Methamphetamine abuse is a major problem in the U.S., and because of its potency, the drug can lead to intense physical dependence. Many recreational users will experience a “crash” period if they suddenly quit meth after long-term use, otherwise referred to as withdrawal or detox. Meth detox symptoms are often debilitating and painful and can cause the user to take more of the drug in hopes of counteracting the process. This pattern could lead to a downward spiral of chronic meth use, which can perpetuate addiction. The meth detox program at our Florida luxury drug and alcohol rehab offers medically-led care to help those addicted to methamphetamine recover.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Meth
By the time meth users realize they have a problem and try to quit, they may find that withdrawal symptoms have become too powerful to overcome without help. Undergoing withdrawal in a medical detox program is the safest way to address symptoms and safely remove the drug from the body.
Medical detox programs offer round-the-clock medical assistance throughout the entire process. Doctors and nurses are able to monitor clients’ vitals and create a tailored tapering schedule that addresses clients’ needs. With this said, what are meth withdrawal symptoms like?
The symptoms of detoxing from meth can vary in duration and severity from person to person. The nature of these side effects depends on a variety of factors, including how long the person used meth, the amount of meth they used, how frequently they used the drug, and whether the individual used other drugs.
Additionally, other factors, like the method of drug use, can also affect withdrawal. For instance, those who inject meth will usually experience longer-lasting and more intense withdrawal symptoms than those who don’t.
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
- Stomach ache
- Suicidal thoughts and ideation
- Tremor
How Long Does It Take To Detox From Meth?
In addition to the severity of symptoms, the meth withdrawal timeline varies from person to person, depending on factors such as the amount and frequency of drug use, individual metabolism, and the presence of any co-occurring medical or mental health conditions. Generally, the acute withdrawal symptoms of meth detox can last from 7 to 10 days, while some psychological symptoms may persist for weeks or months after discontinuing use.
Even so, psychological symptoms like mood swings, agitation, drug cravings, and sleep disturbances can continue for multiple weeks. It is important to seek professional medical and mental health support during detox and recovery to manage these symptoms and prevent relapse.
Can You Die from Meth Withdrawal?
Withdrawal from meth can be very difficult and uncomfortable, but it is typically not life-threatening. However, there are some rare cases where severe withdrawal symptoms can lead to complications that may be fatal. These complications are most likely to occur in individuals who have used high doses of meth for extended periods or who have underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for complications.
Some of the potential complications of meth withdrawal include seizures, heart attack, stroke, and suicide. Therefore, it is important for individuals who are struggling with meth addiction to seek professional help and undergo medically supervised detoxification to minimize the risks associated with withdrawal.
Safe Detox From Meth
Many people feel hesitant to begin a detox, but with the help of medical experts, this process can be safer and much more comfortable than at-home attempts. The detox process is broken down into several stages: evaluation, stabilization, and transition to treatment.
To start, patients undergo a clinical assessment to determine the severity of their addiction and their current physical and mental condition. From there, a treatment plan that fits the individual’s needs can be developed. During this time, doctors may ask patients questions about their past and current substance use and about any underlying medical conditions.
Patients are then placed in stabilization, during which they begin detoxification. Usually, clients are placed on a tapering schedule in which nurses gradually reduce the individual’s doses as their body adjusts.
With this in mind, detox may be the safest and most effective way to address addiction, but it’s not the only way. Detox is only the first step of our methamphetamine addiction treatment. After detox, clients begin to work with therapists through our Florida meth rehab programs to learn more about their disorders and the sober habits they can utilize after treatment. The luxury addiction treatment programs for recovery and wellness that are offered by our high-end rehab are not to be missed.
