Author: Gary Jackson
Methamphetamine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Stages and Duration
The research questions, inclusion criteria, review methods, and search strategy were all well described. Grey literature and hand searching were done and the full search strategy was provided in an appendix. The authors also indicated that they followed the PRISMA guidelines and that information was also provided in an appendix. Without this information, it is difficult for the reader to determine whether the effects observed in the primary studies were a result of the intervention or were related to fundamental differences in the patient populations in each treatment groups.
Additionally, The Recovery Village asked participants about their meth withdrawal timeline. The vast majority (95%) of all participants experienced meth cravings for up to seven weeks after beginning withdrawal. Most meth withdrawal symptoms peak 1 or 2 days after stopping consumption and go away within 7 days. A small 2005 study found that some low-level symptoms may continue for up to 2 weeks, though. To address depression caused by meth withdrawal, rehab centers may provide antidepressants.
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The potential risk of bias of the primary studies was assessed and the articles were graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) levels of evidence. The heterogeneity between primary studies was described and, due to the heterogeneity that was observed, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Sources of funding for the primary studies included in the review were not reported.
CADTH does not make any guarantee with respect to any information contained on such third-party sites and CADTH is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage suffered as a result of using such third-party sites. CADTH has no responsibility for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by third-party sites. No simultaneous antidepressants, behavioral interventions, or substitution therapy were administered. Sessi Kuwabara Blanchard is an independent drug journalist and transgender critic. She was formerly a staff writer at Filter, one of the only online journalistic publications dedicated to covering harm reduction. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information.
The Crash: One to Two Days
Withdrawal symptoms, including extreme cravings and feelings of depression, can be emotionally and physically intense and even lead to fatalities if not properly treated. Whether you have only recently started using or you have used methamphetamine over many years, recovery is possible. People can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. These can range from fatigue and depression to intense cravings.
This is especially important for alcohol, GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), GBL (gamma butyrolactone), or benzodiazepines, as these can be dangerous to stop using on your own. Older adults or people who’ve used meth for a long time may experience more severe, longer-lasting symptoms. The effects of meth use can be felt long after a person stops using the drug.
Should you seek professional care?
The review authors reported no competing interests or conflicting funding sources. The target population of the guideline by Wodarz et al.9 is adults who misuse methamphetamine. The intended users are healthcare providers within the VA/DoD healthcare system. The full guideline by Wodarz et al.9 is published only in German. The information relating to this guideline that was included in the CADTH review was taken only from the English summary publication. Some reporting regarding the guideline development methodology is lacking in the English publication and this lack of detail may have had an impact on the critical appraisal of the guideline.
- In this article, you can learn more about meth withdrawal and detox, as well as where to get help if you or your loved one is struggling with meth use.
- While most withdrawal symptoms from methamphetamine tend to last only 14 to 20 days, cravings can persist for years after someone has quit using.
- These are all signs that the body is ridding itself of the methamphetamine, flushing out the toxin and returning to a state of health.
- The effects of meth use can be felt long after a person stops using the drug.
- If the home environment is a triggering space, particularly one in which meth was or is highly prevalent, it is not advisable to attempt detox at home.
Here’s a closer look at meth withdrawal, including how long it lasts and how to manage it. Over time, repetitive meth abuse can cause a person’s mind and body to deteriorate. During the first week of detox, people may feel unease, paranoia or fatigue. During the first two days of abstinence, a person experiences a crash, also known as a come down. The body is depleted of energy and becomes more vulnerable to disease. During this time, individuals may experience fatigue, excessive sleep and increased appetite.