Crystal Meth Withdrawal & Detox

Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug associated with significant physiological dependence and a withdrawal syndrome that includes both physical and psychological symptoms.^1-3 This page will provide an overview of common meth withdrawal symptoms and a general meth withdrawal timeline.

If you or a loved one needs help detoxing from meth, please reach out to a Greenhouse admissions navigator at to discuss treatment options.

What Are the Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal?

Crystal meth withdrawal can be very unpleasant; however, it is not usually medically dangerous or as physically intense as withdrawal from certain other substances such as opioids or alcohol.²

Methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome may include the following signs and symptoms:^2-5

• Strong cravings for crystal meth.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Vivid, unpleasant dreams.
• Exhaustion.
• Increased appetite.
• Anxiety.
• Agitation followed by lethargy.
• Dysphoria.
• Depression.
• Anhedonia.
• Paranoia.
• Isolation/withdrawing from others.
• Trouble concentrating.

Stimulant withdrawal is seldom life-threatening; however, there is some risk of severe depression which may be associated with suicidal thoughts or actions.^2,3

How Long Does Meth Withdrawal Last?

Acute methamphetamine withdrawal can begin as early as 24 hours from last use, with the most severe symptoms lasting several days to a week, and less severe symptoms sometimes persisting for several weeks.^2-5

Support for Meth Detox

Meth withdrawal is not generally physically dangerous, meaning medical intervention may not be required. However, in some cases some form of professional medical detox may be merited.

A medical detox setting may be particularly beneficial for those using meth in combination with other substances that may further complicate withdrawal, such as alcohol, opioids, or sedatives.²

A supervised detox setting may also be particularly helpful for patients struggling with severely depressed mood and suicidal thoughts. Inpatient detox environments can provide for 24/7 support, close monitoring, and a safe environment for patients in danger of harming themselves.^2,3

At a medical detox facility, patients can withdraw from meth and other drugs under the supervision and care of addiction specialists and medical professionals. While there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating methamphetamine withdrawal, medication may be prescribed to help with insomnia or to manage certain other symptoms.^2,3,6 

Medical detox programs help patients get past the acute stages of withdrawal. However, detox alone may not be sufficient in helping someone remain in lasting recovery. Stimulant use disorder—like all other substance use disorders—is a chronic illness that involves more than physical dependence on methamphetamine.^3,8  In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that helping to ready the patient for further addiction treatment is an important goal of detoxification.²

Post-detox addiction treatment—available in several forms—is designed to comprehensively address an array of psychosocial issues associated with a patient’s drug use and to help them develop coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and a positive support network they can lean on as they navigate their recovery.⁸

Rehabilitation Treatment for Meth Addiction

Addiction recovery is an individualized process, and the appropriate setting for treatment varies between patients.⁸ For example, a patient with a relatively severe addiction and/or serious concurrent mental or medical health issues may benefit from rehabilitation in an inpatient or residential setting, while outpatient treatment options may be a good fit for others.⁹

Greenhouse Treatment Center, an addiction treatment facility in Texas, provides the following levels of addiction treatment:

• Residential treatment.
• Partial hospitalization (day treatment).
• Intensive outpatient treatment.
• Standard outpatient care.
• Sober living.

If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction, please reach out to an admissions navigator at Greenhouse Treatment Center by calling .

Greenhouse accepts many major health insurers. You may use the to confirm that your benefits cover addiction treatment at Greenhouse.