Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms caused by meth usage

Understanding the common meth withdrawal symptoms can help you be better prepared.

Meth, also known as methamphetamine, is a very addictive drug. Meth withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the user, the length of time and the amounts of meth that they have consumed. Meth withdrawal symptoms are usually very unpleasant and uncomfortable.Withdrawal symptoms for meth can range from fatigue, depression and severe hunger to panic attacks, severe paranoia and suicidal thoughts. Most meth withdrawal symptoms are not lethal, but if combined with other controlled substances, it can become a deadly situation.

Short – Term Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

When meth is injected or smoked it will produce an instant sensation that is known as a “rush”. This is caused by high levels of dopamine in the brain and is very pleasurable for most users. When the drug is snorted, it can cause a euphoric sensation and not the “rush”. The short term meth withdrawal symptoms can occur even if only small amounts of the drug is taken. If a larger amount was consumed, the withdrawal symptoms can be more severe.

Common short – term symptoms:

  • Increased alertness
  • Increased physical activity
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rapid breathing
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Paranoia
  • Aggressiveness
  • Hyperthermia
  • Convulsions

If hyperthermia or convulsions are present, they can become fatal. If these symptoms become present, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately.

Long – Term Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Long term meth use can cause some serious damage to the brain and other parts of the body. Even if the user stops using meth, the damage can be either linger around for a long period time or even become permanent. Anorexia is another long term effect that can be caused and make drastic changes in the user’s appearance.

  • Hallucinations
  • Violent / aggressive behavior
  • Psychotic behavior
  • Drastic mood changes
  • Paranoia
  • Suicidal thoughts

Factors that Influence Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

There are several different factors that can influence the symptoms that a person can experience. If a smaller person consumes the same amount that a larger person consumes, the smaller person may have more severe withdrawal symptoms. Also, it is common that for a person who uses meth, will often abuse another drug. When meth is combined with another drug or alcohol, the withdrawal symptoms can be more drastic.

The following factors can have different influences in a persons meth withdrawal symptoms:

  • Age of the user
  • Body weight
  • Length of time using meth
  • Other controlled substances consumed
  • Preexisting medical conditions or illnesses

Get Help!

The sooner that you or your loved one gets help for a meth addiction and withdrawal symptoms, the better. Meth can cause serious damage to the body and brain either instantaneous or over a period of time. A meth user will start to see appearance changes in their face, cause muscle deterioration, premature aging and weakness in just a few months of use.

Resource Box: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3071736/

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