The extreme psychological and physical toll that meth takes on the body makes it one of the most dangerous drugs on the market. Meth deeply affects both a user’s brain and body, and these symptoms and warning signs are visible in a variety of ways.

Methamphetamine abuse is a huge problem within the United States, and because of its potency, the drug can lead to rapid dependency. Many recreational users will experience a “crash” period after they stop using the drug, which can last a few days; however, addicted or dependent users will experience a methamphetamine withdrawal which can last for up to several weeks.

The withdrawal symptoms of meth are debilitating and painful and can cause the user to take more of the drug in hopes of counteracting the withdrawal process. This may lead to a downward spiral of repeated meth use, which can perpetuate a cycle of addiction.

Undergoing withdrawal in a medical detox program is the safest way to treat symptoms and remove meth from the body. Our meth detox program provides patients with around-the-clock medical care throughout the entire process. Doctors and nurses are able to monitor patients’ vitals and tailor treatment plans as withdrawal symptoms begin to improve.

One of the first symptoms of meth abuse is a sudden loss of interest in areas of life that were once important to the person. Hobbies, relationships, and career goals will all begin to take a back seat to getting and using meth. Initially, many people will attempt to hide their drug use, but the longer someone uses meth, the more prominent it becomes in their lives. Methamphetamine chemically alters how a user thinks and feels, which can make what was once a recreational drug activity a major life priority.

People abusing or addicted to meth will exhibit a variety of behavioral and physical symptoms. Some of the most common signs of meth use include:

• Hyperactivity
• Twitching, facial tics, jerky movements
• Paranoia
• Dilated pupils
• Noticeable and sudden weight loss
• Skin sores
• Rapid eye movement
• Reduced appetite
• Agitation
• Burns, particularly on the lips or fingers
• Erratic sleeping patterns
• Rotting teeth
• Outbursts or mood swings
• Extreme weight loss

Another telling symptom of meth use is “tweaking” – a period of anxiety and insomnia that can last for 3 to 15 days. Tweaking occurs at the end of a drug binge when a person using meth can’t achieve a rush or high any longer. Tweaking can cause psychological side effects, such as paranoia, irritability, and confusion due to the desperation to use again. Tweaking from meth can also cause people to experience hallucinations and become prone to violent behavior.

The specific time period for withdrawal varies between individuals, but the acute phase of withdrawal typically peaks around day two or three after last use and generally begins to ease after a week. However, psychological symptoms including mood swings, agitation, drug cravings, and sleep disturbances can persist for multiple weeks and depression can last for even months to a year in some.

Duration of Meth Withdrawals: Timeline of Symptoms

First 48 Hours
This phase is known as the “crash” and occurs within the first day of stopping use of the drug. During the first 24-48 hours, former users will begin to experience a sharp decline in energy and cognitive function, as well as nausea, abdominal cramping, and sweating.

Days 3-10
Withdrawal symptoms typically peak during this time. As the body attempts to adjust without meth, recovering users will experience severe depression, anxiety, and extreme fatigue. Some people will also experience shaking and lingering muscle aches, as well as intense drug cravings.

Days 14-20
Symptoms of meth withdrawal typically last around 2-3 weeks. Towards the end of the second week, most physical symptoms begin to subside, but intense drug cravings can persist. Additionally, continuing fatigue and depression are common during this period.

1 Month+
The worst withdrawal symptoms are typically over at this point. Any remaining symptoms will continue to fade over time. However, for some, the psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety may continue for several months before they subside.

Many individuals may feel hesitant to begin detox, but rest assured that our top priority is for patients to feel as safe and comfortable as process when attending treatment. The detox process is broken down into three stages to ensure patients receive the form of care that’s right for them. Patients will typically undergo a comprehensive review of their current health so doctors know how to proceed with treatment. Next, patients will begin with their personalized detox plan. After the initial withdrawal process, doctors may sit down with the patient to discuss their next steps.

Evaluation

Upon admission, a medical team will assess the patient’s health and well-being. Doctors and nurses typically use urine drug screens to determine the amount of meth that a patient has used recently. From there, the treatment team can develop a detox plan that fits their specific needs. Keep in mind that the doctor may ask a patient questions about their current and past substance abuse. This is necessary for setting up a patient’s long-term recovery plan. It’s also helpful for doctors to know if the patient suffers from any co-occurring disorders, as these can affect the types of detox treatments the patient will receive.

Stabilization

Many patients who arrive at the detox center are experiencing the peak of their withdrawal symptoms. Treatments begin as soon as possible after the evaluation stage to help make the patient more comfortable. As symptoms improve, doctors will adjust treatments accordingly. Medical staff will also keep the patient’s loved ones informed and updated on their progress.

Transition Into Further Treatment

When the detox process is almost complete, doctors will begin to discuss the next steps with their patient. Detox is only the first step in meth addiction treatment, and physicians recommend that patients continue their recovery in a rehab facility. If the detox is already taking place in a treatment facility, medical staff will help patients transition into the next stage and stay on track toward sobriety.

Methamphetamine addiction can start to take over a person’s life in a very short period of time. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), an individual can be clinically diagnosed as having a meth use disorder if he or she meets more than two of any of the following criteria within a 12-month period:

• Using meth even in situations that are dangerous to the individual and/or others, such as overdosing or driving under the influence
• Neglecting professional, academic, or personal responsibilities
• Social or interpersonal problems caused by meth use
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit or not using meth
• Requiring more and more meth to get the same feeling (tolerance)
• Using larger amounts of meth for longer amounts of time
• Repeated failed attempts to control or quit use altogether
• Spending large amounts of time abusing meth
• Developing physical or psychological problems due to meth use
• Giving up activities in an effort to use or get meth
• Experiencing drug cravings

If two or three of the criteria are met, the meth abuse disorder is considered mild. Four or five is considered moderate, and six or more is considered severe.

If meth abuse is continued over a long period of time, the brain begins to rely on its effects and creates a need for its use. This dependence can then turn into addiction — one of the most dangerous of all long-term effects of meth use. Other possible long-term health effects can be divided into physical and psychological categories.

The possible physical effects of chronic meth use include:

• Respiratory issues
• Heart disease
• Liver failure
• Blackened, rotting teeth
• Arrhythmia
• Kidney failure
• Malnutrition
• Premature aging
• Birth defects
• Reproductive issues
• Skin infection
• Seizures
• High blood pressure
• Sudden cardiac death

The long-term psychological effects of meth use include:

• Impaired cognition
• Memory loss
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Depression
• Anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure)
• Aggression
• Psychosis

Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant made from amphetamine and other derivative chemicals. Originally prescribed as a decongestant and weight loss aid, methamphetamine was once widely and legally available in tablet and injectable forms throughout the U.S. until it began to be abused for the stimulant effects, effectively prompting the FDA to restrict and regulate the drug as a schedule II controlled substance in 1970. There is currently only one prescription methamphetamine drug still on the market, Desoxyn, which is used to treat obesity and severe attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The majority of people that are addicted to methamphetamine use the drug in its illicit forms: meth and crystal meth. Meth is a crystalline powder that is most commonly white, though it can be yellow, pink, or brown. It is odorless, bitter, and can be dissolved in liquid. It’s most commonly consumed via smoking, snorting, or injection.

Crystal meth is clear or blue and takes the shape of coarse crystals that are typically smoked. Many drug dealers will also “cut” meth with other substances to sell less of the actual drug for the same price and fetch a greater profit margin.

While the structural makeup of the two variations differs, both meth and crystal meth are chemically the same thing. Street names for methamphetamine include:

• Glass
• Ice
• Crystal
• Crank
• Tweak
• Redneck cocaine
• Chalk

The cost of medically treating meth addiction and withdrawal varies depending on a number of things. In general, outpatient care is less expensive than inpatient care, but inpatient care might be more effective for some people. To many, the added cost of successful treatment might outweigh the savings involved with cheaper programs that just do not work.

Additionally, we work with most major insurance carriers and it’s likely that much, if not all, of your treatment, could be covered by your insurance. The first step is to reach out to us, and we’ll walk you through it.