely to linger. Meth cravings can be very intense, but your body is likely trying to get used to having no meth on which to lean on. Depression and fatigue are still prevalent but should be abating by now. After around a month, the worst of meth’s withdrawal symptoms are usually gone, and those that remain begin to slowly fade away. Meth affects the mind as it affects the body; anxiety and depression may continue for several months.
Reach Out to Ethan Crossing Columbus Today
Detoxing from methamphetamine takes place in a few stages. The body must first rid itself of this dangerous drug. Then the mind must hold on to counteract the symptoms of withdrawal. This can be very uncomfortable, but it is necessary to regain your health and to begin to put your life back in order. Successful rehab is a collaboration between patient and therapist, and you will have our dedicated staff working with you throughout the process. Without the treatment to go through, your addiction will continue, and the consequences of that may be irreversible if it goes on long enough. The sooner you stop using and get treatment, the chances of making a full recovery are increased dramatically.
Addiction Recovery at Ethan Crossing
At Ethan Crossing Recovery Center near Columbus, Ohio, we are focused on family engagement and the therapeutic process. We offer several wellness therapies, including yoga and music therapy. This is a long and difficult process, and we will support you throughout the journey. We can be reached online or at 855.476.0078 for you to take the first step on your journey to wellness and recovery.
