Methamphetamine (crystal meth)

Methamphetamine, or Meth, is an enormously addictive drug. If a person uses it more than once or twice, their body is very likely to become dependent on the influx of chemicals. Once the body becomes dependent, it will go into withdrawal if a person stops dosing. Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms begin to manifest as the body detoxifies, removing the methamphetamine from its system.

The extreme psychological and physical toll that meth takes on the body makes it one of the most dangerous drugs on the market. Methamphetamine deeply affects both a user’s brain and body, and these symptoms and warning signs are visible in a variety of ways.

One of the first symptoms of meth abuse is a sudden loss of interest in areas of life that were once important to the person. Hobbies, relationships, and career goals will all begin to take a back seat to getting and using meth. Initially, many people will attempt to hide their drug use, but the longer someone uses meth, the more prominent it becomes in their lives. Methamphetamine chemically alters how a user thinks and feels, which can make what was once a recreational drug activity a major life priority.

People abusing or addicted to meth will exhibit a variety of behavioral and physical symptoms. Some of the most common signs of meth use include:

Hyperactivity
Twitching, facial tics, jerky movements
Paranoia
Dilated pupils
Noticeable and sudden weight loss
Skin sores
Rapid eye movement

Reduced appetite
Agitation
Burns, particularly on the lips or fingers
Erratic sleeping patterns
Rotting teeth
Outbursts or mood swings
Extreme weight loss

Methamphetamine uncrushed substance with crystal like pieces in it.

Methamphetamine crushed into a powdery substance in a small baggie.

Some common signs of meth use may include:

Hyperactivity
Twitching, facial tics, jerky movements
Paranoia
Dilated pupils
Noticeable and sudden weight loss
Skin sores
Rapid eye movement

Some common signs of meth use may also include:

Reduced appetite
Agitation
Burns, particularly on the lips or fingers
Erratic sleeping patterns
Rotting teeth
Outbursts or mood swings
Extreme weight loss

Is Detox from Methamphetamine Necessary?

One potential downside to attempting to detox on your own is that it may be tough to resist the temptation to return to using meth in order to stave off the arrival of unpleasant withdrawal effects. A regimented detox program can be beneficial in that it can help you get a clear mind to focus on learning the skills necessary to maintain sobriety.

The most common withdrawal symptoms from meth include

Depression.
Anxiety.
Irritability.
Aggressiveness.
Fatigue.

Many meth users report experiencing a “crash” in which eventually they become so physically and mentally exhausted, they sleep for hours and sometimes days during the detox process.

Meth withdrawal symptoms can be both physical, mental and behavioral, and they can be be very intense, lasting for days or even weeks. The primary factor that determines the length of the symptoms is the amount of time the person has been addicted.

Methamphetamine withdrawal, like any withdrawal, is not a pleasant experience. Crystal meth withdrawal symptoms begin around 24 hours after the individual’s last dose. Fatigue often sets in first, followed by an overwhelming feeling of depression. Some patients also experience paranoia, hallucinations, anxiety, and insomnia during this time.

What to Expect During Methamphetamine Detox

During detoxification from meth, you may:

Receive muscle relaxants or benzodiazepines to help your with tension and/or anxiety.
Receive intravenous (IV) fluids / electrolyte repletion.
The stimulant properties of meth can lead to dehydration and muscle spasms.
Be prescribed medication to treat insomnia.
You may experience restlessness and sleep disturbances for up to several weeks.

You can expect to feel fatigued as your body becomes used to the absence of meth, so get plenty of rest during detox.

Your appetite should start to return after the acute phase of withdrawal.

Depression is identified as a post-acute withdrawal symptom from meth and it can lead to relapse, thus complicating recovery.

Behavioral therapies are most effective at treating meth addiction and can be combined with pharmacotherapies to increase chances of long-term recovery.

Detox symptoms are generally not life threatening coming off meth, therefore outpatient detox and treatment centers are effective in helping meth users start the process of recovery. Incorporating a relapse prevention program into outpatient care will provide the best outcomes for staying sober.

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms often continue to occur for six months or longer after ceasing benzodiazepine use. Symptoms of PAWS include:

Persistent anxiety
Chronic insomnia
Difficulty performing complex tasks
Poor concentration
Loss of sex drive
Depression

Day 1-3

Depression
Exhaustion
Hallucinations
Panic
Paranoia
Suicidal Thoughts
Anxiety
Sleeplessness

Day 4-7

Aches & Pains
Agitation
Cravings
Hunger
Irritability
Mood Swings

Week 2

Cravings
Depression
Sleep Disorders
Mood Swings

Week 3

Anxiety
Depression
Fatigue
Energy Regain

Week 4

Improved Sleep
Increased Appetite
Mood Stabilization
Nervousness

Choosing the Best Methamphetamine Detox Center

It is important to consider what level of care is appropriate for your situation.

Outpatient

If your risk of withdrawal symptoms is low, you may benefit from entering into an outpatient detox center where you can:

Participate in-group and individual therapy.
Receive prescription medications to treat symptoms of withdrawal.

This is also beneficial for people who have to continue working or going to school.

Residential

If you are able to commit to a residential detox center, it may be important to ask what their detox process is for meth users.

Most insurance companies require an assessment of medical necessity when determining whether or not they will cover the cost of treatment at the residential level, so call your insurance company to see if they cover detox from meth.