Meth Treatment: Understanding the Meth Withdrawal Timeline

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Meth is a very strong stimulant drug that has the potential to create extreme euphoria in the brain of the person who takes it. However, it is so addictive that it can bring up lethal side effects that can be hard to handle. Quitting meth on your own is not a safe option due to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. 

If you or a loved one is having meth withdrawal symptoms, it is best recommended to contact a recovery center as soon as possible for help. 

The meth withdrawal timeline may change from person to person depending on the metabolism of that person and the level of drug abuse being done. The first 24-48 hours, however, are critical since the user experiences a "crash" once those euphoric effects of the drug have worn away. At this time the person is strictly in need of in-house care at a drug rehab facility.

Typical Signs Of Meth Addiction

When it comes to meth addiction, there are some signals that must be observed. If you or someone close to you shows any of the following behaviors, it is a sign of meth abuse and addiction:

  • Sudden weight loss in a short span of time
  • Feeling of sleepiness or fatigue
  • Unusual spurts of energy with crashes soon after
  • Increase in risk-taking behavior
  • Mood fluctuations or changes in appearance
  • Significant financial difficulties
  • No more socializing with friends and family
  • Ignoring all responsibilities at home, work, or school

If these symptoms are observed in yourself or a loved one, it is the right time to seek professional help to deal with the meth detox and withdrawal process.

Meth Withdrawal and Typical Symptoms

Meth withdrawal is usually very painful. It is advised to get professional help, where the doctor puts the patient on a customized recovery program that includes administering FDA-approved medications and slowly decreasing the dosage to manage the symptoms.

Some typical symptoms of meth withdrawal are the following:

  • Tiredness
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Increase of appetite
  • Paranoia
  • An upset Stomach
  • Tremors
  • Depression

Timeline of Meth Withdrawal

If you want to know how long meth withdrawal continues, the answer is something in the range of two weeks to some months. However, normally, the critical stage will remain for 10 days, during which the withdrawal symptoms are the worst. Once that period has passed, the physical symptoms begin to improve because the body gradually readjusts, and the healing process has kicked in.

The following is an estimated meth withdrawal timeline:

  • Days 1-3-This is a critical stage, and the patient experiences a crash. The pleasure-inducing effects of the substance disappear, and acute discomfort sets in. The body badly craves the substance in order to function normally.
  • Days 4-7-This is the phase of extreme withdrawal, during which the patient will feel anxious, irritated, and have intense cravings. Frequent mood fluctuations, as well as aches, pains, and tremors, are common.
  • Days 8-15-After a few days the symptoms begin to improve, around the 10th day. Cravings, mood swings, and melancholy could occur. Medication, on the other hand, can help control psychological symptoms and, if needed, sleep disturbances.
  • Days 16-30-The anxiety and depression will persist, but the patient gradually begins to get back to normal. Their sleep and appetite would become better, and they start feeling more energetic.

After Withdrawals

As the acute withdrawal phase has now passed, so most patients should feel better after a month or so. Some symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, and depression may still be present and the staff at a meth rehab center will guide the patient in building strong coping mechanisms to overcome those feelings. 

Quitting Meth does not mean that you are clean. So, drug rehabilitation is, so vital at this point.

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