Crystal Meth Withdrawal Symptoms: Identify Ice Withdrawal Stages

Methamphetamine is an extremely potent and addictive substance generally prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or in some cases, obesity where diets and other treatments have not been successful.

Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine that appears in the shape of ice shards, hence adopting a street name of “ice”. Due to the potency of this substance, there is a significant increase in addiction which is causing a widespread problem in treating the number of people affected and getting them through the withdrawal process to break the cycle.

By the time someone realises they have a problem with meth use, more often than not, their withdrawal symptoms are far too powerful to quit the habit on their own accord.

A few recreational users of ice may experience a “crash” shortly after they stop using the substance. This feeling may last for a few days until symptoms wear off. Still, most users who have developed dependence or addiction will find withdrawal can last several weeks during which time they are unlikely to cope with their symptoms and will fall back into old habits. The reason for this downward turn results from the debilitating and painful symptoms associated with withdrawal leading the user to take more to counteract the uncomfortable situation. 

In this blog, we will study methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms, the stages associated with meth withdrawal timeline, and how to safely detox from meth addiction.

Is There A Difference Between Ice And Meth?

Meth generally comes in the form of a powder and a pill which may be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected and is an extremely powerful drug. Ice is an illegal drug and a type of methamphetamine that is far stronger providing a faster and more intense kick than the other forms of meth making it much more addictive than its counterpart.

Ice addiction is recognised to have serious health risks, particularly those relating to mental health, cardiovascular, and the typical teeth rot associated with consuming this drug as it is typically smoked or injected. Not only can abusing this drug have a serious impact on a person’s health, but it can also destroy families, and relationships and strain daily issues such as work or studies.

Both substances are very similar and often referred to as the same without distinguishing one from another. Ice is a term typically used on the streets and may also be known as crank, chalk, cotton candy, shard, gak, and many more.

It is not fully understood the alarming rate of ice use and the increase of users although suggestions may lead to socioeconomic motives or misconceptions surrounding illicit drugs and stigmas.

What Are Crystal Meth Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawal symptoms relating to the use of meth abuse can vary from person to person and should not be considered definite due to several factors.

Physical and psychological symptoms may appear but side effects will depend largely on the length of time and amount of the drug that has been used, whether the stimulant has been combined with other substances, or how the drug has been administered.

As a rule of thumb, those who inject themselves with crystal meth are more likely to experience a more intensified and longer withdrawal time than those who have used other means.

Other factors that are taken into account relate to age, gender, overall general health, or whether there are other co-occurring conditions such as mental health issues.

Some of the common signs and symptoms that may appear during a methamphetamine withdrawal process are:

• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Excessive sweating and dehydration
• Increase in appetite
• Nausea and stomach cramps
• Insomnia and sleep disorders
• Lack of motivation
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Paranoia and hallucinations
• Severe depression accompanied by suicidal thoughts

The list is not exhaustive and other physical symptoms such as fever, shaking, or clammy skin may also be related.

Because these symptoms can lead to further complications, it is highly recommended an individual struggling with methamphetamine addiction seek professional help and should not attempt to stop their drug addiction on their own as without correct supervision it can be extremely dangerous and a process they will probably not be able to overcome themselves.

Understanding The Crystal Methamphetamine Withdrawal Timeline

The symptoms of meth withdrawal are broken down into four stages of the process although there is no specific time that can determine how long symptoms may last as it will depend on each individual and symptoms are unpredictable and only appear when it happens. 

Meth Withdrawal Timeline

Stage One: Within the first 48 hours after having used the substance there may be signs of:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Excessive sweating
• Abdominal cramp
• Decline in cognitive function

Stage Two: Between days 3 and 10 the acute phase generally peaks when symptoms are most intense and may show the following signs:

• Severe bouts of depression
• Elevated anxiety
• Tremors and shaking
• Muscle aches and cramps
• Extreme fatigue
• Intense cravings

This stage is perhaps the most critical to overcome due to the discomfort and pain although intensity begins to ease after a week.

Stage Three: From days 11 to 20, the acute phase should have passed making symptoms more manageable although the following may persist:

• Milder cravings
• Fatigue
• Depression

Stage Four:  After approximately 3 to 4 weeks, most symptoms will have subsided but post-acute withdrawal signs may continue:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Cravings
• Mood swings
• Disturbed sleeping patterns

Most of these psychological symptoms may manifest for several weeks whereas states of depression can continue for months for some people.

Detox Treatment For Meth Addiction

Due to the acute withdrawal symptoms and the impact ice has on the central nervous system, it is paramount to seek professional help when struggling with meth addiction.

Withdrawal symptoms may be a major concern but with the correct addiction treatment, these dangers can be controlled and managed through a detox process which is the safest way for meth users to overcome their habit and receive suitable treatment options to assist during the acute withdrawal phase.

A detox may last between 7 to 14 days depending on the severity of the addiction, how an individual responds to treatment, and the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

Meth detox is generally carried out as an inpatient in a rehab centre under the supervision of a medical team who provides round-the-clock care to monitor and observe any adverse reactions and can intervene swiftly should it be necessary.

A successful detox allows the patient to overcome the unpleasantness and discomfort of common symptoms so they may transition to continuing treatment by being more prepared and have less risk of relapsing as well as knowing they have taken their major step in finding recovery.

Seeking Treatment For Meth Abuse

As we have mentioned, ice addiction is a very serious condition, and quitting meth is extremely dangerous, especially if you have been using it regularly due to the serious withdrawal problems that can arise.

If you or someone you know is struggling with this substance and need help, it is crucial to seek a treatment centre where meth addiction may be treated under the supervision of medical specialists.

At Sivana Bali, we understand the complications and devastating impact that drug addictions can have on individuals, their families, and loved ones and know only too well how difficult it may seem to find the help you need.

We are a luxury rehab centre located on the beautiful island of Bali, nestled away from the hustle and bustle of life’s stressors, and is the perfect retreat to find the peace and serenity that is necessary to overcome problems and assist with recovery.

We pride ourselves in principle on providing first-class addiction treatment programmes for a wide range of substances including a comprehensive and evidence-based programme for ice addiction treatment.

Our highly qualified medical team works closely with each individual to ensure their safety at all times and supervises our drug detox programme to protect patients from any complications and can help reduce levels of discomfort.

Sivana Bali also offers inpatients a wide range of support included in our residential treatment such as individual and group sessions, counselling, and holistic therapies to address all aspects of the healing process.

We are dedicated to helping all patients discover their inner self and promote self-awareness allowing them to reconnect and find new resources and strategies to manage and cope with their transition to leading a healthier and happier life.

We understand the importance of reaching out when someone has hit rock bottom and as some of our team are recovering addicts themselves, we know just how challenging it is for any sort of drug addiction.

Why don’t you take the first step and give us a call? We will gladly give you our fullest support and advice and allow you to express any concerns or worries you may have.