Crystal methamphetamine, sometimes known as crystal meth, is a psychostimulant that causes euphoria, enhanced alertness, weight loss, and increased concentration and activity. Regular crystal meth users develop a tolerance to the substance, requiring more of it to have the same effect, which can lead to addiction and withdrawal.
Fatigue, long periods of sleep, despair, an increased hunger, and paranoia are all signs and symptoms of crystal meth withdrawal. Withdrawal can begin a few hours after the last usage and extend up to two weeks.
Withdrawal from stimulants is generally less harmful than withdrawal from alcohol, opiates, or sedatives. Some people, however, can experience seizures as a result of methamphetamine withdrawal. Suicidal ideation and the risk of overdosing if you relapse are two more possible hazards.
Crystal Meth’s Abuse Symptoms, Signs, and Effects
A number of neurotransmitters in the brain are altered by methamphetamine. Withdrawal symptoms can occur if you stop using the chemical abruptly. Approximately 87 percent of long-term crystal meth users will experience withdrawal symptoms. Extreme weariness and exhaustion are the most typically reported signs and symptoms of crystal meth withdrawal. Other symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- A loss of energy
- Sleeping for long periods
- Irritability
- Depression
- Apathy
- Appetite stimulation
- Concentration problems.
- A strong desire to use drugs.
- Anhedonia
- Paranoia, vivid, terrible nightmares, and psychosis
The signs and symptoms of crystal meth withdrawal are unique to each individual. The severity of symptoms is influenced by many factors:
- Addiction duration
- The quantity that was used (higher doses typically produce more intense withdrawal symptoms).
- Abuse of several drugs (ex., abusing crystal meth with alcohol or heroin).
- Physiology of an individual
- Medical or mental health issues
Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
Fatigue, despair, cravings, and a lack of sleep are some of the withdrawal symptoms. PAWS occurs when withdrawal symptoms last longer than the initial withdrawal period. Acute withdrawal from psychostimulants like methamphetamine is usually only 1–2 weeks long. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms could linger for a long time.
Working memory, attention, problem-solving, planning, and other cognitive functions were found to be impaired long after the initial withdrawal period had gone, according to a study published in 2007.
Prolonged crystal meth withdrawal symptoms have been documented in several human and animal investigations. Mood swings can persist up to a year, and people who have previously had methamphetamine-related psychosis are at risk of relapsing into psychosis after quitting crystal meth.
Effects of Withdrawal from Meth
They include;
- Debilitating depression
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Suicidal ideation
- Paranoia
- Severe methamphetamine cravings, especially after several months of abstinence
- Psychosis
Taylor Recovery Center Has A Few Words For You.
It is the goal of the Taylor Recovery Center to improve the quality of life for those living with substance use disorders or mental health disorders by providing fact-based content about behavioral health illnesses, treatment alternatives, and their associated results. We only publish information that has been thoroughly researched, cited, edited, and evaluated by medical specialists. We do not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and the information we provide is not intended to be used as such. It should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor or another trained healthcare provider. Contact Taylor Recovery Center today if you or your loved one is struggling with meth addiction.
