Author: James Anderson
7 Tips For Easing Meth Comedown and Withdrawal Symptoms
They may have to fight intense cravings to use the drug they know could remedy the negative feelings they are experiencing. Methamphetamine addiction is a complex and dangerous condition that requires a comprehensive and well-structured approach to treatment. From managing withdrawal symptoms to tapering off meth under professional supervision, each step is crucial to long-term recovery. Abrupt cessation of long-term or chronic methamphetamine use can trigger a clinically significant withdrawal syndrome. During detox, symptoms can vary depending on the length and severity of the addiction. In the initial phase, they are often referred to as the “crash” phase (very common when stimulant drugs start to wear off).
The Physical and Psychological Risks of Using Meth
As the high starts to fade a person who abuses meth will experience the first withdrawal phase known as the crash. If you are wondering how to quit meth, the exact length of meth withdrawal is different for everyone. Depending on the severity of a person’s meth dependence, age, gender, and other factors withdrawal can happen quickly or take a long time. According to the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders meth withdrawal happens in two phases. Trying to stop using methamphetamine can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, often occurring in phases. Addiction professionals can help make the detox stages progress more comfortably and safely, to better prevent risk of relapse.
Continuing Care After Meth Detox
- In fact, a 2011 study suggests that people who used meth just once have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a nerve disorder affecting movement.
- One of our team members will help you better understand your situation and how our organization can help you get back to the life you knew before meth.
- Groups like Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) provide peer support and encouragement when it comes to quitting meth.
- She has over 20 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, and has a clinical focus in family relations, substance abuse, and trauma.
Meth withdrawal can be uncomfortable, but there are things you can do to make the experience more manageable. If you plan to stop using other substances, particularly alcohol, GHB/GBL, or benzodiazepines, talk with a medical professional first, as stopping these on your own can be dangerous. Some people may safely tolerate meth withdrawal without medical supervision or intervention. But others may opt for, or even require, supportive care to manage their symptoms. These feelings, called withdrawal, can last from several days to a few weeks.
Factors Influencing Withdrawal Duration and Severity
This last one is a critical connection many people lose during the height of their addictions. If you are well-rested, you’ll be able to think more clearly and better participate in life. If there is any question about your ability to do it and succeed on your own, seek out the help of an addiction specialist. Sessi Kuwabara Blanchard is an independent drug journalist and transgender critic. She was formerly a staff writer at Filter, one of the only online journalistic publications dedicated to covering harm reduction. In non-prescribed (“black market”) economies, pressed pills marketed as Xanax, for example, may contain fentanyl or other contaminants.
Once the effects of methamphetamine begin to wear off — 12 to 24 hours after use — a person using it will experience a comedown. Symptoms are similar to those of withdrawal but resemble a hangover from alcohol. Withdrawing from meth is not likely to be physically dangerous to a person. It can also cause psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations, distress, and agitation.
Searching for a fentanyl detox center near you is an essential step toward recovery and a healthier lifestyle. Finding a suitable facility can significantly impact your treatment experience, whether you seek inpatient, outpatient, or at-home detox options. If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction, please remember that you’re not alone.
Tips For Easing Meth Comedown and Withdrawal Symptoms
Yoga and meditation are helpful for easing depression and anxiety symptoms, while massage therapy and acupuncture can alleviate physical pain. As a result, many experience unhealthy weight loss, dehydration, and depleted vitamin and mineral levels in the body. In addition, brain imaging studies of long-term meth users have also found damage to the parts of the brain involved with emotion and memory. This finding may explain some of the emotional and cognitive problems observed in meth users.
How Does Meth Affect The Brain?
Crystal Meth Anonymous is one of the most popular support group options. Members help each other stay sober by listening to each other’s stories, working through recovery steps, giving advice from personal experience, and providing community. One crucial step you can take to help you get through your meth comedown and fight cravings is joining a meth support group.
The withdrawal timeline for crystal meth is like that of methamphetamine as they are the same substance. Like meth, various factors can affect the crystal meth withdrawal timeline. It might be possible to stop using meth without rehab, but it will be extremely difficult and is not recommended. Stimulant use such as meth reduces appetite leading to weight loss and poor nutrition. It can also cause psychotic symptoms putting a person at risk for harming themself or others.
People of all ages use meth, but it is most commonly used as a “club drug” to fuel late-night parties and days-long raves. Within the LGBTQ community, meth is used during “party and play” events. During these events, users take advantage of the drug’s stimulating effects in order to participate in hours-long sex parties.
AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers. We may be paid a fee for marketing or advertising by organizations that can assist with treating people with substance use disorders. Withdrawal symptoms generally peak within the first 3-7 days and subside over 2-4 weeks. However, some psychological symptoms, such as cravings or mood swings, can persist for months or longer in some cases.