Participants received one 300 mg capsule per day for the first week. This was reduced to a 200 mg capsule daily in the second week and 100 mg daily in the third week. No other interventions were administered during the trial.7 Ahmadi et al. compared daily doses of 8 mg of sublingual buprenorphine with 40 mg of oral methadone over a period of 17 days.

1. The first step is to recognize any misconceptions you might have about substance use and addiction.
2. Your withdrawal symptoms will be strongest during the first 24 hours or so and typically last about 7-10 days.
3. It’s important to remember that ongoing drug use changes the brain’s structure and chemistry.
4. Wodarz et al.9 used the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine (OCEBM) tool to assess methodological quality and grade evidence.
5. During the second phase in the crystal meth withdrawal timeline, withdrawal symptoms typically reach a peak three to 10 days out from the last use of the drug.

All participants were compensated for their time in the study. During the second phase in the crystal meth withdrawal timeline, withdrawal symptoms typically reach a peak three to 10 days outpatient rehab for alcohol out from the last use of the drug. An individual may experience severe depression, anxiety, or fatigue symptoms during this time as the body attempts to find equilibrium without meth.

Quitting meth leads to withdrawal, which can be very difficult. This process has different symptoms that depend on how long and how much meth was used, as well as the person’s own body. The next step is a clinical assessment, in which the person and healthcare professionals discuss treatment options. According to a 2022 review, withdrawal symptoms occur when the body tries to re-adapt to a decrease in drug usage.

Methamphetamine withdrawal can be a dangerous process for some, but this is primarily due to dehydration. As long as the person stays hydrated and eats a balanced diet, they can combat this, especially with medical help. Methamphetamine withdrawal is usually an unpleasant experience. Fatigue may set in first, followed by overwhelming feelings of depression. Many people also experience paranoia, hallucinations, anxiety and insomnia.

HC participants had no history of substance use disorders (besides nicotine dependence) and had negative urine tests throughout the study. Light alcohol use (equivalent to 7.5 drinks per week) was not an exclusion criterion. All participants were allowed to smoke tobacco ad libitum to avoid the possible confounding effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Finally, after a month without crystal meth use, the fourth phase in the crystal meth detox timeline will be reached. During this final phase, the worst of the withdrawal symptoms have typically subsided. But psychological symptoms like depression and anxiety may be in full effect because the body’s dopamine levels have not had enough time to return to normal functioning. The symptoms of depression and anxiety can last for many months or even years after the last use of the drug.

In comparison, around 4.8 million people said they used cocaine in the same timeframe. The only legal meth product is a prescription medication approved to treat ADHD. You can only get it from your doctor, but it’s not used very much. Meth addiction is one of the hardest drug addictions to treat, but it can be done. If you know someone who can’t control their drug use, ask for professional help. Always call 911 or go to the hospital if you or a loved one has signs of a meth overdose.

Can You Die From Meth Withdrawal?

But your experience after consuming meth (or any other amphetamine, for that matter) can vary quite a bit. The depression that occurs when a user abruptly stops using methamphetamine is the most widely touted complaint for meth addicts. This is because the emotional upset can last for many months or even years after the last dose is taken. Get cost-effective, quality addiction care that truly works.

Meth Withdrawal

Symptoms like depression and anxiety tend to persist on a long-term basis for individuals maintaining sobriety from crystal meth use. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

Participants in both groups were excluded if they had major medical illness, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity, as determined by medical history, physical examination and laboratory assay. The MA participants were not seeking treatment, and were not dependent upon other substances (besides nicotine). However, they met criteria for MA dependence, and were active users of MA (urine toxicology screen positive for MA) at study entry.

Meth withdrawal symptoms may manifest during or after detox, which is the process of the body metabolizing and removing it. Crystal meth, or methamphetamine, is a powerful stimulant that can lead to a wide range of symptoms if you have been using long-term and decide to quit. Most people require professional help to ensure they safely, and effectively remain drug-free following an addiction to meth. The symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal make remaining abstinent difficult to achieve but it IS possible.

Cravings for Methamphetamine

Addiction can occur with or without physical dependence on the drug. However, physical dependence is a common feature of addiction. Methamphetamine is an addictive drug that has energizing (stimulant) effects. As a powder, it can be snorted or dissolved in water and injected. Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 24 hours after last using methamphetamine and last around 14 to 20 days. Meth works by increasing the amount of dopamine — the neurotransmitter that controls feelings of pleasure — in the brain.

But treatment can help people safely detox and prepare to transition to inpatient rehab. According to a 2010 study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, the medications bupropion, naltrexone and modafinil have shown effectiveness in reducing meth use in people addicted to the drug. The report indicated that other types of drugs failed to effectively treat meth-dependent patients, including GABA agents, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, ondansetron and mirtazapine. Bednarczyk is the director of the Center for Health Outcomes, Pharmacoinformatics and Epidemiology.

Timeline of Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

This method of withdrawal is referred to as “cold turkey.” Many people choose to taper instead of going cold turkey, which can be safer and more comfortable. Tapering is the process of lowering the dosage slowly over time. After detox, joining alcohol use disorder symptoms and causes a rehab program greatly increases the chances of lasting recovery. They offer therapy, support, and help to prevent relapse (using meth again). As you go through withdrawal from meth, your body will need time to adjust and heal.

This page will go over the symptoms of meth withdrawal, offer a general meth withdrawal timeline, and explain how treatment can help someone recover from their methamphetamine addiction. Those who choose to stop using the drug cold turkey without medical supervision may not know how to alleviate painful withdrawal symptoms. Attending rehab for detox is much safer because patients have access to immediate medical care. According to a 2010 study published in the journal Addiction, individuals withdrawing from meth can also experience increased or decreased appetite, poor concentration and memory, sleep problems and low energy. During detox, they often feel intense cravings for the drug.