Meth, often known as methamphetamine, is a notoriously strong stimulant. It was once used for medical purposes, such as weight loss, and it may still be used in some parts of the world for that purpose. In the United States, though, it’s mostly utilized as a recreational drug. Exhilaration, euphoria, and a sense of empowerment are just a few of the consequences of meth. Meth produces a powerful but short-lived high, which pushes users to use it again and again, perhaps leading to a meth addiction. Meth is highly addictive, and regular use can lead to serious substance abuse problems.

Meth increases the release of dopamine, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain, which has a calming effect on the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure. Meth can disrupt a mechanism called reuptake, which removes excess dopamine from your system, as well as boost dopamine release.

Dopamine is so powerful that it might cause damage to your receptors. Anhedonia is a condition caused by damaged dopamine receptors, which makes it difficult to experience pleasure. Because meth is the only way you can feel pleasure at all, this might increase your dependence on the drug.

What Are the Symptoms of Crystal Meth Withdrawal?

The most severe symptoms of meth withdrawal, like those of other stimulants, are psychological. Meth has a strong influence on the brain’s dopamine receptors. Withdrawal can lead to weariness, despair, and apathy because dopamine is linked to feelings of energy, reward, and motivation. Among the other signs and symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Hypersomnia
• Problems sleeping
• Headaches
• Increased appetite
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Delusions
• Psychosis
• Anhedonia
• Suicide-related thoughts

What Is the Crystal Meth Withdrawal Timeline’s Stages?

Acute meth withdrawal can last anywhere from a week to ten days, with certain symptoms lasting longer. Your own experience with the drug will be influenced by the length of time you were addicted to it and the size of your usual dose. Whether or not you’re recovering from a meth binge may also influence the intensity of your symptoms. Though your withdrawal timeframe will vary depending on a variety of factors, it’s likely to be something like this:

• The first 24 hours:

As soon as the drugs start to wear off and you feel the comedown, you may encounter meth withdrawal symptoms. Depression, anxiety, and weariness can occur after the drug’s duration of action, which can be up to 10 hours, has passed. According to research, your symptoms will reach their climax within 24 hours.

• 5 days

 Your symptoms will gradually fade after they have peaked. Depression, food cravings, psychosis, lethargy, drug desires, and anxiety are all likely to occur over the next five days. Extreme symptoms like extreme exhaustion and insanity will be the first to fade away.

• 10 days:

Your acute phase will stop after 10 days, although you may still be depressed, nervous, or desiring meth. You may also experience weight gain as a result of your increased appetite.

• One month or longer:

Some effects, such as depression, anxiety, and cravings, can last for months or even years. Treatment may be needed to address these symptoms, and learning to manage with cravings without relapsing is extremely crucial.

Seek Meth Addiction Treatment

Detox is the safest and most successful method of drug addiction treatment. Following detox, patients are referred to rehab to address the underlying psychological causes of addiction. There is treatment available if you or a loved one is suffering from a Meth addiction. To know more about meth withdrawal, contact a Taylor Treatment Center for more information and assistance.

David Cury