Methamphetamine, or meth, is a substance that can take the form of a medication or an illegal drug. Relatively few people take legal, prescribed methamphetamine. Instead, most meth use involves illegally produced powders and crystals. In both of its forms, methamphetamine has a high potential for addiction. Once addiction occurs, you need the help of a supervised drug detox center to get meth out of your system. During your time in detox, you will likely go through withdrawal. The signs and symptoms of meth withdrawal can affect you in multiple ways.
Meth Facts and Figures
Methamphetamine is a chemical offshoot of amphetamine. Both substances are powerful stimulants that drive up the activity rate in your central nervous system. In its legal, pharmaceutical form, meth can play a role in treating ADHD. It can also play a role in a medical weight loss program.
Illegal meth is usually made from a recipe that includes the chemical pseudoephedrine. However, it can also be made from other substitute chemicals. Well over two million Americans use illegally made meth each year. Almost two-thirds of these people are affected by addiction or damaging, dysfunctional abuse.
What Are the Potential Signs of Meth Withdrawal?
If you’re addicted to meth, you have a high chance of entering stimulant withdrawal when you stop using it. Some of the effects of this withdrawal are noticeable to outside observers. Because they’re observable, they qualify as signs of meth withdrawal. The potential list of such signs includes:
- Episodes of paranoia
- Unusual fatigue
- Insomnia
- Excessive sleepiness
- Psychosis, i.e., delusions or hallucinations
You may also notice signs not part of the typical withdrawal criteria. Such signs include increased sweating and red, itchy eyes.
What Are the Potential Symptoms of Meth Detox?
Not everything that happens to you during meth withdrawal will be visible to others. In addition, you may experience things that could remain hidden unless you tell someone about them. These invisible effects of withdrawal are classified as symptoms, not signs. They may include such things as:
- A down or depressed mood
- Cravings for more meth
- Headaches
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
Some of the things that could happen to you blur the line between the signs and symptoms of meth detox. Depression falls into this category. The same holds true for anxiety, another common effect of withdrawal from methamphetamine. Some people withdrawing from meth experience constipation or diarrhea. A friend or loved one who knew you well might notice these bowel changes. In addition, a doctor would be able to detect changes in your normal heartbeat.
How Long Do the Signs and Symptoms of Withdrawal Last?
Withdrawal from any stimulant drug or medication usually lasts three to five days. That includes methamphetamine. However, some of your signs and symptoms may take a week or more for some of your signs and symptoms to resolve. In addition, certain withdrawal effects may continue to impact you for weeks or even months. Depression can linger in this manner. The same holds true for your cravings for more meth.
Learn More About the Effects of Meth Withdrawal at Evoke Wellness
Want to know more about how meth withdrawal might affect you or someone you love? Talk to the specialists at Evoke Wellness. We’ll provide the information you need to assess your current situation.
Evoke Wellness is also your source for comprehensive meth addiction treatment. You can begin this treatment after completing your initial detox program. Along with a detox, our customized rehab services support your recovery from even severe meth problems. Call us today at 866.931.6429 for more details on how we can help. You can also reach us through our online form.
