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 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 the severity of symptoms depends 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.
The Timeline of Meth Withdrawal
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 withdrawal symptoms of meth 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
This is perhaps the most intense phase of the process. Medical supervision during this time is crucial to manage these symptoms and ensure the safety and well-being of the individual going through withdrawal. 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 to 10 Days
While this phase can still be challenging, many individuals start to see some improvement in their symptoms. Medical supervision during this time is still important to ensure that any symptoms are managed effectively and that the individual receives the necessary support to continue their recovery. It's essential to remember that everyone's experience with meth withdrawal is different, and symptoms may persist beyond the first ten days. Therefore, ongoing medical treatment and support are necessary to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. 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 to 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.
Can I Detox From Drugs at Home?
Detoxing from drugs at home is not a recommended approach, especially for substances such as methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant that can cause intense cravings and severe withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts. Medical supervision during meth detox is critical to managing these symptoms and avoiding complications, including life-threatening ones.
Professional medical assistance is essential during meth detox. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse by employing medications like buprenorphine to reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Medical professionals can also monitor patients' vital signs and provide necessary support during the detox process. Trying to detox from meth at home can be perilous and even fatal, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or a severe addiction history.
Seeking professional medical assistance and support from the meth detox program at our rehab in Texas is vital for ensuring a safe and effective recovery. Through means like meditation, medication assistance, and emotional support, patients have the chance to reclaim their lives.
If you or a loved one is struggling with withdrawal from meth, get help now. Attempting to quit on your own can put you at risk of more severe health problems. Call Banyan today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our rehabilitation center and our Texas addiction treatment programs.
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