Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the US. It’s a highly addictive stimulant that can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. Withdrawing from meth can take days or weeks, depending on a number of factors.
Between 2015 and 2018, 1.6 million U.S. adults reported using meth in the past year. More than 52% of those people had a methamphetamine use disorder [1]. Part of the problem is the availability of meth: in recent years, supply has grown, distribution has expanded, and purity has increased. Even the form of meth has developed, with manufacturers creating more pill versions to target younger consumers.
Withdrawing from meth can be uncomfortable, but recovery is possible. Knowing the timeline can help you prepare for the first step or better support someone who needs treatment.
What Is Meth?
Meth is a lab-produced drug. It speeds up the central nervous system and increases the release of dopamine: a chemical that makes us feel good. Meth is so addictive because dopamine tells the brain to repeat behaviors that feel like a reward.
Meth has many other names, including:
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Speed
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Crystal
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Uppers
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Crank
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Chalk
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Tweak
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Ice
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Glass
Meth typically comes as a white powder or pill, with no smell but a bitter taste. Crystal meth — the strongest and purest form of meth — comes as chunks or white-blue rocks.
Meth is a common party drug, used mostly by people aged 26-34. Non-Hispanic white groups are the biggest consumers of meth [1]. More men use meth than women, however, more women seek treatment for meth addiction. Compared to other drug disorders, meth users have a lower rate of treatment completion [2].
What Are The Effects Of Meth?
Meth is often compared to cocaine in terms of the short-term effects that it produces. These include:
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Having more energy
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Feeling alert and confident
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Talking quickly and making fast movements
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Sleeping and eating less
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Fast breathing
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Chest pain
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Dry mouth
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Muscle tension
Long-term effects of meth use can pose a serious risk to health. These include:
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Extreme weight loss
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Tooth decay
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Anxiety and depression
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Sensation of bugs crawling under the skin
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Risky behavior
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Memory loss
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Hallucinations
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Extreme paranoia
Chronic meth use has also been associated with psychosis, cognitive and neurologic deficits, cardiovascular and renal dysfunction, transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections, overdose, and increased mortality [3].
The severity of the effects of meth depends on a person’s age and body size, as well as the dose, pre-existing disorders, and other substances that are consumed at the same time as meth.
What Are Common Meth Withdrawal Symptoms?
During withdrawal, meth users may experience:
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Cravings
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Depression
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Dysphoria
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Fatigue
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Bigger appetite
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Chills
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Anhedonia (loss of ability to feel pleasure)
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Insomnia or oversleeping
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Agitation
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Paranoia
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Psychosis
Meth users face a higher risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior during withdrawal [4]. People with pre-existing mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to more severe symptoms.
Many meth users tend to follow a pattern of addiction where they consume meth repeatedly for days, only to “crash out” and have intense withdrawal. Because prolonged meth use can mean people stay awake for days and lose their appetite, health consequences from nutritional deficiency and exhaustion may manifest in withdrawal [5].
How Long Does It Take To Withdraw From Meth?
Meth withdrawal typically starts within the first 24 hours of the last dose. Withdrawal can last between a couple of days and up to weeks. The acute phase of withdrawal — where cravings and symptoms are strongest — lasts between 7-10 days. Protracted withdrawal — where symptoms linger but are more stable — can continue up to 3 weeks after the acute phase.
Day 1-7
Withdrawal begins. Symptoms can onset intensely, including cravings, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability.
Day 7-10
The acute withdrawal phase. Dysphoria, anhedonia, and social isolation are common during this time. People report that cravings are most severe in this phase.
Day 10-14
Acute withdrawal continues but to a lesser degree. Mood changes happen, sleep continues to be disrupted, and cravings are still present. This time is high risk for relapse due to mental and physical exhaustion.
Day 14-21
The protracted withdrawal phase. Depression, oversleeping, and possible psychosis occur. Individuals have to be monitored closely for self-harm and suicidal behaviors, especially vulnerable individuals.
Day 21-Onward
Symptoms reduce and may disappear. Problems with concentration, mood, and energy levels may persist for several weeks.
Is There Treatment For Meth Addiction?
There is effective treatment for meth addiction, including medical care for withdrawal. Rehab centers provide detox programs that help people safely remove meth from their system. Detox generally includes 24/7 monitoring and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to alleviate severe symptoms and reduce cravings if needed. Programs may also offer wellness activities to nurture physical and mental health.
Treatment not only facilitates recovery, but it can make withdrawal more comfortable and contribute to healthy routines. One study found that reports of depression, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms among meth users decreased significantly during the first two weeks of a residential treatment program. Participants also reported improved sleep during the time [6].
Detox is the first step in recovery, and gives people the tools and trust to move forward with care to achieve long-term sobriety.
Safely Withdraw From Meth At Buena Vista Health & Recovery Center
We are a leading rehab facility for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our team of licensed, empathetic professionals provides tailored care for your recovery.
We use a holistic approach that blends evidence-based therapies and wellness activities to support your physical and mental health and improve self-perception. We never judge, we just help.
Our centers in Chandler and Tucson, AZ, span 50,000 square feet each and are fully equipped for effective, compassionate treatment.
You’re not your addiction. You’re worthy of support. Contact our admissions team now.
Sources
[1] CDC. (March 2020). Patterns and Characteristics of Methamphetamine Use Among Adults — United States, 2015–2018. cdc.gov.
[2] Guerrero, E. et al. (June 2023). Exploring Gender and Ethnoracial Differences and Trends in Methamphetamine Treatment. Substance Abuse: Research And Treatment.
[3] Jones, C. (September 2021). Methamphetamine use in the United States: epidemiological update and implications for prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
[4] SAMHSA. (2006). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. National Library of Medicine.
[5] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (November 2024). Methamphetamine. nida.nih.gov.
[6] Mancino, M. et al. (January 2011). Characterizing methamphetamine withdrawal in recently abstinent methamphetamine users: A pilot field study. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
