Methamphetamine abuse is rampant in the United States with an estimated 13 million users today. As a powerful stimulant targeting the central nervous system, it provides users with a dramatic energy boost and a euphoric high lasting twelve or more hours. Meth is often abused following addiction to another substance such as alcohol or painkillers, but for other reasons as well. These may include a local culture of meth use, emotional or psychological trauma, or mental health issues, among other factors.
Methamphetamine deeply affects the body and brain, making withdrawal can be difficult and painful. However, it’s the first and most important step on the road to recovery, and should be done under professional supervision.
Nova Vitae Treatment Center in Woodland Hills, California is a safe and comfortable space to detox. With a residential detox facility and a staff of trained medical professionals to help you navigate the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of detox, we can provide everything you need to kick-start your recovery.
Methamphetamine Withdrawal Timeline
Methamphetamine affects the central nervous system by occupying dopamine and GABA receptors in the brain. With a very long withdrawal timeline lasting up to months after the final dose, meth is one of the hardest drugs to detox from, because the depression users experience during withdrawal can last for weeks.
Starting between 12 and 24 hours after the final dose, most meth users experience a severe crash. This typically includes depression and fatigue, possibly including suicidal thoughts. This stage lasts for around 3-10 days and worsens as time goes on. Some users experience anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations during the crash stage.
After the first 3-10 days, users begin to experience intense cravings. This is the most difficult period of detox, because the risk of relapse is high. Emotional and psychological support is crucial to making it through this stage.
Most withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside after the first two weeks and taper off over the next four, though they may last longer in some users.
Methamphetamine withdrawal often includes intense feelings depression, anxiety, exhaustion, in addiction to powerful cravings. It can lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Anyone quitting meth should be under close medical supervision.
Meth Detox at Nova Vitae
Our Woodland Hills detox facility is the perfect place to begin your journey to recovery. Our professional and emotionally supportive staff, in addition to counselors and therapists, offer everything you need to make it through withdrawal. Severe depression is the biggest risk of meth withdrawal, and we can help you to manage it, while using medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms so you can recover and move into treatment with less risk of relapse.
