# What You Should Know About Meth Withdrawal Symptoms - Sierra > Learn what you should know about meth withdrawal symptoms and why methamphetamine addiction requires medical help to detox safely. [Home](/) / [Blog](/blog/) / Drugs Drugs # What You Should Know About Meth Withdrawal Symptoms Learn what you should know about meth withdrawal symptoms and why methamphetamine addiction requires medical help to detox safely. Written byJustin CataneSenior Content Writer Clinically reviewed by[Nerea Encinas Sánchez](/clinical-team/)Director of the centre, MSc General Health PsychologyRegistered psychologist, COPAO AO13857 Last checked for clinical accuracy on 31 January 2025. This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Meth withdrawal brings physical symptoms such as fatigue, heavy sleepiness, increased appetite, tremors, headaches, dehydration and chills, alongside psychological ones including depression, anxiety, anhedonia, mood swings and intense cravings. Symptoms crash in the first three days, peak between days three and ten, then ease over the following weeks. Because severe cases can be life threatening, medical supervision during detox is strongly advised. ## Before you go further, a safety note If you are physically dependent on alcohol or on benzodiazepines such as diazepam or alprazolam, do not stop taking them suddenly. Sudden withdrawal from either can cause seizures and can be life threatening. A medically supervised withdrawal is the safe route, and your GP can arrange one. In an emergency call 999 in the UK, or 112 anywhere in Europe. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, NHS 111 is available in England around the clock. Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful stimulant drug that can cause adverse side effects. People addicted to this drug are at risk of damaging their brains and other organs. When a person addicted to meth tries to quit the drug, they are at risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Methamphetamine withdrawal is something you shouldn't take lightly, it's a challenging process that requires the correct care and strategies. ## Understanding The Power Of Methamphetamine Meth is a highly addictive stimulant that has devastating effects on the central nervous system. The drug has powerful effects on a brain chemical called dopamine, which is responsible for giving you feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. When a person takes meth, it increases the release of dopamine and other monoamines like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This release of chemicals can result in heightened feelings of euphoria and increased energy among meth users. Despite the rush of pleasurable effects, the long-term effects of methamphetamine are extremely risky. Long-term users can potentially damage their cognitive function because they end up relying on the drug for pleasure. They'll find it difficult to feel happy or satisfied without the drug. The continued search for the drug for pleasure can ultimately end in addiction, a chronic and relapsing disease with severe consequences. Withdrawal is managed medically, and where it is needed it is completed before the residential programme begins. ## The Causes Of Meth Use Meth users may have several reasons behind why they use the drug. It can be a combination of different factors that stem from biological, environmental, and psychological causes. Learning why a person tends to engage in substance abuse can help them find the right kind of treatment. Here are some common causes of meth use: - Peer Pressure: Many people's first encounter with meth was when they were in an environment that pressured them to take the drug. Whether it's because they wanted to fit in or were just curious about what taking drugs feels like, peer pressure can play a significant role in initiation meth use. - Escape from Stress: Others turn to meth to self-medicate or to escape negative feelings like stress, depression, and anxiety. For some, they turn to the drug to avoid life situations like trauma or financial stress since meth can provide temporary relief from these emotions and situations. - Stimulant Effects: Once a person tries meth, they are likely to continue looking for its stimulant effects. This is common in people with high-stress jobs or occupations that require long hours. The energy and focus the drug provides make them more productive and efficient, at least temporarily. - Prevent Cravings: People struggling with drug use are going to have intense cravings for the substance, which makes it difficult to stay sober. In people addicted to meth, they often find themselves craving the drug when they try to stop using it. This creates a dangerous cycle of addiction and relapse. - Genetic Predisposition: In some cases, a history of substance use disorder (SUD) can make a person more inclined to try meth. While genetics play a role in the likelihood of drug abuse, it's not the sole factor that determines whether someone gets addicted to drugs. ## The Effects Of Meth Addiction A person who continues to use meth despite its negative effects is likely to experience serious complications. The drug can impact them physically, psychologically, and socially: - Prolonged meth use can cause serious cardiovascular damage, increasing the risk of heart attack and strokes. - Since the drug reduces saliva and results in poor dental hygiene, users may suffer from "meth mouth." - Meth suppresses a person's appetite, so they may experience weight loss and nutritional deficiencies as a result of not eating. - The drug's effects on the central nervous system can cause cognitive impairments like memory loss and inability to regulate emotions. - When the effects of the dopamine release wear off, dopamine levels drop and cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness that can result in depression. - Methamphetamine use can strain relationships with loved ones due to erratic behavior and the tendency to prioritize drug use over relationships and responsibilities. - People who use meth often run into trouble with the law because they may commit illegal activities and other crimes while under the influence. ## Meth Withdrawal Symptoms The symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal are very unpleasant, and it can cause a person to become disordered. The combination of these withdrawal symptoms is why it's highly recommended to seek professional help to manage them. ### Physical Some physical symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal include: - Fatigue and lack of energy - Excessive sleepiness - Increased appetite - Tremors and involuntary muscle spasms - Tension headaches - Dehydration - Chills ### Psychological Some psychological symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal include: - Mood swings - Depression - Anhedonia or inability to feel pleasure - Anxiety - Suicidal thoughts - Delusions or hallucinations - Intense cravings for meth ### Severity Withdrawal from meth isn't going to look the same for everyone. People with moderate addictions may be able to manage withdrawal symptoms on their own. However, those who have been using meth for a prolonged period or in high doses are at a higher risk of experiencing severe, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. These are the ones who should seek professional help to manage withdrawal safely and reduce the risk of complications. ### Ready to find out whether meth use needs treatment? A clinician will go through your situation with you before anything is booked, and will say honestly if we are the wrong place for you. [Take the self-assessment](/self-assessment/) [+44 1202 653136](tel:+441202653136) ## Meth Withdrawal Timeline Meth withdrawal happens when a person stops using the drug after prolonged use. The timeline of withdrawal from meth will vary depending on different factors, but it usually occurs through these stages: - Days 1 to 3: This is the crash phase, where people experience the immediate effects of quitting meth. Users may feel a drop in energy, but cravings will be moderate. - Days 3 to 10: This period is called the acute withdrawal phase, where users feel peak symptoms of quitting meth. Depression and cravings for the drug are intense as the person adjusts to the lack of meth in their body. - Days 11 to 20: During this phase, withdrawal symptoms will start to subside, but they persist. In some cases, intense cravings for meth still occur, but mood swings may start to stabilize. - Beyond one month: After 30 days, people will start to feel better about the drug's absence in their bodies. They will rarely look for the drug, but management techniques should be in place to maintain sobriety. ## The Benefits Of Quitting Meth There are several benefits of quitting meth, and while withdrawal symptoms are tough, it can mean significant improvements in a person's overall well-being. ### Physical After a person quits meth, they will feel better physically. The drug does severe damage to a person's organs, and quitting will help slowly repair these damaged tissues. Dental problems and skin sores may also heal over time, especially when they seek medical help for those conditions. It might take a while, but the body will eventually heal and recover from the harmful effects of meth use. ### Mental Health Quitting meth means that your brain doesn't have to rely on the drug to feel pleasure anymore. They may be able to feel joy and happiness from day-to-day activities. This makes them less depressed and more motivated to live life again. ### Quality Of Life When a person quits meth, they will slowly begin to experience improvements in their overall quality of life. For example, quitting meth means they have more time for their relationships and responsibilities. The improved overall well-being from stopping meth also means that feeling a greater sense of purpose. ## Meth Addiction Treatment Options Fortunately, people struggling with methamphetamine addiction have a lot of treatment options available. Remember that there isn't one option that automatically "cures" addiction. Instead, a combination of addiction management techniques can help achieve and maintain sobriety. ### Meth Detox Meth detox is one of the most critical steps in overcoming meth addiction. Withdrawal from methamphetamine is very dangerous, and it's not something anyone should attempt alone. As mentioned earlier, a person going through meth withdrawal with experience a variety of symptoms. During detox, a medical professional will oversee the process to monitor your vital signs and ensure you safely go through the process. This ensures that you won't experience any serious complications. Medical professionals can also prescribe medications to help manage certain withdrawal symptoms. ### Therapy Therapy is an addiction management technique that enables clients to find a healthy outlet to express themselves. It also offers clients the proper techniques and coping mechanisms they need to address addiction. The most common type of therapy used in SUD treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that aims to change the way you think and believe. It helps identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that lead to abusing drugs. After you and your therapist identify these habits, you'll create healthy coping strategies to manage them. Your therapist may ask you to take concrete actions to challenge these negative habits and replace them with more positive ones. ### Coping Strategies Coping strategies for meth addiction include different holistic therapies. Many SUD treatment centers incorporate practices like mindfulness and meditation into their treatment programs. These practices help manage stress and promote a sense of calmness so that clients don't give in to their cravings. In addition, joining a support group is also a good way to cope with SUD. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) follow a 12-step program. Finding a community where people are going through the same challenges can help maintain sobriety. ### Co-occurring Disorders A co-occurring disorder is when a person suffers from a mental health disorder and SUD at the same time. This type of disorder needs special care, as treatment needs to address both disorders simultaneously. Expect a combination of therapies, medication, and other types of care for a co-occurring disorder. ### What treatment for meth addiction actually looks like Twenty eight days residential in the Malaga countryside, at a price published in full, with the assessment done before you travel rather than after you arrive. [See how admission works](/admissions/) [+44 1202 653136](tel:+441202653136) ## Do You Need Help With Meth Withdrawal? Meth withdrawal isn't an easy process, it involves different symptoms that can be life-threatening without the proper support. Seeking professional help is the best way to manage these symptoms, as professionals can offer the right support and guidance. Together with the right treatment and coping strategies, it's possible to recover from meth addiction and move on from all its negative effects. ## Getting treatment early If you or someone you know is struggling with methamphetamine use, getting help sooner rather than later gives the best chance of avoiding further complications. A GP is a reasonable first call, and they can refer you into local services. Last reviewed 2026-07-25. Next review 2027-07-25. ## Questions people actually ask How long does meth withdrawal last? Timelines vary, but withdrawal usually moves through stages. Days one to three are the crash phase, with a drop in energy and moderate cravings. Days three to ten are the acute phase, when depression and cravings are most intense. From days eleven to twenty symptoms start to subside though they persist, and beyond a month people generally feel steadier and rarely seek the drug. Can you go through meth withdrawal on your own? People with moderate addictions may be able to manage the symptoms themselves. Those who have used meth for a prolonged period or in high doses face a higher risk of severe, life-threatening symptoms and should seek professional support. During supervised detox a medical professional monitors your vital signs and can prescribe medication to ease particular symptoms, which reduces the chance of serious complications. Why does meth withdrawal cause such low mood? Meth increases the release of dopamine, the brain chemical tied to pleasure and satisfaction. With continued use the brain comes to rely on the drug for that feeling, so when the release wears off dopamine levels drop and sadness and hopelessness follow. During withdrawal this can show up as depression, anhedonia, or the inability to feel pleasure, and in some cases suicidal thoughts. What treatment options exist for meth addiction? No single option removes addiction on its own; a combination of approaches is what helps people reach and hold on to sobriety. Supervised detox comes first, followed by therapy, most often cognitive behavioural therapy, which identifies the thought patterns and behaviours behind drug use. Holistic practices such as mindfulness and meditation, and 12-step support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, add further structure. What improves after someone stops using meth? Physically, the body begins to repair damaged tissue, and dental problems and skin sores can heal over time, particularly with medical help for those conditions. Mentally, the brain no longer depends on the drug for pleasure, so everyday activities can start to feel enjoyable again. Many people also find they have more time for relationships and responsibilities, and a greater sense of purpose. + ## Talk to a clinician today You will speak to our admissions team, English-speaking clinicians who know the programme and the people in it. Callback within 24 hours. Step 1 of 3 Confidential, and no obligation Registered health centre. Authorised by the Junta de Andalucía, N.I.C.A. 67331. ### Related pages [Drug rehab in Spain](/drug-addiction/)[Our residential programme](/our-programme-at-sierra-recovery/)[What treatment costs](/pricing/)[How admission works](/admissions/)[Can Heroin Withdrawal Kill You Or Is It Simply A Myth?](/can-heroin-withdrawal-kill-you/)[Can You Overdose on Ketamine?](/can-you-overdose-on-ketamine/)[Synthetic Drugs Side Effects](/synthetic-drugs-side-effects/)[Synthetic vs Natural Opioids: What's The Difference?](/synthetic-vs-natural-opioids/)[Free Resources: Self-Assessment and Cost Tools](/free-resources/)[Gambling Addiction Rehab in Spain](/gambling-addiction-rehab-spain/) --- Source: https://sierrarecoveryspain.com/what-you-should-know-about-meth-withdrawal-symptoms/ Retrieved: 2026-08-27 Canonical HTML version of this page: https://sierrarecoveryspain.com/what-you-should-know-about-meth-withdrawal-symptoms/