Simply put, meth withdrawal is a slow, painful process but a completely natural and necessary one. After all, living with a toxic drug in your system for months or years can take its toll on your mind and spirit (not essential for living a long, healthy life at all). Typically, people suffering through this condition will experience a variety of physical and psychological effects ranging from physical pain and anxiety, but the ultimately series of side effects will greatly depend on the person and their length of drug use. Also, keep in mind that cleansing your body of meth is one thing. Getting rid of the psychological scars is another step entirely. So, what can a person expect during meth withdrawal? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
How Long Does It Last?
According to research, meth withdrawal constitutes 2 phases. During the first portion, victims feel the most intense side effects (which peak during the first 24-hour period) and begin to taper after the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, phase 2 will last for another 2 to 3 weeks, and users will start to feel physically better at this point. During this combined time, though, addicts and abusers may start to suffer from post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), a condition where people experience withdrawal for an abnormally long time.
What Are the Symptoms?
Like human beings, every type of drug withdrawal is unique. While some people will easily wean themselves from meth, others will suffer severely. For now, though, let’s take a look at the most common symptoms across the board:
- Anxiety: Nearly 30% of former meth abusers and addicts will suffer from anxiety (and possible feelings of impulsiveness).
- Exhaustion and sleepiness: During meth use, victims will feel invulnerable and powerful and definitely lost beneficial sleep. Now that meth is leaving their bodies, these people will start to feel extremely tired.
- Severe cravings: As expected, meth users will crave the drug they are purging.
- Carb cravings: Due to a decreased appetite stemming from meth use, abusers and addicts who are withdrawing from the drug will crave an unusual amount of carbohydrates (or any foods with large quantities of starch and sugar) during the first period of detox.
- Depression: About two-thirds of meth addicts experience depression stemming from abstinence.
- Psychotic behavior: In some cases, recovering meth users will experience vivid hallucinations or delusions. In this case, victims must go to a medical center for supervision during detox.
Seeking Treatment for Meth Abuse or Addiction
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
