Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
As with any drug, users who come off methamphetamine will experience a range of withdrawal symptoms that can last for days, weeks, or even months. Meth withdrawal symptoms occur as the drug is no longer being used and as remnants of the drug are being cleared from the body in the detoxification process.
Why Do People Experience Meth Withdrawal Symptoms?
Methamphetamine affects neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine, by increasing levels of these feel-good chemicals. Meth use triggers a spike in dopamine production, affecting the brain’s reward centers and causing feelings of euphoria. Over time, the body attempts to regulate these levels, producing less of this neurotransmitter, even with continued drug use. Also, the body reduces the number of available dopamine receptors, making excess dopamine less effective. Low dopamine levels in the brain combined with a reduction in receptors results in negative feelings, such as depression, irritability, and anhedonia, which is a lack of ability to feel pleasure. Without the drug, meth users can no longer feel normal, and continue drug use just to prevent themselves from feeling bad.
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Factors Affecting Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Meth withdrawal symptoms are often influenced by other factors, such as a person’s gender, age, and body weight. Additional factors can affect the severity of withdrawal symptoms as well as the onset and how long withdrawal takes to complete. The biggest factors that determine how withdrawal will progress are:
- Amount of meth consumed
- Frequency of meth use
- Length of time meth was used
- Mental health concerns
When detoxing from meth, it is important to effectively deal with any mental health issues. Some forms of mental illness also involve inappropriate dopamine levels in the brain, so quitting meth use may also exacerbate symptoms of existing mental illness as well.
Preparing for Meth Withdrawal
Meth use results in high energy levels with little need for food or sleep. When quitting meth, most people find they wish to do little more than eat and sleep. Be prepared by having a couple of weeks worth of food on hand. It is also beneficial to have a friend or family member stay with you or check on you frequently for provisions and support. Withdrawal symptoms can begin any time after the last use, typically begin to peak in about 2-3 days, and may last a couple of weeks.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
Meth withdrawal symptoms are both mental and physical. The most common symptoms to expect during the withdrawal process include:
- Inability to feel pleasure
- Depression
- Lack of energy
- Excessive fatigue and sleep
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Lack of focus
- Inability to concentrate
- Memory problems
- Agitation
- Sleep disturbances
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Aches and pains
- Severe drug cravings