Methamphetamine (meth) is a potent stimulant, and going through the meth withdrawal timeline can be difficult. The safest, most effective way to overcome meth use is with the help of a meth detox center. Going through meth withdrawal without medical support often culminates in relapse. Medical oversight also helps reduce the risk of severe health complications.
Meth withdrawal is challenging, but on the other side is a much higher quality of life. When you stop using meth, your mental, physical, and emotional health improves. Life becomes stable and more rewarding as you leave behind the chaotic effects of meth. Call 844.875.5609 to speak with someone from the knowledgeable team at Promises Behavioral Health about our addiction treatment centers across the United States offering detox and addiction treatment programs for people struggling with meth-related problems.
Preparing for the Stages of Meth Withdrawal
The first few days of meth withdrawal are the most challenging, and the entire detox process usually takes about two weeks. However, meth use often brings long-term effects that an individual may continue to struggle with for weeks, months, or even years.
If you’re ready to overcome meth addiction, a treatment center can help you successfully detox. Just as importantly, it can provide the education and tools you’ll need to make your recovery from meth addiction become a lasting one.
Meth Withdrawal Timeline
Preparation is critical when it comes to stopping meth use. When you know what to expect during the stages of meth withdrawal, you know that the challenges you’re experiencing are normal and temporary.
The Hours Following Your Last Dose
The initial symptoms of meth withdrawal begin after your last dose wears off. Withdrawal symptoms can start within a few hours. Depending on factors like the amount taken and level of dependence, it may take several hours or even a day or two before you begin feeling withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms are not yet severe at this stage in the meth withdrawal timeline. As the meth wears off, you may feel physical symptoms like fatigue and restlessness. It’s common to experience emotional symptoms like anger, irritability, and emotional reactivity.
The First Few Days
The first one to three days are typically the most challenging period of the meth withdrawal stages. The symptoms described above grow in intensity. Extreme emotional reactions are common. This phase of meth withdrawal brings additional symptoms that include:
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Anger
- Depression
- Agitated behavior
- Intense cravings
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts
The first few days of this stage of meth withdrawal have a powerful impact on the mind and body—and it’s hard to predict how an individual will react. Some people experience extreme adverse reactions to meth withdrawal. In some cases, antipsychotic medications may be needed to stabilize the mind and perceptions of reality.
This state of withdrawal also brings the highest risk of health complications. Meth seriously strains the organs and cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of complications like a heart attack or stroke.
One Week After Your Last Dose
By the end of the first week, the most severe symptoms of meth withdrawal will pass. At this stage, mental health is still stabilizing. It’s common for a person to experience:
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Intense cravings
- Physical aches and pains
- Mood swings
It’s around this time that medical detox comes to an end. However, attempting to maintain recovery from meth use without the support of a substance use treatment program is very hard to do. Ideally, at this time, a detox client should begin a formal treatment program at a residential addiction treatment center.
Find Help for Meth Withdrawal with Promises Behavioral Health
Making it through the meth withdrawal stages is rewarding, but it’s only the first step to overcoming meth addiction. Promises Behavioral Health offers meth addiction treatment designed to provide the education, coping skills, and community support necessary for lasting recovery from meth addiction. Contact Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn how we can help you or your loved one go through meth withdrawal stages and overcome meth addiction.