Meth Withdrawals
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Meth abuse is a huge issue, especially in the U.S. The drug is very powerful, and it is very dangerous due to its high potential of sparking an addiction. It can be easily prepared with simple ingredients and can be bought more commonly than other drugs.
If an addict tries giving up on the drug, withdrawal symptoms will appear, and they are very difficult to handle alone. Getting professional help is the only way to make sure the person gets over the addiction. It also ensures that the former addict will treat underlying issues that may have led to the problem in the first place.
Therefore, it is important to know where you can get this kind of support so that you can have a smooth transition to a normal, better life.
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that is very powerful and addictive. It looks like a white powder or as whitish and bluish rocks that are very small. Many people also call it ice, crank, glass, shards, and various other nicknames. The powder dissolves very easily in alcohol or water.
It first appeared in the 20th century when it was developed from amphetamine, its parent drug. Initially, it was used in bronchial inhalers and nasal decongestants. Since it is developed from amphetamine, it also shares some of the same effects.
Consuming methamphetamine can result in a decreased appetite, talkativeness, and euphoria, which is why the drug is so addictive. At the same time, methamphetamine is a bit different from amphetamine because larger amounts of the drug reach the brain. As a result, it is a stronger stimulant, and the effects on the central nervous system are more harmful. Besides, its effects are long-lasting as well.
Methamphetamine has a bitter taste and is odorless. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classified it as a Schedule II stimulant. That being said, it isn’t available legally unless there is a nonrefillable prescription offered.
In medicine, it is often used as a short-term component in weight loss, but also to treat ADHD. However, it is important to know that the drug is prescribed rarely, and the uses are limited. Even in cases when it is prescribed, the recommended dose is much lower than the amount abused by addicts.
Those who misuse the drug tend to smoke or snort it. Also, since it can be made from ingredients purchased from the drug store, it is largely available to a lot of people.
Meth Addiction Symptoms
There are usually some telltale signs that someone is dealing with a meth addiction. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Dilated pupils
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Scratching intensely
- Skin sores
- Acne
- Paranoia
- Twitching, jerky movements, and facial tics
- Hyperactivity
- Rotting teeth
- Decreased appetite
- Fast eye movement
- Mood swings or outbursts
- Bad sleeping patterns
- Burns, especially on the fingers and lips
- An obvious and sudden weight loss
- Tweaking – a period of insomnia and anxiety that usually lasts for 3-15 days
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
When one tries to give up on meth, either because they want to or because they are forced to, they will deal with some withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms they experience will vary from person to person.
Also, some symptoms may be more severe than others. The severity is typically influenced by a few factors like how much meth they used, whether they combined it with other drugs, how long they’ve been addicted for and how frequently they used it. The method the addict used to consume the drug will also influence the withdrawal symptoms.
Here is what the individual will deal with in terms of withdrawal symptoms:
- Fever
- No motivation
- Sweating excessively
- Increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Tremor
- Stomach Ache
- Confusion
- Red and itchy eyes
- Dehydration
- Severe depression
- Suicidal thoughts
Some of the symptoms will be short-term ones, while others will be long-term symptoms. When it comes to the latter, the person may deal with cravings, irregular sleep, anxiety, depression, and cognitive issues.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Meth withdrawal will happen in phases, depending on how long it’s been since an addict last used the drug. The period will vary from one person to another. Here is the typical timeline of meth withdrawal:
First 48 Hours – During the first 48 hours, there is a phase called the “crash”. This is what happens when you start using the drug for a day. The energy levels will go down, and the same thing happens to the cognitive functions. The individual may also sweat and experience abdominal cramps and nausea.
3-10 Days – During these days, the withdrawal symptoms will be the worst as the body is trying to get used to getting no meth. Fatigue, drug cravings, anxiety, and depression will be present, and some may even shake and get muscle aches.
14-20 Days – The withdrawal symptoms will last about 2-3 weeks, so the symptoms will slowly start to go away after the 2nd week, at least the physical ones. However, cravings may still be present, as well as fatigue and depression.
1 Month – At this point, the worst of the withdrawal symptoms has passed. Anxiety and depression may still be there, but everything will slowly go away as time goes by.
What is The Best Treatment?
A lot of meth addicts will stay away from detox, either because they do not want to give up on the euphoric feelings or because they fear the withdrawal symptoms. Detox and treatment represent the best way to properly handle meth withdrawal, though.
The detox is the first step towards recovery, and the body will get used to not getting meth. During this time, the client may get treatment for psychosis, body pain, anxiety, and irritation if they experience these symptoms.
After detox, the person may have to go through long-term recovery such as therapy and support groups. They can help avoid triggers and stay motivated but also deal with cravings and depression.
How We Can Help
At Real Deal Sober Living, we can help you stay in a healthy environment as you are recovering from meth addiction. You will be part of groups where you can freely talk about your issues and receive support, but you will also have the chance to continue your treatment without having any temptations around.
Not to mention that the space will be peaceful, and you can use this time to reflect on your future and build new skills to help you in your new life.
Put an end to your meth addiction right now! Reach out to professionals and start your treatment before it gets worse!