Meth is a highly addictive and dangerous substance. Smoking, injecting or snorting methamphetamine is a difficult habit to break. Withdrawal can be one of the worst with severe symptoms which can lead to relapse. Find out the symptoms of meth withdrawal and how to get seek help to get through the worst of the symptoms.

What is Withdrawal?

Meth withdrawal syndrome occurs after meth use, binge or addiction. Withdrawal syndrome is a set of physical and psychological symptoms which show up after meth is stopped. Dependency can cause more severe symptoms. Withdrawal happens because dopamine floods the central nervous system, neurotransmitters control the pleasure centers of the brain and spikes lead to euphoric feelings which changes the body’s balance. The brain also struggles to keep up. Over a period of time, the brain compensates for it and creates a new balance. When the body is denied the drug, dopamine levels crash.

What Withdrawal is Like

Withdrawal from meth is like the opposite of feeling really good and may even mimic deep clinical depression. People in withdrawal are dissatisfied with life and dopamine levels are bottoming out which makes withdrawal from meth particularly difficult. Withdrawal feels like a severe mood disorder combined with fatigue and hunger. Generally symptoms present within several hours to a day after use. The worst of the symptoms are usually felt around a day or two after the drug was last used and intensity of symptoms becomes mitigated over time. Several days or weeks may pass before symptoms completely diminish. Intense hunger may arise as meth suppresses hunger. Weight gain is common for people who quit meth.

How to Quit

Several methods exist to quit meth without experiencing severe reactions:

Tapering

Quitting cold turkey is often difficult if not impossible. Gradually tapering the amount of meth used is a better option to allow the body to compensate for the changes happening. Withdrawal symptoms may also become less intense.

Detox

Meth detox is an important step toward recovery. Detox is a period of time where a person’s body breaks down the drugs and gets rid of them from the body. Meth withdrawal often leads to severe depression and suicidal tendencies. Detox can greatly decrease the likelihood of relapse to relieve withdrawal.

Medication

No medications are used to treat meth withdrawal but some prescriptions may help from a treating physician. Antidepressants can be prescribed for those experiencing suicidal tendencies or depression.

People who wish to try and withdraw alone at home may be at a higher risk of complications. It is possible, however, with enough rest, fluids and support through the depressive period. Find fun activities to engage in, join a support group and seek help to get through the worst until it subsides.

Meth withdrawal can have severe consequences for a person who does not take it seriously. Call The Villa if you need help quitting meth. You don’t have to go it alone. We are here to help you find the best pathway to recovery.