Meth Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
Going through withdrawal from alcohol and other substances can be extremely taxing. The reality is that the intensity and severity of withdrawal symptoms can place individuals at a heightened risk of relapse. This is why reaching out for professional help in early recovery is so crucial when it comes to sobriety and recovery. Meanwhile, this can be especially true for those experiencing meth withdrawal symptoms.
Better Understanding Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a substance that directly affects an individual’s central nervous system. “Meth” (as it is most often called) can be extremely dangerous because it is illegal, unregulated, and highly addictive. In other words, people have no idea what is in the meth that they are using. Unfortunately, meth now often contains dangerous additives, such as synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This is particularly dangerous because fentanyl can be deadly, even in the smallest doses.
Meth is also more popular than ever before. Part of this is because it is very cheap and easy to acquire. Another reason why meth is becoming more popular is because, in recent years, its use has been featured on shows like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
The Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Being able to spot the signs and symptoms of meth addiction can be very important. This can mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. The following are just a few of the signs and symptoms of meth addiction:
- Losing interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and friends
- Having trouble sitting still and keeping one’s hands still
- Teeth grinding
- Having physical issues like headaches and gastrointestinal problems
- Trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (insomnia)
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Being depressed
- Going through withdrawals when meth is unavailable
This last symptom is critical because it shows the level of addiction that currently exists. The worse the withdrawal the more severe the addiction. However, if any meth withdrawal symptoms are present, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
There are very specific meth withdrawal symptoms. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Addiction (Abingdon, England), “Amphetamine withdrawal is well represented in the clinical literature, including the development of validated rating scales, which have contributed to defining the symptom cluster recognized in the DSM IV-TR. The DSM IV-TR identifies dysphoric mood as the main symptom of amphetamine (including MA) withdrawal and requires at least two of the following additional symptoms for a positive diagnosis: fatigue, insomnia or hypersomnia, increased appetite, psychomotor agitation or retardation, and vivid, unpleasant dreams.”
It is also important to understand the timeline of meth withdrawal. Withdrawal initially starts out with physical cravings. These symptoms occur because the meth is leaving one’s system for the first time in a long time. The body struggles to adapt to the lack of the chemical compound, thus leading to cravings. These symptoms can often be unbearable, heightening the risk of relapse. Physical symptoms of withdrawals can also include body aches, headaches, and stomach problems like constipation and diarrhea.
After these initial symptoms subside, an individual will go through what is known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms. These are more emotional-based symptoms that are related to one’s feelings of loss when it comes to no longer being able to use. It is also directly related to one’s ability to handle “triggering” situations and avoid a relapse. The good news is that with the help of treatment programs and communities like 12-Step communities, these symptoms will both dissipate and become manageable.
How to Best Recover From Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
There are many effective ways to recover from meth withdrawal symptoms. One of the first ways is to often go through a safe detox with professional oversight. This is also helpful because it can connect an individual to the next stages of their recovery.
These stages may include a stay in a residential recovery center or taking part in an intensive outpatient program. To manage the timeline of meth withdrawal, it can also be very helpful to stay in a sober living facility after one leaves initial treatment. Here, one can slowly make their way back into everyday life as they learn to manage their post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
Whole Mind-Body Healing at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in whole person healing rather over helping someone merely put down the drink or the drug (though, of course, this is critical). We do this by offering individualized and comprehensive recovery plans that have a focus on the future.
It is important to remember that recovery is a journey, never a destination. Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we have been helping people make that journey successful for over a decade. Recovery is possible. We can help.
Methamphetamine use remains a serious problem in the U.S. This is why it can be so vital to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of meth withdrawal as well as how to best recover from methamphetamine addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with meth addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information regarding meth addiction, meth withdrawal symptoms, and how best to recover at the cellular level, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
