Newton’s Third Law posits that every action must have an equal and opposite reaction. In the context of drug use, this means that a person who gets ‘high’ will eventually come back down.
In drug and alcohol use, a ‘come down’ or a ‘crash’ is when the effects of a drug wear off. During this process, the body and brain readjust to their normal functioning.
Comedowns from substance abuse can be uncomfortable, and people may experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms depending on the drug they’re coming down from. It can fuel more substance abuse as some users may keep getting high in order to avoid crashing.
However, this is a cycle that can make it harder for people to get sober. But it’s a cycle that can be broken. At Luxe Recovery LA, we help people break unhealthy cycles with holistic and evidence-based interventions.
An Overview of Meth Addiction
Meth addiction is a severe and chronic condition wherein a person struggles with the use of a stimulant drug known as methamphetamine, crystal meth, or simply just meth.
The prolonged meth use alters brain chemistry, diminishing natural dopamine production and causing dependence. Taking the drug can lead to a feeling of euphoria, which can make the drug incredibly addictive.
Meth is so addictive that millions of people across the United States have used and struggled with being dependent on it.
Effects of Meth Use
People who use meth put themselves at risk for a number of physical and psychological effects. Physically, it can cause rapid weight loss, dental issues (meth mouth), skin sores due to scratching (meth mites), and increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular problems if the meth use persists for long enough.
Meth addiction often results in malnutrition, weakened immune function, and long-term damage to organs like the liver and kidneys.
Meth use can also cause people to have extreme mood swings, paranoia, hallucinations, aggression, delusions, and anxiety, which can contribute to a heightened risk of violence and self-harm.
Meth addiction can also have cognitive effects as it can impair judgment, memory, and decision-making abilities, all of which can affect daily life and increase the likelihood of risky behaviors.
Socially, meth addiction strains relationships, and it isolates individuals from their support networks. It can lead to job loss, financial instability, legal troubles, and homelessness.
The effects of methamphetamine use are severe and can have lasting consequences on every aspect of a person’s life, highlighting the urgent need for prevention, intervention, and comprehensive treatment approaches in order to help people stop using meth.
What is A Meth Comedown?
A meth comedown, also known as a crash, refers to the period following the use of methamphetamine when the effects of meth wear off, and the body and brain experience a range of adverse symptoms as it goes back to normal.
The comedown phase typically occurs as the drug’s stimulating effects diminish, leading to a rapid decline in energy, mood, and overall well-being.
How Long Does a Meth Comedown Last?
There’s no one answer for how long coming down from meth can last. Generally, the duration of a meth comedown can vary widely depending on factors such as the dosage of methamphetamine used, the user’s metabolism, frequency of their use, and overall health.
Typically, the acute phase of a meth comedown, which is characterized by intense symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and anxiety, can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
However, residual effects such as mood disturbances and cravings can persist for weeks or even months.
Seeking professional substance abuse treatment, adopting healthy coping strategies to manage cravings, and engaging in a comprehensive treatment program are essential to managing the duration and severity of a meth comedown and overcoming addiction.
What Are Meth Comedown Symptoms To Be Are Of?
The symptoms of meth withdrawal or comedown can be uncomfortable and, in rare cases, a cause for concern. It’s for this reason that detoxing from meth is best done under medical supervision. A good rule of thumb to go by when it comes to withdrawing from a drug is that whatever effects it has when taken, the opposite will happen when it wears off.
During a methamphetamine comedown, a person may experience a range of distressing symptoms. These include extreme fatigue, irritability, and anxiety, making it hard to function in day-to-day life and keep emotions stable.
The comedown from a meth high often brings about feelings of depression, characterized by intense sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Furthermore, many meth users may experience an increase in appetite, particularly for calorie-dense or sugary foods, along with trouble sleeping, concentrating, and remembering things.
Physical discomfort such as headaches and muscle aches is also common during a meth comedown.
Strong cravings for meth can emerge, which can compel people to seek relief from these symptoms by using the drug again.
Managing meth withdrawal symptoms effectively often requires professional support, including therapy, medication, and healthy coping strategies, to foster meth recovery and improve overall quality of life.
How To Safely Come Down From Meth and Manage Meth Withdrawal
There are a number of things that can make getting through a meth comedown a little more bearable. Some of these things include:
Getting Professional Help
A person who wants to come down from meth should consult a medical professional, preferably one experienced in the treatment of meth use and addiction, for personalized advice and support.
Stay Hydrated
While staying hydrated is good for mental and physical health in general, drinking fluids rich in electrolytes can support the body’s natural detoxification process and help make the process somewhat more tolerable. So it’s important to drink plenty of water, as drinking is the most natural way to stay hydrated.
Eat Nutritious Food
In the same vein as above, a person in the middle of a comedown from meth should also eat balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This will help replenish nutrients lost during the withdrawal process and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Get Plenty of Rest
Promoting physical and mental well-being can help you feel better while coming down from methamphetamine. As such, you should make sure to get enough sleep.
Avoid Stimulants
Stimulants can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and cause sleep troubles. As such, substances such as caffeine and nicotine should be kept to the bare minimum if not avoided entirely.
Engage in Healthy Stress Relief
Integrate light physical activity or exercise into your routine to boost your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. In the same vein, engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and promote calmness.
Addiction Treatment For Meth Abuse
Coming down from meth is part and parcel of detox, but detox is only the first step that someone goes through while in rehab for meth use. Some of the other treatment options that someone addicted to meth goes through include:
Inpatient Treatment
Recovery from meth addiction may mean spending time in a treatment center. While in the treatment center, a patient will be given the tools they need to manage their cravings as well as manage the symptoms of a meth comedown.
They also won’t have access to any drugs other than what is deemed medically necessary so they’ll have to find other, healthier ways to cope with meth cravings.
Aftercare
An addiction to meth can be difficult to overcome, and relapse is always a possibility. However, aftercare programs can give people the resources, information, and support that they need in order to maintain their sobriety.
This can be important as some of the symptoms of coming down off of meth can last far longer than a stint in residential rehab. Support groups, outpatient programs, and therapy are all hallmarks of addiction treatment programs and can help people from relapsing.
Contact Us Today and Begin Your Recovery From Meth
A dependence on meth can be difficult to overcome. This can be true even if someone is aware of the dangers of meth use. That’s understandable. Meth is a highly addictive drug, and addiction can be hard to shake.
Many people think that they can overcome it on their own, that all it takes is the right amount of willpower and persistence. While those two are absolutely crucial for overcoming meth dependence, they’re not the only two factors that a person needs.
Treating an addiction requires personalized care from medical professionals. This is the kind of care that we can give. If you’re ready to stop using meth, contact us now, and we’ll help you achieve and maintain sobriety.
