Withdrawal.org / Substance Withdrawal / Methamphetamine Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms

Methamphetamine Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms

Crystal meth, or methamphetamine, is a powerful stimulant that can lead to a wide range of symptoms if you have been using long-term and decide to quit. Most people require professional help to ensure they safely, and effectively remain drug-free following an addiction to meth. The symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal make remaining abstinent difficult to achieve but it IS possible.

If you or a loved one is addicted to methamphetamine, call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) and we’ll immediately connect you with a treatment center that can provide you with appropriate care for withdrawal. Our helpline is available to support you and YOUR needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms

The depression that occurs when a user abruptly stops using methamphetamine is the most widely touted complaint for meth addicts. This is because the emotional upset can last for many months or even years after the last dose is taken.

Meth comedown is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Excessive tiredness
• Sleeping excessively
• Being lethargic
• Heightened appetite
• Severe anxiety
• Psychosis and paranoia
• Deep depression

As you can tell, some of the above symptoms of meth comedown or methamphetamine withdrawal are not visible by the naked eye. Symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia and psychosis are emotional and may be overlooked by an outsider but for the addict are VERY, VERY real. This is why professional treatment is so important.

How Does Withdrawal Begin?

Some say that withdrawal from methamphetamine begins immediately or almost immediately after the first does. Most users will take doses over and over again over a period of time to “keep the high going” or to “continue to feel good.” When you quit taking meth, you will almost immediately feel mild symptoms of withdrawal such as:

• Slightly lowered energy as the dose wears off.
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies if you can’t get more of a dose.
• Lack of appetite initially followed by strong hunger.

While symptoms of meth withdrawal are hardly comparable to those of heroin or strong prescription opiates, they are still VERY difficult to cope with emotionally. Meth tends to create less physical withdrawal but a much stronger emotional or psychological withdrawal.

Cravings for Methamphetamine

What makes users go back after they have made the decision to quit using crystal meth?  — The CRAVINGS!

Users report some of the strongest cravings for meth as compared to any other drug. Sadly, these cravings can last months after the dose has been stopped. The user develops a rapid tolerance to the narcotic and, when the drug is no longer used, cravings set in with a quickness.

Many users think they can “just use meth occasionally” or “use when they want and stop when they want.” Unfortunately, the tolerance develops much more rapidly than expected leading to high instances of addiction that require treatment.

Am I Addicted to Crystal Meth?

So how can you tell if you’re addicted to methamphetamine? A few answers to some relatively simple questions will help you to understand whether you’re addicted. If you answer yes to any of the below questions, you may be struggling with meth addiction:

• Do you use more of the drug than intended?
• Have you tried to quit before and failed?
• Have you made promises to others that you would quit, and failed to follow through?
• Do you regularly use so that you do not experience methamphetamine withdrawal?
• Have you lost the ability to control your drug use?
• Are you changing your priorities in order to use meth more frequently?
• Have you stopped caring for your family, work or school obligations as a result of your drug use?
• Are you taking meth despite the fact that you know it’s ruining your life?
• Have you suffered from overdose or other serious side effects of meth use?

In addition to the symptoms listed above, if you’re addicted to crystal meth you may also struggle with the following symptoms:

• Reduced appetite as a result of meth use.
• Dilated pupils that seemingly don’t respond well to light.
• Tremors or shaking uncontrollably.
• Abscesses or infections at injection sites.
• Insomnia or changes in sleep patterns such as staying awake for many hours followed by long periods of sleep.
• Irritability and agitation when not using meth.

Stimulant Detox and Withdrawal

Are you Concerned About Meth Addiction and Withdrawal?

If you believe that you’re addicted to crystal meth, or if you suspect that someone you love may be struggling with addiction, call our helpline toll-free at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?). Before withdrawal sets in and you feel unacceptably emotional or cannot cope with the decision to quit, it’s important to call for help.

Withdrawal can be so difficult to cope with. Failure to seek treatment may lead to relapse. Unfortunately, if you relapse you are under great danger—here’s why:

• When you relapse, and return to drug use, you are at a higher risk of overdose.
• Tolerance to meth develops quickly and also is reduced quickly—so even a short period without could lead to overdose when you start using again.
• The more times you detox and then start using again over and over, the stronger the symptoms of withdrawal are.

Treatment Options

If you’re struggling with methamphetamine addiction, you can get help! Treatment options include a wide range of programs such as:

• Detox – most of the time medical detox isn’t required for meth addicts, but outpatient detox can be extremely helpful in staying on track.
• Inpatient rehab – here you will live around-the-clock in a rehab center receiving support and care.
• Outpatient rehab – here you will receive counseling on a scheduled basis daily or weekly but will return home for your recovery each day.

In addition to these programs there are also various outpatient support groups that can be used in the treatment of meth addiction. Programs such as Narcotics Anonymous or NA, Methamphetamine Anonymous and other 12 step groups are helpful to many addicts in their long-term focus of recovery and healing.

We can assist you in finding and choose a meth rehab program that’s right for your needs. Whether it’s an around-the-clock care program such as inpatient rehab, or an outpatient program that allows you to continue to work or attend school while you receive counseling and support—we can help.

Call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An intake counselor is waiting to speak with you about YOUR needs and to help you jumpstart your recovery. All you have to do is call.