Methamphetamine (also known as meth and crystal meth) is a highly addictive central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that’s commonly sold on the streets for recreational use. It’s often made in clandestine labs and trafficked to various parts of the United States. 

Due to its potency and various addictive cutting agents, meth addiction has become a common issue within the country. Addicted or dependent users will experience methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug, which can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Due to the severe nature of these symptoms, it’s recommended that individuals with meth addictions receive medical support to safely detox from meth.  

What Is Meth Withdrawal? 

Methamphetamine withdrawal occurs in individuals who are addicted to or dependent on the drug, which can occur with long-term use. As the person’s tolerance of and dependence on the drug grows, they require higher doses of it to experience the same effects or high.  

Withdrawal symptoms may also discourage meth users from stopping their drug use. Detoxing from meth is often an uncomfortable and even painful process, which is why cold-turkey or at-home attempts are often ineffective and dangerous.  

Meth detox symptoms are the result of a sudden drop in chemicals that were being artificially elevated by the drug. As a stimulant, methamphetamine increases nerve activity in the brain, impacting the release and levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters linked to euphoria, pleasure, and a sense of well-being, as well as other physiological functions.  

Common Meth Detox Symptoms 

When a long-term meth user suddenly stops using the drug, chemicals and functions that were once constantly elevated suddenly drop, leading to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Common symptoms of meth withdrawal include:  

  • Agitation 
  • Anxiety 
  • Confusion 
  • Dehydration 
  • Excessive sweating 
  • Fatigue 
  • Fever 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Increased appetite 
  • Insomnia 
  • Loss of motivation 
  • Nausea 
  • Paranoia 
  • Red, itchy eyes 
  • Severe depression 
  • Stomachache 
  • Suicidal thoughts and ideation 
  • Tremors and shaking 

Considering the discomfort of withdrawals, many people looking to undergo detox for meth ask, “how long does it take to detox from meth?” The duration of withdrawals varies from person to person, but the acute phase of withdrawal – the worst of symptoms – usually peaks around day 2 or 3 after the person’s last use of methamphetamine.  

However, psychological symptoms like mood swings, agitation, drug cravings, and difficulty sleeping may persist for multiple weeks, and depression can last for months to a year in some cases. These symptoms can become dangerously severe if detox is attempted without medical assistance, so we advise that those who are looking to quit methamphetamine reach out to our professional meth detox centers.   

Medically Monitored Crystal Meth Detox 

It’s understandable why so many people feel hesitant to detox from meth, but rest assured that Clearbrook Treatment Center’s top priority is for patients to feel as safe and comfortable as possible throughout the entire process. Detox from meth is broken down into three stages to ensure that clients receive care at a pace that’s right for them.  

Clients will typically undergo a clinical assessment to review their current health, so our medical addiction specialists know how to process treatment. Then, patients will begin their personalized medical detox plans. After the initial withdrawal process ends, doctors may sit down with patients to talk about continuing treatment at our Massachusetts treatment center or Pennsylvania rehab.  

Our Clearbrook rehab locations both offer residential addiction treatment, which is an intensive level of care best suited for individuals with severe substance use disorders. Medical detox is a major part of residential care, as well as therapy, family counseling, and aftercare support to offer clients an all-encompassing treatment plan.  

Finding Meth Addiction Treatment  

Detox from meth is only the first step toward long-term sobriety. Clearbrook Treatment Centers offer meth addiction treatment programs that incorporate care for physical and psychological recovery from substance abuse.  

For more information about our detox programs and other addiction services, contact Clearbrook today.  

 

Related Reading:  

Bath Salts vs. Meth 

Signs Your Neighbor is Cooking Drugs: Meth Lab Edition