Meth Withdrawal
Meth withdrawal is caused by a person who is addicted to meth and has now stopped using the drug. Meth withdrawal symptoms are most severe on a psychological level rather than a physical one. The meth addicts brain function has been so severe altered by the toxic drug that when the addict does not consume the drug on schedule severe meth craving ensue. This reaction is called meth withdrawal symptoms. If the symptoms are severe a professional meth detox can be a tremendous benefit in getting through that difficult phase. Meth detox should be followed by long term meth addiction treatment to ensure the addiction does not repeat again.
Meth is a stimulant drug chemically related to amphetamine but with stronger stimulant effects on the central nervous system. Street names for the drug include "speed," "meth," "crystal," and "crank." Meth is used in pill form, or in powdered form by snorting or injecting. Crystallized meth known as "ice," "crystal," or "glass," is a smokable and more powerful form of the drug.
Meth use in general has three patterns: low intensity, binge, and high intensity. Low-intensity describes a meth user who does not have a psychological meth addiction but uses meth on a recreational basis by swallowing or snorting meth. Binge and high-intensity meth abusers have a psychological addiction to meth and prefer to smoke or inject methamphetamine to achieve a faster and more intense effect. Binge abusers use large quantities of meth more frequently than individuals with low-intensity meth use but less frequently than individuals with a high-intensity meth use pattern.
Meth withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:
- fatigue
- long, disturbed periods of sleep
- irritability
- intense hunger
- moderate to severe depression
- psychotic reactions
- anxiety
Meth withdrawal, length and severity of depression is related to how much and how often Meth was used. Withdrawal symptoms including, cravings, exhaustion, depression, mental confusion, restlessness, insomnia, deep or disturbed sleep, may last up to 48 hours.
Meth withdrawal symptoms will vary depending upon the amount of meth taken and frequency of meth use. It is not normally necessary to be medically detoxed off meth but in some cases of extreme meth abuse it may be necessary to seek a medical professional or meth detox center to help with severe meth withdrawal symptoms.
