Meth withdrawal, generally lasts from one to two weeks, and in some extreme cases when the level of addiction is high, detoxification from methamphetamines may take up to 4 weeks or a bit more. At BeWell Recovery Sherman Oaks, we have various meth detox programs that you or your loved one can participate in. Some programs last up to 30 days, while others up to 60 days and more. Depending on the level of dependency, our trained and highly skilled professionals may also offer programs for up to 90 days.
Although the actual timeline and withdrawal symptoms during meth detox can vary from individual to individual, there are some common symptoms which almost all meth addicts feel on their journey to recovery:
DAY 1-3
Due to exhaustion and tiredness, during the first three days of meth detox, patients may feel the urge to sleep longer. Often patients begin to feel depressed and experience anxiety or panic attacks during this initial period. This first stage of meth detoxification might also cause vivid and auditory hallucinations and paranoia, which however, won’t have long-term effects.
DAY 3-10
When the initial detox stage is over, symptoms become more difficult to manage and patients will need medical supervision more than during the first few days. This is when the individual might start craving meth, and if overlooked or not properly supervised would be at a high risk of relapse. During this period, withdrawal symptoms could include certain types of pains, such as headaches as well as mental symptoms like: irritability, anxiety, poor concentration, and sleep problems. It’s also common in this stage to experience rapid increase in appetite which might trigger weight gain.
DAY 10 & BEYOND
After the first 10 days, specific withdrawal symptoms might not present themselves, however mood swings, lack of sleep, depression and meth cravings are more likely to continue during this stage. After a month though, former sleeping habits and mood changes will gradually return.