Psychostimulants like meth are a significant issue in Ohio, with overdose deaths increasing more than 46% from 2018 to 2019. The withdrawal symptoms associated with detox are a concern for many people who have become dependent on the drug. Fortunately, help is available to get people off meth safely.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
With regular use, physical dependence on meth is possible. Once someone is physically dependent on meth, the body expects its presence to function normally. When the drug is no longer in the system, withdrawal symptoms will likely occur as the body is abruptly forced to adapt to this change. These symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable.
Meth withdrawal symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Depression
- Increased appetite
- Muscle aches
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
How long does meth withdrawal last?
Meth withdrawal symptoms generally last one to two weeks. However, other psychological symptoms, like having trouble making decisions, can continue long-term.
What helps with meth withdrawal?
Drinking water and supplementing with vitamins B and C can help during meth withdrawal. If you attend a professional meth detox center, medications can be prescribed to help treat other symptoms like agitation and paranoia.
Can I detox from meth at home?
Although it is possible to detox from meth at home, it is not recommended. Withdrawal symptoms like paranoia and hallucinations can be difficult to manage at home and may put you in danger if untreated.
Meth Withdrawal Timeline
The meth withdrawal timeline can vary from person to person. However, the meth withdrawal symptoms timeline typically follows a standard schedule:
- Within 24 hours: Withdrawal symptoms begin.
- Within 3–5 days: Withdrawal symptoms intensify.
- Within 1–2 weeks: Symptoms begin to improve gradually.
- Within the first few months: Executive functioning skills like problem-solving and attention may continue to be affected.
Medication for Withdrawal Symptoms
When you detox in a medically supervised setting, you have the benefit of nurses and doctors who can treat your withdrawal symptoms. Some common agents used during meth withdrawal include:
- Antipsychotics can treat paranoia and hallucinations.
- Benzodiazepines can treat agitation.
- Modafinil may be a cognitive enhancer in recovery from meth.
- Bupropion may improve withdrawal symptoms and cognition.
- Naltrexone may help maintain sobriety after meth detox.
Meth Detox Options
The detox and withdrawal from any substance can be extremely difficult. This is the unfortunate reason so many people hesitate to stop using meth.. However, a medically supervised detox program like those offered at The Recovery Village Columbus can make withdrawal safer and more comfortable.
- Detoxing from meth at home: A home detox is private and inexpensive, but there are significant downsides. Meth withdrawal can be dangerous, with unpredictable paranoia and hallucinations. Experiencing these symptoms without medical support can present a danger to yourself and your loved ones.
- Quitting cold turkey: Quitting meth “cold turkey” can throw you into severe withdrawal if your brain and body are dependent on the drug.
- Professional detox: In professional detox, you’re medically managed by a team of doctors, nurses and caseworkers. Withdrawal symptoms can be treated quickly to provide the safest and most comfortable meth detox possible.
Finding Help for Meth Withdrawal & Detox
As you go through the detox process, you will experience meth withdrawal symptoms as your body eliminates meth from its system, but this is a vital step in the recovery process.
If you or someone you love is suffering from a meth use disorder, it’s crucial to get help right away. Meth addiction is not only destructive, but it is also life-threatening. Give us a call today to begin your recovery journey.
Ohio Department of Health. “2019 Ohio Drug Overdose Data: General Findings.” November 6, 2020. Accessed December 12, 2021.
Zorick, Todd; Nestor, Liam; Miotto, Karen; et al. “Withdrawal symptoms in abstinent methamp[…]-dependent subjects.” Addiction, October 2010. Accessed December 12, 2021.
World Health Organization. “Withdrawal Management.” 2009. Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings, Accessed December 11, 2021.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Protracted Withdrawal.” Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory: News For the Treatment Field, July 2010. Accessed December 11, 2021.
Karila, Laurent; Weinstein, Aviv; Aubin, Henri-Jean; et al. “Pharmacological approaches to methamphet[…]ce: a focused review.” British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, June 2010. Accessed December 11, 2021.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.