Meth Withdrawal Symptoms and Long-Term Effects

Methamphetamine, or meth addiction, is on the rise in the United States. Many people may not realize the extent of the problem because of media portrayals. Meth is highly addictive, trapping users quickly to keep using it because of dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that every year, about 2.6 million people experiment with meth, and 1.5 million of them become addicted. Many people struggle to stop using methamphetamine because it is incredibly challenging and can be dangerous. This often leads to relapse, especially during the first withdrawal phase. Access to medical assistance for navigating meth withdrawal safely, followed by ongoing professional support, is crucial for effectively overcoming addiction.

What Is Meth?

Methamphetamine, more often referred to as meth, is an illicit and highly addictive stimulant. It appears as either a fine powder or small crystalline shards and can be consumed by smoking, snorting, injecting, or ingesting.

On a chemical level, meth is more potent and addictive than cocaine, significantly impacting the central nervous system. Shortly after intake, meth induces a powerful surge of euphoria and motivation that can envelop the body. This intense high can persist for up to twelve hours.

When methamphetamines engage with the brain, they prompt a substantial release of dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are essential for creating sensations of pleasure and reward and play vital roles in managing biological functions like coordination, temperature control, and digestion.

Because of its potent and effective nature, methamphetamine rapidly leads to dependency in both the brain and body. Over time, this results in a tolerance that requires increasingly frequent and larger doses to achieve the desired high.

Prolonged use of meth can cause physical changes to the brain and disrupt biological functions. Stopping its use often demands medical oversight and a detailed, tailored treatment plan to manage withdrawal and combat addiction effectively. Addiction treatment facilities that provide medical detox within a residential program tend to report the highest success rates in helping people recover from methamphetamine addiction.

Long-Term Effects of Meth

The long-term effects of meth use can be severe and include:

• Significant weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Meth mouth or dental damage and decay
• Intense mood swings
• Hallucinations
• Slow-healing injuries
• Open sores
• Damage to the heart
• Kidney impairment
• Lung injury
• Muscle spasms
• Facial tics
• Anhedonia, or the inability to feel pleasure
• Psychosis
• Sexual dysfunction
• Memory deterioration
• Seizures

While stopping methamphetamine isn’t as deadly as stopping opioids or benzodiazepines, it can still lead to seizures and is very upsetting. It dramatically impacts both the body and mind.

Many people continue using the drug longer than they intend to simply to avoid the withdrawal symptoms.

A primary danger of meth withdrawal is dehydration and malnourishment, which can lead to unforeseen health issues.

Given these risks, medical professionals strongly advise supervised, medically assisted treatment and detoxification for those seeking to quit methamphetamine.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Experts from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) say that many people who use methamphetamine go through side effects of bingeing and crashing. The crash can last up to three days. During this crash, users often sleep as their bodies heal. Even though early signs of withdrawal might start during this period, users usually sleep too much to notice these symptoms.

Acute withdrawal symptoms begin once the crash phase ends and the cravings for the drug resurface but remain unmet. This stage of meth withdrawal is characterized by immediate and intense physical discomfort, which can evolve into both physical and psychological symptoms of protracted withdrawal— a condition involving persistent and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms.

Some chronic or daily users may not go through a crash phase and can experience withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours after their last dose. The specific symptoms of meth withdrawal can vary depending on the duration of use, the typical amount used, and individual physical and mental health factors.

Signs and symptoms of meth withdrawal include:

• Exhaustion
• Mental fatigue
• Confusion
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Fluctuations in body temperature from hot to cold
• Dehydration
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Severe depression
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts
• Loss of coordination
• Muscle weakness
• Heart palpitations
• Seizures

Mental impacts and urges can be as dangerous and potentially fatal as physical manifestations. Experts strongly recommend that addiction treatment centers be fully equipped to manage all aspects of withdrawal and offer comprehensive follow-up care.

Meth Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline and severity of meth withdrawal can vary significantly from person to person, influenced by physical, psychological, and health factors, as well as the duration of the addiction and personal usage patterns.

The typical timeline and symptoms one might experience during meth withdrawal include:

24 to 72 Hours Post Final Meth Intake
People typically undergo significant reductions in energy, mental acuity, and overall performance, which could result in aggression, irritation, and confusion. Common physical symptoms during this phase include abdominal cramping, sweating, and nausea. Some people might also notice an increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and experience vivid dreams.

3 to 10 Days Without Meth
This timeframe marks the peak intensity of acute withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. As the body works to adjust to the absence of the substance and strives to reestablish chemical equilibrium, people often suffer from severe depression, anxiety, and extreme fatigue. Regarding physical manifestations, symptoms may encompass muscular convulsions, bodily pains, shakings, and reduced responsiveness to enjoyable sensations.

2 to 3 Weeks into Meth Withdrawal
Physical symptoms begin to diminish, but intense drug cravings can persist. Persistent tiredness is prevalent, and there might be a rise in feelings of depression and anxiety. An individualized treatment plan is crucial to manage mental health symptoms and prevent relapse during this phase.

Four Weeks or Longer Meth Free
The physical withdrawal symptoms typically subside, but ongoing mental health and behavioral issues may require continued treatment to support recovery.

Meth Withdrawal Treatment

Symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal can be daunting, and many people relapse within the first few days of attempting to quit on their own. Resuming drug use after a period of abstinence dramatically increases the risk of accidental overdose due to reduced tolerance. Additionally, the impulses driven by depression and anxiety during withdrawal can lead to self-harm and other dangerous behaviors.

Seeking a treatment program that can medically supervise detoxification and offer ongoing support and resources is the most secure method for managing meth withdrawal.

Meth Detox and Addiction Treatment at White Oak Recovery Center

Medical detox marks the first step in the meth addiction treatment process, initiating the journey toward lasting recovery. Dealing with a substance use disorder can be an isolating experience, and acknowledging the need for help may seem daunting. However, remember that you are not alone, and a better life is within reach.

At White Oak Recovery Center, we provide a private, comfortable, and empowering residential treatment environment that is judgment-free and supportive at every stage of treatment. Our on-site medical detox eases and manages withdrawal symptoms while offering continuous medical care.

After completing withdrawal, our licensed and empathetic team works with you to create a practical and effective treatment plan aimed at maintaining long-term sobriety. We utilize evidence-based treatments and therapies like dual diagnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat substance abuse and co-occurring mental illness simultaneously.

Our treatment specialists are eager to address any questions and assist you in taking the initial steps toward a meaningful and lasting recovery. Contact us today.