As new laws attempt to curb the opioid crisis, more people are turning to meth as a substitute. Similar to opioids, though, you can quickly develop a dependency to meth, and the withdrawal symptoms are debilitating enough that you could get caught in a cycle of meth abuse. Meth withdrawal includes physical symptoms like fever and chills, as well as dangerous psychological symptoms. Understanding these symptoms can help you prepare for addiction treatment.
Meth Psychosis
Psychosis is one of the psychological symptoms you may experience during meth withdrawal. During a meth-induced psychosis, you might suffer from delusions, paranoia and even violent behavior. It’s common to struggle to tell what’s real from what’s part of psychosis.
It’s important to note that meth psychosis does not discriminate. Even if you have no history of mental health conditions, meth abuse can trigger psychosis. This is one of the major reasons why professional detox is essential for meth withdrawal. Medical experts can ensure that your psychosis does not cause harm to yourself or others.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Meth Psychosis?
For meth psychosis, there are three key warning signs to be aware of:
- Hallucinations: You may see, feel or hear things that don’t exist. For example, the feeling of bugs crawling on your skin is a common hallucination.
- Delusions: You develop unusual and unrealistic beliefs. For example, meth psychosis could convince you that someone is spying on you.
- Paranoia: You start to feel suspicious of the people around you, including close friends and family members.
How Long Does Meth Psychosis Last?
Unlike the physical symptoms of withdrawal, meth psychosis can linger after you’ve completed detox. Meth psychosis subsides after a week, on average, but it can last for months in severe cases. Periods of extreme stress can also trigger meth psychosis. It’s important to develop healthy coping skills to lower your risk.
Anxiety from Meth Withdrawal
Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of meth withdrawal, where you’ll feel a sense of restlessness and worry that is difficult to shake. Other psychological symptoms like paranoia can also feed into your anxiety, leading to panic attacks and impulsive behaviors in reaction to harmless occurrences like phone calls from loved ones.
One of the most challenging aspects of anxiety is that it can convince you that you’re alone without any support. However, roughly 30 percent of meth users suffer from an anxiety disorder. In the right addiction treatment program, you’ll be surrounded by people who understand what you’re experiencing and help you overcome your meth-induced anxiety.
Intense Feelings of Depression
Feelings of hopelessness and despair are common when you’re withdrawing from meth. Chronic meth use can destroy dopamine receptors in your brain, and these receptors need time to heal. As your brain adapts to life without meth, you may fall into depression and struggle to regulate your mood and emotions. Fortunately, your depression and irritability will recede after a couple of weeks and you’ll begin to notice positive changes in your mood. Similar to anxiety, credible meth addiction treatment can also help you manage and recover from your depression.
Exploring Further: Additional Questions and Answers
What Should You Do if You Relapse During Meth Withdrawal?
If you relapse during meth withdrawal, don’t be discouraged. It’s a common setback. Reach out immediately for help. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or addiction counselor. Remember, recovery is a journey with ups and downs. Reconnect with your support network and consider additional treatment options like therapy or support groups. With determination and support, you can achieve recovery.
What Environmental Factors Can Make Meth Withdrawal More Challenging?
Environmental factors can significantly affect meth withdrawal. Stressful situations, easy access to meth, and lack of social support can intensify cravings and feelings of isolation. To navigate withdrawal successfully, create a safe, supportive environment with positive influences and remove any triggers.
How Can You Support a Loved One Going Through Meth Withdrawal?
To support a loved one during meth withdrawal, show empathy and understanding. Listen without judgment and encourage them to share their feelings. Help them find professional help like therapy or support groups. Create a supportive environment free from triggers and encourage healthy habits like exercise and nutritious eating. Your love and reassurance can make a meaningful difference in their recovery journey.
How Can You Manage Sleep Disturbances or Insomnia During Methamphetamine Withdrawal?
Managing sleep disturbances, fatigue, or insomnia during methamphetamine withdrawal can be challenging. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and avoid caffeine and screens before bed. Create a comfortable sleep environment and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Consult a healthcare professional if sleep troubles persist, and consider therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) for long-term solutions.
Break Free from Meth Addiction at Fountain Hills Recovery
Fountain Hills Recovery is Arizona’s premier mental health and addiction treatment center. We believe that it shouldn’t be a challenge for you to find treatment for meth addiction that feels right to you.
Our residential treatment program includes 24-hour medical monitoring to help ease the withdrawal symptoms of meth. From there, we’ll help you uncover the underlying reasons for your substance abuse and build healthy coping skills and connections for long-term recovery.
If you’re ready to take the challenging step to break free from meth’s hold on your life, we offer our support. Contact our admissions team today to get started.
