Inspire Recovery Supports these LGBTQ, Human Rights, & AIDS Organizations
Nationally Accredited Behavioral Health Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
Joint Commission Contact: 1-800-994-6610
Are you or is someone you struggling with addiction?
Inspire Recovery can help! Call 561-786-2655 for a free & confidential consultation.
How to Detox From Meth
Your body detoxes from meth when you stop using the drug and allow it to gradually leave your system. The safest way for this to happen is under professional medical supervision. Medical detox from meth not only helps you stay physically stable but also reduces the risk of relapse in those early days. With the right care, meth detox can be the first step toward regaining your health and rebuilding your life.
What Happens to the Body During Meth Withdrawal?
When someone abuses a harmful substance, their body becomes dependent on it to function normally. When the substance is no longer present, the body must adjust, and this withdrawal process can be excruciating. Physical symptoms of meth withdrawal can include, but are not limited to:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Copious sweating
- Vomiting
In the case of methamphetamine, withdrawal can also bring intense psychological symptoms such as paranoia, confusion, and hallucinations — signs of what is known as meth psychosis. This condition can occur during heavy use but may also happen during the withdrawal phase as the brain struggles to recalibrate dopamine function.
Many recreational users experience a “crash” period after taking meth, which may last a couple of hours to a few days. Also called a “come down,” it is marked by low mood, low energy, and anxiety. After this, the withdrawal period follows and may last several days, weeks, or even months.
The meth withdrawal timeline from detoxification for many users often looks like this:
0–48 hours (acute crash)
- Decline in cognitive function
- Sharp drop in energy
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping
- Sweating
Days 3–10 (peak withdrawal)
- Severe depression
- Anxiety
- Extreme fatigue
- Shaking
- Muscle aches
- Intense drug cravings
Days 11–20 (early stabilization)
- Mild drug cravings
- Fatigue
- Depression
After about a month, most symptoms and drug cravings will have faded, but resurgences of withdrawal symptoms, including episodes of psychosis, are not uncommon.
How to Detox from Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive substances because of how it affects the brain’s chemistry. Whether you snorted, smoked, or injected meth, its short and long-term effects are profound, and the process of stopping is very difficult.
There are two main ways to detox from meth: abruptly stopping (“cold turkey”) or entering a structured treatment program. Quitting cold turkey has a much lower success rate than a medical detox program because these programs offer expert care, peer support, and strategies for long-term recovery.
If you want to quit, you should consider the following while you seek professional treatment:
- Be open with your support system. Let your loved ones know what you are going through so they can help you stay accountable.
- Remove triggers. Get rid of your meth stash and any paraphernalia you still have. You can also consider changing your environment to get away from triggers and block your access to supplies.
- Prioritize your health. Regular exercise, nutritious meals, and good sleep can improve mood and resilience.
- Find fulfilling alternatives. Develop hobbies and activities to turn to when cravings strike.
Why You Should Not Quit Meth Cold Turkey
While abruptly quitting methamphetamine may seem like the fastest way to break free, the risks of stopping cold turkey are serious and should not be ignored.
You can become extremely fatigued, severely dehydrated, and have electrolyte imbalances that may require medical treatment. People with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, may experience worsening symptoms like irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, or other cardiac complications.
People may also have major depression, intense anxiety, or suicidal thoughts during withdrawal. For someone with a history of mood disorders, these symptoms can escalate quickly without proper support.
Get Effective Treatment for Meth Addiction
Inspire Recovery offers various treatment programs for meth addiction, along with a network of trusted medical detox providers for clients who need detox services before starting treatment. We also provide educational resources and support for loved ones who want to better understand drug addiction and recovery options. If you are looking for an LGBTQ+-affirming addiction treatment facility, call us now at 561-786-2655 to get help.
Can gradually tapering help me detox from meth?
We do not recommend tapering off meth because it is not like some substances, where a slow dose reduction makes withdrawal safer. Most people stop all at once since there is no standard medical taper for meth use. Detox focuses on managing the emotional crash, fatigue, and cravings that come with quitting. A medical team can still support you through the process and make it more comfortable, even without a taper.
How is meth psychosis managed during detox?
Meth psychosis during detox is managed in a safe, supervised environment where medical staff can monitor symptoms and keep the person from harming themselves or others. Short-term use of antipsychotic or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help reduce hallucinations, paranoia, or agitation. Supportive care, such as a calm, low-stimulation setting, can also help stabilize the person. As the drug leaves the system, symptoms often improve, but ongoing therapy may be needed to address lingering mental health effects.
Are there home remedies that can flush meth out of my system?
No safe or proven home remedy can quickly flush meth out of your system. Your body naturally processes and eliminates meth over time, mainly through the liver and kidneys, but the drug’s effects and cravings can persist even after it’s gone from your bloodstream. Trying to detox from meth at home can be dangerous because withdrawal may trigger severe depression, fatigue, or intense cravings, increasing the risk of relapse. The safest option is to seek professional support, where you can get medical and therapeutic care to manage symptoms and reduce harm.
Are you or is someone you know addicted to drugs?
Call Inspire Recovery today at 561-899-6088 for a free & confidential consultation.
