Meth Withdrawal
Recovering from long-term drug abuse, addiction, or dependency is one of the most difficult and painful processes an individual will ever have to endure. In the long run, though, this unimaginably agonizing and exhausting endeavor will be fully worth it in the end. After you have purged the drugs from your body, you can go back to living a happy, healthy life. However, one major problem may stick around during this time: psychological problems.
Once you have become attached to a drug, your brain has been rewired to desire that substance. In effect, cutting drugs out of your life is the equivalent of cutting off a limb. In the same manner, you will need support and therapy to achieve your goal of sobriety.
Like any form of detox, meth withdrawal is a natural process that takes time, patience, and a lot of strength. Although some symptoms may wear off instantly, others will take much longer. So, what can you expect if you or a loved one is breaking away from this drug? Let’s take a closer look and find out more about crystal meth withdrawal.
How Long Can This Process Take?
Current research indicates that meth withdrawal constitutes two phases. During the first portion, the addict will suffer the most severe symptoms in the first 24 hours without meth, but this process will become less severe over the next couple of weeks. Overall, the second phase is not as painful and can last about two to three more weeks. However, keep in mind that some addicts will suffer from post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), a condition where they will suffer from an extremely long case of detox. (Meth withdrawal largely depends on the chemistry and personality of the addicts themselves.)
How Will I Feel during This Process?
As indicated earlier, every meth user will have different experiences during withdrawal. Some people may endure a small portion of pain and anxiety, while other people may endure unbelievable pain and sleepless nights (or PAWS, as hinted previously). Here is a closer look at the most common symptoms:
- Anxiety: An estimated 30% of meth addicts will suffer from anxiety during withdrawal.
- Exhaustion: At the crux of meth withdrawal, addicts will suffer from severe fatigue and sleeplessness as the drug leaves their systems.
- Cravings: During withdrawal, addicts will suffer from severe cravings for meth, as well as bizarre cravings for foods with high sugar and carbohydrate content (due to poor eating habits during drug use).
- Severe depression: Roughly two-thirds of recovering meth addicts will suffer from depression due to separation from their drugs.
- Psychosis: In dangerous cases, meth addicts will experience bizarre hallucinations and delusions as the drugs leave their bodies. At this point, therapy at a residential facility is suggested.
Seeking Treatment for Meth Addiction or Dependency
If you are struggling from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction of any sort or know someone who is suffering through one of these problems, multiple resources are at your disposal. It is never too late to save your life or the life of a loved one. At Broadway Treatment Center in Huntington Beach (Orange County, California), we want each and every one of our clients to understand that, despite all the suffering they may have gone through, they can always find a way to live a happier and healthier life than ever before. While temptation can be tricky to overcome, you can always overcome your cravings for drugs and alcohol by means of a high-quality, integrated addiction recovery program.
Here at Broadway, we provide quality services to patients dealing with two-way addiction and recovery programs, which are beneficial to people suffering from addiction and other health problems. Our staff includes specially trained rehabilitation and addiction experts who are willing to guide you on your path to becoming more content and much healthier. If you are interested in our treatment programs, contact us today at (714) 400-2048 to take your first steps on the path of healing.
