Meth Withdrawal

Meth withdrawal stage can be on overpowering, exhaustive and painful process. It is also the main reason for the failure of meth addicts who wish to get rid of their addiction on their own.

Once a long-term meth user suddenly stops the ingestion of the substance, the body undergoes a change in physical and brain functions because it has developed some form of tolerance for the substance.

The symptoms of crystal meth withdrawal may take place from 1 to 3 months after a person completely stopped inducing the substance into the body. Physically, there may be no overt signs, especially from those who have undergone rehab treatment.

Sudden behavioral changes in persons who underwent rehab treatment indicate he or she is undergoing meth withdrawal. These include depression, irritability, intense hunger, fatigue and exhaustion, sleep disturbance and intense craving for the substance.

In most cases where the patient is a binge or high-intensity user, psychotic reactions can take place like hallucinations and paranoia. Extreme frustration when the intense craving for meth is unmet often leads to suicide attempts or violent tendencies.

Studies made on meth addicts undergoing withdrawal stage confirm the occurrence of brain function abnormalities similar to people with mood disorders. As such, meth rehabilitation programs have included depression therapy to counteract the occurrence of depression among patients undergoing withdrawal stage.

Meth withdrawal or detoxification effect can last from 1 to 3 days to a week. However, passing this intense stage does not mean the former substance abuser is already meth-free for life. A sudden pang of craving for the substance may occur unpredictably. Effective meth detox programs should prepare the patients on what appropriate actions to take when these relapse occur.