Crystal Meth Detoxification – The Effects

Crystal Meth, a stimulant similar to Cocaine, is used in a binge like patterns. Available in crystal or powder form, it is injected intravenously, snorted up the nose, or smoked using a pipe. 

The high is quick and powerful. Individuals who abuse Crystal Meth are usually aggressive, psychotic, and violent.

Withdrawal side effects can occur quickly when an individual abruptly stops using Crystal Meth. Going through withdrawals and their resulting side effects are typical.

These side effects can be uncomfortable and painful, especially for those individuals who haven’t experienced Crystal Meth detoxification before.

The Crystal Meth Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal side effects from a Crystal Meth detoxification are not everlasting. Side effects start to fade as the user’s body and brain adjust to the absence of Crystal Meth. They typically manifest within about 24 hours after the drug was used last. 

Studies show that Crystal Meth withdrawal side effects include two distinct phases. The first phase is usually more intense and occurs 24 hours after ingesting the Crystal Meth. 

During this period, side effects include a rise in appetite along with fatigue. In addition, they can consist of anxious feelings, irritability, or feeling depressed. 

However, all side effects gradually subside and decrease in intensity over the next several days. 

The second phase is called the sub-acute phase and lasts for an additional two weeks, and the side effects are diminished compared to the initial phase. 

Some heavy abusers who have used the drug for long periods of time can encounter side effects for more than a month. This phase is also called the Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS.

Influencing Factors of Crystal Meth Withdrawal Side Effects

The influencing factors of Crystal Meth withdrawal side effects include the amount of drug consumed, the quality of the drug consumed, and the length of time a user has been actively using the drug.

Usually, extensive use of Crystal Meth over long periods of time worsens withdrawal side effects. Age, physical health, and mental health are other predisposing factors of side effect intensity. 

Elderly, physically sick, and emotionally weak individuals usually encounter side effects more severely. Lastly, studies reveal that recovering Crystal Meth users who historically use other medications can encounter more onerous withdrawal side effects.

Common Withdrawal Side Effects

Side effects resulting from Crystal Meth withdrawal can affect the body and the mind. Individuals usually encounter feelings of depression, anxious feelings, and possible psychotic episodes. 

It is essential to understand that most side effects gradually dissipate over time.

Withdrawal side effects are unique to the individual and can vary in intensity depending on their health, life situations, and drug use history.

Nevertheless, there are similar side effects individual users can encounter, including psychotic episodes, feelings of depression, a lack of energy, feeling anxious, feeling hungry, and a yearning feeling. 

Feeling anxious is a common withdrawal side effect and is common during the initial phase when the drug was used to suppress upset feelings. 

However, without any drug in the body, the user has nothing blocking these undesirable emotions.

Understanding how Crystal Meth affects a user’s body is vital. The user has no ability to relax or sleep when the drug is present, which inhibits their ability to function normally in society. 

A user’s body experiencing Crystal Meth detoxification will counterbalance sleep deprivation with reduced energy levels allowing a healing effect to take place. 

It is not unusual for a user to have an inability to function during the first phase of detoxification.

Due to a drug-induced interruption of the user’s circadian rhythm, their body begins to heal itself and return to homeostatic levels by lowering energy levels causing the individual to become sleepy. Gradually over time, individuals return to their normal circadian rhythm.  

Like feeling anxious, feelings of depression are encountered in individuals experiencing withdrawal side effects. 

It is entirely normal for users entering the initial phase of detoxification to experience uninspired, hopeless emotions.

These intensely depressive feelings subside weeks into recovery. Yet, depression may continue to be prevalent for a paltry few.  

The intensity of side effects and length of recovery depends on an individual’s mental status prior to becoming addicted to Crystal Meth.

It’s vitally important to consider a substance use disorder treatment facility with experience in Crystal Meth detoxification before entering any treatment center.

In Conclusion   

Detoxification centers can help you start the recovery process and increase the possibility of experiencing a long and healthy recovery. 

Starting off on the right foot is easier when you work with experienced professionals that guide you through each phase of the detoxification process.