Methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth, is a synthetic stimulant popular among drug users. While the ingredients for making meth are simple and you can find them at your typical drug store, it’s just as dangerous as other illicit substances. Meth typically looks like blue and white-tinged rocks or glass. It is a highly addictive drug, with many people becoming hooked after using it only once. Going through meth withdrawal can be a painful experience. You need a meth addiction treatment center to assist you through this process. Contact Bayview Recovery Center today at 855.478.3650 for more information.
The Effects of Meth
Like other amphetamines, meth produces an intense high that lasts for a short period. Meth that you purchase on the street can contain other contaminants or other drugs. That means the user may end up ingesting something that ends up poisoning them or producing other unintended effects.
Some adverse short-term side effects of meth addiction include:
- Loss of appetite
- Erratic behavior
- Sleep disorders
- Rapid heart rate
- Convulsions
- Panic attacks
- Psychosis
Long-Term Meth Abuse
Long-term meth addiction can lead to serious health problems. Some users get to the point where they suffer irreversible brain damage. Many meth addicts end up turning to illegal activities, including robbery, to keep funding their habit.
Another side effect of meth abuse is the potential for overdose. The risk increases when someone starts going through meth withdrawal. Meth addicts often end up going on a binge, referred to as tweaking. That individual may start consuming larger quantities of meth to offset the symptoms of meth withdrawal, which could end with the person dying from an overdose.
You can increase your odds of beating a meth addiction by getting professional help for your disease. Bayview Recovery Center offers a safe place for individuals to break away from the destruction caused by meth abuse.
Withdrawing From Meth
Meth withdrawal doesn’t carry the same physical dangers as weaning off substances like opioids or alcohol. Someone can become emotionally unstable and harm themselves during the process. Many people report heightened feelings of depression while going through meth withdrawal, which might increase thoughts of self-harm.
Meth is a fast-acting drug, with the effects typically wearing off after around 10 hours. The symptoms of meth withdrawal usually kick in 24 hours after the last use of the drug. They hit their peak within the next 7 to 10 days, with most people experiencing symptoms like:
- Psychosis: Users may find themselves experiencing hallucinations, where they see, hear, and feel things that aren’t there. These delusions can seem like they are happening, making it difficult to distinguish fantasy from reality.
- Cravings: Like most substances, meth withdrawal causes individuals to start experiencing cravings. It’s the body crying out for the drugs it’s gotten used to consuming. Giving in and using meth during this time puts people in danger of overdosing since they often even more of the drugs.
- Heightened Appetite: Meth abuse often leaves people with no appetite. Going through meth withdrawal can leave you craving carbohydrates or other sugary, starchy foods. These feelings usually last several weeks into the process.
Symptoms of withdrawal usually taper off after 14-20 days. People often feel tired and sleepy a lot because they no longer have meth as a stimulant in their system. Those who have been through the experience also report having dry mouth and some episodes of jitteriness.
Getting Help With Meth Addiction
If you feel that you cannot manage meth withdrawal alone, you can choose to enter a medical detox at a rehab facility. Many places offer medication management services that can lessen the symptoms of withdrawal, making it easier to get through the experience. Our treatment programs include:
- Extended care program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Depression treatment
- Anxiety treatment
From there, you can focus on treating the underlying conditions that led to your meth addiction. Bayview Recovery Center offers a variety of different programs and services for treatment. Contact Bayview Recovery today at 855.478.3650 if you need or a loved one needs meth withdrawal assistance.
