Methamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment
Identifying The Signs and Symptoms Related To Meth Use
Methamphetamine — also known as meth – is a growing problem in the US.[1] This potential central nervous system stimulant drug is extremely potent, bringing an intense high followed by an equally intense crash. The drug has a high risk of dependency and addiction, leading to debilitating withdrawal symptoms and relapse.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Methamphetamine Withdrawal Treatment
Why Does Meth Withdrawal Happen?
Meth is a highly addictive drug that stimulates the central nervous system and causes a high release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter connected to pleasure and the brain’s reward system. This reinforces the use of meth to achieve the same euphoria, which leads to dependency over time.[8]
Then, when you stop, the brain and body have become so accustomed to feeling the pleasure of meth that naturally occurring sources of pleasure, such as exercise, aren’t effective. The cravings for meth can become intense, causing you to use meth to recapture that feeling of pleasure.
How Does Medical Detox Help Meth Withdrawal?
Meth withdrawal doesn’t require detox, but it can be helpful for managing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. During detox, you may be given medication to alleviate symptoms like insomnia or for nutritional support. Detox also creates an environment free of the temptation to resist cravings and focus on abstinence.
Can Using Meth Once Cause Withdrawal?
Current research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that meth withdrawal occurs when people use meth chronically cut back on their meth use – or stop completely.[9] There’s not enough research to indicate if meth withdrawal can occur after just one use.
Gonzales, R., Mooney, L., & Rawson, R. A. (2010). The methamphetamine problem in the United States. Annual review of public health, 31, 385–398. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.012809.103600
Samhsa tip 33 treatment for stimulant use disorders. (n.d.-e). Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep21-02-01-004.pdf on 2023, June 27.
Zorick, T., Nestor, L., Miotto, K., Sugar, C., Hellemann, G., Scanlon, G., Rawson, R., & London, E. D. (2010, October). Withdrawal symptoms in abstinent methamphetamine-dependent subjects. Addiction (Abingdon, England). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3071736/ on 2023, June 27.
Zorick, T., Nestor, L., Miotto, K., Sugar, C., Hellemann, G., Scanlon, G., Rawson, R., & London, E. D. (2010, October). Withdrawal symptoms in abstinent methamphetamine-dependent subjects. Addiction (Abingdon, England). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3071736/ on 2023, June 27.
Ferguson, S. (2022, October 19). How to Recognize and Manage the Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/post-acute-withdrawal-symptoms on 2024, June 6.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, April 13). What treatments are effective for people who misuse methamphetamine?. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/what-treatments-are-effective-people-who-misuse-methamphetamine on 2023, June 27.
Moszczynska, A. (2021). Current and emerging treatments for methamphetamine use disorder. Current Neuropharmacology, 19(12), 2077–2091. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9185770/ on 2024, June 17.
Samhsa tip 33 treatment for stimulant use disorders. (n.d.-e). Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep21-02-01-004.pdf on 2023, June 27.
Samhsa tip 33 treatment for stimulant use disorders. (n.d.-e). Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep21-02-01-004.pdf on 2023, June 27.