The signs of methamphetamine withdrawal can be severe, and it is important to be able to recognize these in a loved one, especially if you know someone personally who is struggling with stimulant abuse. If you are worried that someone you love is abusing meth, seek help now by calling 800-816-1059(Who Answers?).
Meth Withdrawal and Its Psychological Symptoms
Unfortunately, it can be difficult for someone who is not actually going through meth withdrawal themselves to be able to recognize the symptoms immediately. This is because, like other stimulants, meth causes mostly psychological withdrawal symptoms, although it is likely to cause psychosis, which can lead to severe, psychotic behavior.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “The level of craving, irritability, delayed depression, and other symptoms produced by cocaine withdrawal is a strong as other types of withdrawal, or even stronger,” and as another type of stimulant, meth creates a similar level of symptoms.
Therefore, while these can be difficult to recognize because many of them will be in your loved one’s mind, it is important still to focus on their actions, physical state, and mental state to be able to recognize the disorder.
Signs of Methamphetamine Withdrawal
As stated by the Center for Substance Abuse Research, “Some users will continue taking doses of methamphetamine every so often in order to sustain the high and to avoid the severe withdrawal symptoms.” However, it is also common for a person who has been using meth nonstop to eventually crash, experiencing severe side effects. The common symptoms associated with methamphetamine withdrawal include:
Depression
Fatigue and anhedonia are signs of meth withdrawal.
- Depression is a severe withdrawal symptom associated with methamphetamine abuse. People who experience this are likely to feel extremely sad, helpless, or worthless and may even consider suicide. This is why it is very important to get an individual who is experiencing meth withdrawal into a professional treatment program as soon as possible.
Fatigue
- Fatigue and exhaustion sets in very soon after the individual comes down from the drug. You may be able to see it in the way your loved one acts, drained of all energy, or if they sleep for an extremely long period of time.
Anxiety
- Anxiety is another psychological symptom of withdrawal, and you can look for signs that your loved one is feeling more anxious. They will probably feel that they need to get more of the drug right away and be extremely restless.
An intense craving for the drug
- Cravings for methamphetamine can be severe. Often, a person experiencing them is likely to do anything in order to get more of the drug.
Anhedonia
- According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Chronic methamphetamine abusers may develop difficulty feeling any pleasure other than that provided by the drug, fueling further abuse.” This can be even more noticeable when the individual is in withdrawal, as they will often be unable to feel pleasure of any kind.
Psychosis
- Some individuals in methamphetamine withdrawal experience a full-blown psychosis, including hallucinations, violent or aggressive behavior, paranoia, and self-absorption. If an individual starts to seem violent or a danger to themselves or others, call 911 IMMEDIATELY and do not try to engage with them.
There are also other behaviors and signs that may allow you to recognize methamphetamine withdrawal in your loved one.
- They seem extremely upset or inconsolable.
- They have little to no interest in their surroundings or anything going on around them.
- They seem physically and mentally drained.
- They ask for money, even if you just gave them some.
- Their appetite increases compared to when they were on the drug.
- They seem very agitated and unable to stay still, even if they are completely exhausted.
- They only talk or think about getting their next fix.
What Should I Do If My Loved One Is Withdrawing From Methamphetamine?
If you notice some or many of the signs listed above and believe that your loved one is struggling with methamphetamine withdrawal, it is important to seek help for them as soon as possible.
They are likely already addicted to the drug if they are experiencing a full-blown withdrawal syndrome, and they will need professional treatment in order to make a change.
Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) now to find a rehab program that can help your loved one put an end to their methamphetamine abuse for good.