Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Written by: The Northern Illinois Editorial Staff
Updated on: 3/12/26

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Beth Dunlap; Licensed Physician and Surgeon

A clinician with a clipboard sitting beside a client with clasped hands

When you become addicted to meth, meth withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to quit. Long-term and chronic meth abuse can cause you to experience meth withdrawal symptoms for several weeks. You can even deal with post-acute meth withdrawal symptoms months after detoxing at our meth detox center at Northern Illinois Recovery.

Nearly 1 million Americans ages 12 and older struggle with an addiction to meth, a highly addictive and illegal stimulant. Meth produces mood-elevating and energizing effects and is both physically and psychologically addictive. Abusing meth can cause serious medical and mental health problems. The energizing effects of meth can keep you awake for days and cause short-term psychosis. Long-term abuse of meth can create neurological problems and brain damage.

What Is Meth?

Meth is a Schedule 1 narcotic, meaning that it has no known medical benefits and is illegal to possess, sell, manufacture, or prescribe. It is a central nervous system stimulant that increases your heart rate, energy, cognition, and pulse. Meth is sold either in a crystal or powder form. Users typically smoke or inhale meth. Smoking meth can cause severe dental problems, including serious decay and tooth disease. Additionally, smoking meth can lead to serious respiratory issues and lung damage.

An early spring woodland floor with white trillium flowers in bloom, soft light

The effects of meth vary depending on the route of administration but typically lasts between 6 and 8 hours. Many times, users binge-use meth, which causes severe insomnia and can lead to psychosis. Meth abuse can also cause:

Mania and mood changes
Damage to your dopamine neurons
Memory loss and cognitive impairments
Heart and lung damage
Brain damage
Sex addiction

Meth abuse and recreation use can cause changes to white and grey matter in your brain, which can cause long-term cognitive issues. Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can become disabling if you suddenly stop using, intensifying cravings and increasing your chances of relapsing.

What Are Some Meth Withdrawal Symptoms?

When you become physically addicted, meth withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as 24 hours from your last use. Withdrawal symptoms can last for several weeks, or even months, if you have a severe or long-term addiction. Meth withdrawal symptoms can cause mood changes, depression, anxiety, and exhaustion. Most chronic and long-term meth users deal with meth withdrawal symptoms for 3-4 weeks.

Since withdrawal can last for weeks, finding help from our meth addiction rehab program is important. In treatment, individuals will be able to take advantage of numerous therapies to help them address the issues that contributed to their addiction and have developed because of it. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we offer a wide range of therapies designed to meet the needs of each individual. In consultation with our counselors and therapists, each client develops an addiction treatment plan customized to meet their goals in recovery. As individuals progress through treatment, this plan is adjusted to meet new needs or goals. Some of the therapies we offer include:

Group therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy
Trauma therapy
Dual diagnosis treatment

Treatment centers understand the complexity and intensity of meth withdrawal symptoms and can help alleviate symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can make you especially at risk of relapsing. Strong cravings and uncomfortable methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can make using again tempting, but a treatment center can provide you with the support you need to recover.

Finding Treatment for a Meth Addiction at Northern Illinois Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse disorder or addiction, finding help is the first step towards recovery. Northern Illinois Recovery Center has the experience, understanding, and dedication to helping you beat addiction. Call us today at 855.786.1978 to learn more about your treatment options and meth withdrawal symptoms.