Meth Withdrawal

Methamphetamine is a powerful psychoactive stimulant drug chemically related to amphetamine but with stronger effects on the user's central nervous system. Common street terms for the drug include "speed," "meth," "crystal," and "crank." Meth can be taken in pill or powdered form by snorting or injecting the drug. Crystallized methamphetamine known as "ice," "crystal," or "glass," is a smokable and more powerful version of the drug.

Meth withdrawal can occur when the user suddenly stops using the drug or doesn't have access to it. Once chronic meth users stop putting meth into their body, the body reacts because it is used to having the drug to function. Drug withdrawal can be a physical and emotionally painful process, and many meth users simply choose to continue doing drugs instead of going through the uncomfortable feelings of the meth withdrawal.

Meth withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. These symptoms are all dependent on the length of time the user has been taking meth as well as how much and how often they have abused the drug. Individuals going though meth withdrawal can alternate from wanting to sleep all the time to not being able to sleep at all. Common meth withdrawal symptoms may include depression, anxiety, fatigue, paranoia, aggression, and an intense craving for the drug. Unlike other drug withdrawal which tends to pass in a matter of days, individuals experiencing meth withdrawal can experience these symptoms for several weeks.

Symptoms of meth withdrawal can include but are not limited to:

• Anhedonia, which is characterized by an inability to feel pleasure in normal pleasurable activities. This may show up as unwillingness to engage with others or their own lives.
• Anxiety
• Depression: A worsening of mood accompanied by feelings of hopelessness. Thoughts of suicide may arise. Depression is a hallmark of meth withdrawal and can worsen in intensity as the addict realizes the extent of their problems with the drug.
• Dysphoric mood characterized by a generally bad/down feeling
• Extreme drug cravings
• Fatigue
• Fearfulness
• Hypersomnia characterized by extended periods of sleep. This may also associated with depression.
• Hyperventilation
• Increase in appetite and rapid weight gain. This may be an outlet for pent up energy.
• Insomnia, which also may be related to depression but can be the result of unpleasant and vivid dreams. In some chronic meth users, they will dream about taking the drug to relieve cravings or have paranoid-type nightmares linked to their drug experiences.
• Loss of energy
• Nausea
• Palpitations
• Psychotic reactions
• Shaking or tremors
• Strong drug cravings Irritability
• Sweating

Meth addiction is treatable and meth withdrawal can be overcome. Although acute meth withdrawal symptoms may pass within a week or so without the drug, long term meth withdrawal symptoms may persist for several weeks or months. Meth rehab programs are available to help resolve these long-term meth withdrawal symptoms and to give the individuals the rehabilitation they need to avoid falling back into meth use. If a chronic meth user does not seek the help they need to overcome their addiction, they will likely fall back into meth use and suffer the resulting consequences.