Meth Comedown: All You Need to Know

Understanding the Crash from Crystal Meth and Bouncing Back

Methamphetamine, popularly known as meth, is a potent stimulant known for its potent properties and its effects on the body and mind. One aspect of this drug use that is often neglected is its comedown phase.

Our previous articles have covered how long meth stays in the body but what happens after the euphoria has died out? What happens just before the next dosage?

This article explores all you need to know about a meth comedown; its duration, physical and psychological signs and symptoms, how the effects of meth comedowns compare to withdrawal symptoms, and how to seek medical supportive care to stop using crystal meth for good.

Keep reading to learn more about all aspects of crystal meth withdrawal, and get details on finding proven support programs at Icarus Behavioral Health Nevada as well!

Understanding Meth Comedown Symptoms

Methamphetamine, more popularly known as meth, is a powerful drug that can have serious effects on the body. One of the aspects that people may not be familiar with is the comedown symptoms attached to it.

Meth comedown, also referred to as the ‘crash’, is the period when the effects of meth on the body and brain have waned. During this time, people may begin to experience a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms, as their bodies begin to adjust to the absence of the drug in their system.

If you or a loved one are going through such a crash related to meth, you may be all too familiar with many of the issues brought up by a crystal meth comedown.

Throughout this article, we are going to explore these symptoms in detail.

Meth Addiction: A Closer Look

To understand meth comedowns, you need to first know what meth addiction is. As earlier mentioned in this article, meth is a stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system.

According to the DEA, meth causes increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, cardiovascular collapse, and even death.

Addiction, in this case, occurs when people begin to develop a compulsive pattern to always use the drug. And people make use of meth for different reasons.

Over time, repeated meth use can create changes in the brain’s function, making it increasingly difficult for people to control their intake.

Whether you or a loved one turned to meth for recreational use, energy boosting, weight loss, or self-medication, the team at Icarus Nevada can help you curb usage and begin a new way of life, off the roller coaster of highs and lows.

The Cycle of Meth Addiction

There are different stages of meth addiction for users. These stages include the following:

1) The Rush

This stage often called the flash, is often the initial response one feels after ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or injecting meth into their system. The rush can continue for up to thirty minutes.

2) The High

After the rush is experienced, it is immediately followed by the ‘high’. Here, the drug users begin to feel smarter and oftentimes, become argumentative. At this point, the user also experiences heightened focus and can take on tasks with unusual precision. More so, they can also be focused on insignificant tasks like doing the dishes for several hours.

3) The Binge

The meth binge is usually regarded as a state of uncontrolled meth usage. At this point, the user tries to take more into their system and becomes hyperactive. And for every time the user takes meth, they experience smaller ‘rushes’, until there’s no rush or high.

4) Tweaking and Craving

This is known as the most severe phase of meth addiction. At this point, there’s no trace of rush or high. Thus, the user begins to feel emptiness and craving for the drug. In some cases, the user may be prone to hallucinations that may seem so vivid. They will most likely feel disconnected from reality and may pose a serious threat to themselves and others.

5) The Crash

At this point, the body shuts down completely, as it adjusts to the effect of the drug. This often results in long periods of tiredness or sleep.

6) Acute Crystal Meth Withdrawal

When meth is no longer in the system, the user begins to experience the realities of the withdrawal process, which can often range from feeling deeply depressed and losing energy, to the complete inability to feel pleasure.

7) Post Acute Meth Withdrawal and the Threat of Relapse

Long after the physical traces of crystal meth leave your system, whether through formal meth detox or cold turkey efforts, the return of cravings can arrive in the form of Post Acute Withdrawal symptoms. This is what makes services such as our meth treatment programs at Icarus Nevada so crucial. Instead of turning back to the drug, you are given support and new skills to maintain lasting clean time.

Common Factors Contributing to Meth Addiction

There are several factors that contribute to meth addiction amongst the young and old. These factors include the following:

• Mental illness. Individuals who are dealing with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD may be prone to be addicted to meth use.
• Traumatic experience. People who suffer from traumatic experiences, such as physical and emotional abuse, or witnessing violence may be struggle with methamphetamine addiction.
• Accessibility to meth. The availability of meth for purchase easily influences how it will be used, or in this case, abused.

Neurological and Psychological Impact

Chronic meth usage, according to studies, has the most devastating effects on the central nervous system (CNS). That is mainly because increases the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. Thus, repeated use can lead to immense changes in these receptors.

Meth abuse also has a psychological impact, as users who experience the ‘crash’ from meth usage deal with depression, irritability, and anxiety, which may cripple their overall health.

An Example of Typical Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

When individuals stop making use of meth, they go through a range of meth comedown symptoms. These signs may vary in severity and duration. Some of these symptoms include:

The Physical Symptoms of a Crystal Meth Comedown

Physical symptoms of meth comedown include some or all of the following:

• Extreme fatigue. Individuals who have had a meth comedown may experience fatigue, as the body begins to adjust to the absence of the drug.
• Meth withdrawal is often bound to cause feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. Thus, individuals may begin to experience sadness or restlessness.
• Difficulty concentrating. Another symptom most individuals may experience is the inability to concentrate on tasks.
• Intense withdrawal symptoms may also include insomnia, and other disturbed sleep patterns resulting in constant sleepiness during the day.
• Individuals may also experience headaches, and in some rare cases, migraine.
• Reduced cognitive function. People dealing with meth withdrawal may also struggle with cognitive function, leading to difficulties in decision-making, concentration, and memory.
• Other symptoms include suicidal thoughts, auditory and visual hallucinations, intense cravings, paranoia, psychosis, and slowed heart rate.

How Long Does A Meth Comedown Last? 5 Key Factors

The duration of meth comedowns varies from one individual to another. The reason for this is that mild or severe withdrawal symptoms are dependent on the following:

1. How much meth an individual has been using
2. How long an individual has been using meth
3. An individual’s history of substance abuse
4. Whether or not an individual has experienced withdrawal symptoms before.
5. Whether or not an individual has a dependency on other drugs or substances.

Coping with a Meth Comedown Effectively

From what we’ve explored so far, a meth comedown may be a truly uncomfortable experience. However, there are some steps you can take in order to ease these symptoms.

These steps include:

• Staying hydrated. It is recommended to keep a large bottle of water and take several sips in an hour.
• Comedowns usually come with an increased appetite. So, it is advisable to eat nutritious meals of lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Get enough rest. Physical exhaustion and restlessness are symptoms of meth comedown. You can attempt to alter these effects by dimming the light in your living space and trying to rest.

We should note that while these are helpful ways to diminish the initial crash, none of these methods are a sustainable substitute for a licensed treatment center. In many cases, the presence of psychotic symptoms due to meth occur, and these can best be treated in a dedicated dual diagnosis program such as our offerings at Icarus Nevada.

Medical Support and Supervision

This is why, beyond employing self-care tips and inspiring quotes on recovery, it is recommended to seek medical supervision from experts such as our clinicians at Icarus Behavioral Health Nevada.

Our medical professionals provide and support clients dealing with meth comedown with the unique opportunity to begin their long-term recovery process through the following means:

• Medical detox. This involves a supervised withdrawal from meth under the care of healthcare experts. This process can take place either in an inpatient or outpatient setup — depending on the level of addiction. This medical detox process may involve administering medications to manage the withdrawal symptoms.
• Residential treatment program. This program, also known as inpatient treatment, involves patients residing at a treatment center for an extended period, ranging from a few weeks to several months for medical supervision, treatment, and support.
• Partial hospitalisation. This process involves patients receiving treatment sessions during the day, and returning home or to a sober environment in the night.
• Patients may also be subjected to therapy treatments ranging from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care.
• Case management. This process entails professionals working closely with patients to ascertain their medical needs, develop treatment plans, and direct them to community resources.
• Aftercare planning. This involves developing a comprehensive plan to provide support to patients as they seamlessly transition from formal treatment to full-blown recovery.

A Full Range of Support for Meth Abuse at Every Level

Are you or someone you know battling with methamphetamine and seeking support for lasting clean time? Icarus Behavioral Health in Las Vegas, Nevada offers comprehensive medical treatment tailored specifically to individual needs.

We are a state-of-the-art healthcare organization offering clients a clear and safe path to recovery from their substance use and mental health disorders.

Our supervised medical detox program is aimed at providing tested medications to get rid of meth in a patient’s system while drastically lowering withdrawal symptoms.

It is also designed to provide our clients with safety and comfort throughout the treatment process, preparing them for a swift but steady recovery. We also offer outpatient treatment services, whole-body wellness, spiritually neutral treatments, and many more.

Reach Out Today for Proven Meth Recovery Programs at Icarus Nevada

We accept a wide range of insurance policies and provide clients with a confidential assessment of their insurance policy coverage for rehab, in a way that will not affect their coverage at the end of the day.

Reach out to us today to learn about our unique services. All calls are confidential, so please seize the momentum and make the call today to get options for support now!