Meth is a powerful stimulant drug that produces a feeling of intense euphoria in the brain. However, it is intensely addictive, with deadly side effects. Quitting meth on one’s own is not recommended, owing to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. If you or a loved one is showing signs of meth withdrawal symptoms, contact San Antonio Recovery Center at the earliest.
Depending on the body’s metabolism and dependence on the drug, the meth withdrawal timeline may vary from person to person. However, the first 24–48 hours are the most crucial, as the person experiences a “crash” when the euphoric effects of the substance wear off. At this stage, in-house care at a facility/hospital is recommended. To know more about meth addiction treatment, call us at 866.957.7885 or reach out online.
Signs That You Have a Meth Addiction
With meth addiction, there are certain signs to watch out for that may indicate a problem. If you or someone close to you is exhibiting the following behaviors, it could be an indication of meth use and addiction:
- Dramatic weight loss in a short period of time
- Excessive sleepiness or lack of energy
- Unusual bursts of energy followed by crashes
- Increased risk-taking behavior
- Sudden changes in mood or appearance
- Significant financial problems
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it may be time to seek help to deal with the detox and withdrawal process.
How Long Is Meth Withdrawal?
If you’re wondering how long meth withdrawal lasts, the answer can be anything from two weeks to a few months. However, in most cases, the critical stage lasts for around ten days, during which the withdrawal symptoms are at their peak. After this, the physical symptoms start improving as the body begins to slowly readjust and heal itself.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Meth withdrawal can be extremely painful. It is highly recommended to seek professional intervention whereby the doctor puts the patient on a “tapering” program by providing FDA-approved medications and gradually reducing the dosage to cope with the symptoms.
Typical symptoms of meth withdrawal include:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Increased appetite
- Paranoia
- Stomach ache
- Tremors
- Depression
In severe cases, the signs may include:
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Suicide ideation
- Severe depression
In rare cases, the withdrawal symptoms may persist for months. This condition is called Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptom (PAWS), and it can be managed with regular therapy and guidance at an in-house facility.
Meth Withdrawal Timeline
How long is meth withdrawal? Well, if the patient is undergoing treatment at a residential facility, the symptoms should improve after the first two weeks.
An approximate meth withdrawal timeline is as follows:
Days 1–3
This is the most critical stage where the patient experiences a crash. The pleasant effects of the drug wear off, and acute discomfort sets in as the body craves more and more of the substance to keep functioning normally. They may sweat a lot and experience nausea, stomach cramps, and fatigue. Due to the changes in mood and energy, they may also feel intense paranoia, depression, and have suicidal thoughts.
However, at a facility, these withdrawal symptoms are much less intense due to the care and supervision of doctors.
Days 4–7
This is the acute withdrawal phase, where the patient may continue to feel agitated, irritable, and experience intense cravings. Frequent mood swings and sudden aches, pains, and tremors are common.
Days 8–15
After a while, from the 10th day or so, the physical symptoms should start improving. The patient may still experience cravings, mood swings, and depression. However, medication and therapy should help manage the psychological symptoms and help with sleep disorders, if any arise.
Days 16–30
The anxiety and depression might remain, but the patient will slowly start to feel better. Their sleep and appetite may improve, and they may then feel more energetic.
After One Month
Most patients should start feeling better within a month or so, as the acute withdrawal phase will have passed by now. Some lingering symptoms of anxiety, mood swings, and depression might be present, and the staff at the facility will guide the patient on developing effective coping mechanisms for it.
Meth Addiction Treatment
Getting off meth doesn’t mean you’re recovered. That’s why drug rehab becomes so important.
Meth addiction treatment is a process of addressing the physical, psychological, and social needs of a person suffering from an addiction to methamphetamine. Treatment may involve medication-assisted therapy, counseling and therapy sessions, support groups, or inpatient rehabilitation programs. Meth addiction treatment can help people identify triggers that lead to drug use and develop strategies to cope with cravings and avoid relapse. Additionally, treatment can help people build a supportive network of friends and family who can provide encouragement and accountability during recovery. Treatment should be tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances, as every person’s journey to sobriety is unique.
It’s important for individuals struggling with meth addiction to seek professional help from an addiction specialist or treatment center. Treatment can help a person better understand the underlying causes of their addiction and develop skills to maintain sobriety in the long-term. If you are considering meth addiction treatment, remember that recovery is possible—and with dedicated effort, it is achievable. With access to the right resources, support, and personalized treatment, recovery is within reach.
Find Help and Healing at San Antonio Recovery Center
Meth withdrawal might be painful, but the recovery journey can be made safe, welcoming, and comfortable with professional care and treatment. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we prioritize the client’s physical and emotional well-being, providing them with intensive care, medical attention, and quality support at every step. We offer both residential and outpatient programs and utilize a mixture of holistic and evidence-based therapies based on the patient’s unique needs.
Call us today at 866.957.7885 or reach out online and take the first step toward recovery.
