Timeline of Meth Withdrawal

Methamphetamine is a dangerous and highly addictive stimulant that’s known for causing numerous health problems including meth mouth and meth mites.

Its effects on the central nervous system can quickly cause a severe addiction, making it difficult for users to quit. When people with meth addictions attempt to stop cold turkey, they may experience severe meth withdrawal symptoms. Although the timeline of meth withdrawal and severity of symptoms depend on different factors, this process can be painful and life-threatening without medical assistance.

At our drug and alcohol treatment center in Texas, we offer a variety of addiction treatments and programs that offer round-the-clock care to our patients.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawing from meth is usually an uncomfortable experience. The signs and symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal can show as early as 24 hours after the person’s last dose. Because meth causes the brain to release an excessive amount of dopamine, early symptoms include overwhelming feelings of fatigue and sadness. With a proper meth detox like the one we offer at Banyan Treatment Centers Texas, addicts can safely withdraw from meth and begin their recovery.

Some additional signs and symptoms of meth withdrawal include:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
• Depression
• Cravings
• Increased appetite

These symptoms may occur at different phases of methamphetamine withdrawal. The severity and longevity of these side effects may depend on the person’s health condition and the severity of their addiction. In other words, the longer they’ve been using, the worse their symptoms may be. Below is a timeline of meth withdrawal symptoms.

First 2 Days

During the first week of meth withdrawal, also known as the “crash” phase, users may experience symptoms like:

• Decline in energy
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Headaches

3–10 Days

As symptoms of the crash period persist, users may experience more intense side effects like:

• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Inability to sleep or sleeping too much

14–20 Days

This next period of the meth withdrawal timeline usually involves intense cravings. Because people in this stage have already gone through the more severe physical side effects, symptoms of their mental dependency begin to show. No longer distracted by their physical symptoms, users are back to craving the intense high they felt while using. This phase also often includes depression and insomnia.

1 Month

Around the 30-day mark, cravings usually begin to subside. This is the stage during which addicts can begin their meth addiction treatment. Inpatient rehab is usually ideal for individuals in this phase of recovery in order to avoid relapse. Potential triggers that exist at home can prevent the person from progressing in their treatment. This stage can last up to 4 or 5 months, so the longer the person stays away from meth, the easier it’ll be for them to sustain their sobriety.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, get help now. Attempting to quit on your own can put you at risk of more severe health problems. Call Banyan Texas today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our rehabilitation center and our substance abuse programs.