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Meth Withdrawal: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a central nervous stimulant drug that’s highly potent. It brings an intense euphoria followed by a rapid crash, which is why it’s so addictive. Quitting meth can have intense withdrawal symptoms that can cause relapse.

Learn more about meth withdrawal symptoms and risks, how long withdrawal lasts, and what treatment options are available for meth addiction recovery and withdrawal support.

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Treatment for Meth Withdrawal

Meth withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, unlike withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines, but it’s still unpleasant and uncomfortable. In rare cases, complications can arise.

The best way to treat meth withdrawal is in a medical detox program. This setting provides a medical team to manage withdrawal symptoms and monitor your health to ensure that you’re as safe and comfortable as possible while the drug clears your system. This also prevents relapse during a vulnerable period.

Detox only treats the withdrawal from meth, however. If you don’t continue in meth addiction treatment, you’re more likely to relapse, which can be especially dangerous since your body has adjusted to not having the drug. This puts you at risk of an overdose.

It’s best to transition from detox into an addiction treatment program in an inpatient or outpatient facility. While each treatment is individualized, you may undergo treatments like individual therapy, peer support groups, and behavioral therapies to address the psychological factors in addiction and learn healthier habits for addiction recovery.

Seek Help for Meth Addiction and Withdrawal

Meth is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can have intense withdrawal if you try to quit or reduce your use. While withdrawal isn’t dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and persistent enough to cause relapse.

If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction, help is available. With meth addiction recovery, you can treat your addiction and find a healthier path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Meth Withdrawal?

Meth stimulates the central nervous system and causes a release of dopamine, which is connected to pleasure and the brain’s reward system. This experience reinforces the use of meth, leading to abuse and addiction. If you use meth frequently, your body adjusts to having the drug. If you quit suddenly, your body goes through withdrawal symptoms from the abrupt absence of the drug.

Can Using Meth Once Cause Withdrawal?

There’s not a lot of research into how much meth it takes to become addicted and experience withdrawal. It’s unlikely that using meth once will cause withdrawal since it usually occurs when people use meth chronically and stop using meth suddenly.

Can I Quit Meth on My Own?

Quitting meth on your own is possible, but it isn’t recommended. Meth addiction can be powerful and creates a chemical response that’s difficult to manage with willpower alone. Entering an addiction treatment program for meth offers the best outcomes and likelihood of success.

Is Meth Withdrawal Dangerous?

Meth withdrawal isn’t considered dangerous like alcohol withdrawal, which can have life-threatening symptoms. The biggest risk with meth withdrawal is severe symptoms like suicidal thoughts and actions or relapse. Proper monitoring and support in detox can minimize the risks of complications and help you get through severe withdrawal symptoms.

Do I Need Meth Addiction Treatment After Detox?

Yes, meth addiction treatment is recommended after detox. Medical detox only addresses the withdrawal symptoms, not the addiction itself. If you return to your everyday life straight from detox, you’re more likely to relapse with meth again, starting the cycle of addiction and increasing the risk of an overdose or other adverse effects. Addiction treatment is important for learning how to identify the factors and triggers of addiction, learn ways to prevent relapse, and develop skills to live a healthier life.

Sources

[1] MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Meth withdrawal symptoms: Duration, treatment, and support. Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/meth-withdrawal-symptoms on 2024, June 19.

[2] Zorick, T., Nestor, L., Miotto, K., Sugar, C., Hellemann, G., Scanlon, G., Rawson, R., & London, E. D. (2010, October). Withdrawal symptoms in abstinent methamphetamine-dependent subjects. Addiction (Abingdon, England). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3071736/ on 2024, June 19.

[3] Zorick, T., Nestor, L., Miotto, K., Sugar, C., Hellemann, G., Scanlon, G., Rawson, R., & London, E. D. (2010, October). Withdrawal symptoms in abstinent methamphetamine-dependent subjects. Addiction (Abingdon, England). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3071736/ on 2024, June 19.

[4] MediLexicon International. (n.d.-a). Coping with post acute withdrawal syndrome. Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/post-acute-withdrawal-syndrome on 2024, June 19.