Coming Down From Meth
Many people use methamphetamine for its stimulating high. But eventually the drug’s euphoria dissipates in what is sometimes called a “meth crash” or “comedown.” This page will explain what happens during a meth comedown, how long it takes to come down from meth, and how to get help if you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction.
What Is a Meth Comedown?
As the pleasurable feelings of a methamphetamine high fade away, it can leave people who have developed a dependence to the drug feeling intensely unhappy, anxious, or agitated in a period of acute withdrawal colloquially known as a “comedown.”1
Some people that use meth may try to maintain their high and stave off their crystal meth crash by “binging,” or compulsively using meth repeatedly every several hours for 3–15 days at a time.2
This pattern of high-dose and high-frequency use is generally reserved for people who have built up a considerable tolerance and may have even changed their preferred route of administration to one that elicits a more immediate response (i.e., smoking or injecting).2
People that partake in this or similar extreme patterns of meth use may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms that last weeks at a time. Chronic use of meth at high doses over several days can make the inevitable “crash” much worse than occasional or intermittent use, as someone who has developed a dependence experiences acute withdrawal symptoms when they finally abstain.2
It is common for someone that has binged for 2–3 days (or longer) to be exhausted, feel depressed, and sleep for 24–48 hours. This is often followed by a period of hunger, drug craving, and irritation or unhappiness. There may also be periods of paranoia and agitation.2
Meth Comedown Symptoms
The symptoms of stimulant withdrawal are often the opposite effects of intoxication. Acute meth withdrawal, which someone is likely to experience if they use methamphetamine regularly, often includes the following symptoms both during and after the comedown or crash:1,3,5
- Fatigue.
- Hunger.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Meth cravings.
- Sleeping too much or being tired but unable to sleep.
- Depression.
- Slowed heart rate.
- Paranoia.
- Psychosis.
People often attempt to mitigate the effects of meth comedown symptoms by using “landing gear”—depressants (e.g., alcohol and sedatives), opioids, or other substances used to induce sleep or decrease levels of anxiety and agitation.3
It is not uncommon for people addicted to meth to develop simultaneous addictions to these other substances. Use of many of these substances can cause strong physiological dependency and may also cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms when someone attempts to quit.3
How Long Is the Comedown From Meth?
Withdrawal symptoms experienced during the comedown may begin within hours to days after prolonged or heavy meth use.
Symptoms of meth withdrawal typically are more severe in the initial days after quitting and then gradually taper off in severity over the course of several days or weeks. The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms can be very different from one person to the next, and depends on many variables, including:2–4
- How much meth someone has been using.
- How long someone has been using meth.
- Whether someone has experienced withdrawal before.
- Whether someone has a simultaneous dependency to other substances.
- Someone’s history with substance use and general overall health.
How to Come Down From Meth Safely
A meth comedown is rarely medically dangerous. However, withdrawal symptoms like depression or psychosis can be severe and may lead to self-harm and even suicidal actions within the first few weeks after quitting.
Because people that use meth frequently misuse other substances as well, there is also the risk of experiencing polysubstance withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms associated with other substances, particularly alcohol and sedatives, can be life-threatening or cause other potentially dangerous medical complications.2
Medical detox can make the withdrawal process significantly safer and more comfortable.4
In medical detox, patients are supervised and monitored by medical staff who can treat and respond to potential emergencies. There are currently no FDA-approved medications for treating stimulant withdrawal or dependence, but medication may be part of supportive care or used to reduce the severity of certain symptoms.2,4
Medical detox often facilitates entry into more comprehensive addiction treatment, which is where patients can fully address the underlying issues that drive substance use. This involves a combination of evidence-based therapies provided in an inpatient or outpatient setting.5
Getting Help for Meth Addiction
If you or someone you love has lost control of their meth use, professional addiction treatment can help. At our drug rehab center in Mississippi, we offer different types of rehab designed to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Call to learn more about our programs and treatment options. Our admissions navigators are available around the clock to answer any questions you may have, go over our various payment options, and help you start treatment as soon as possible.
You can also check your insurance coverage for rehab by filling out the simple and secure form below.
It’s not too late to get help. Reach out today.