Meth is a highly addictive drug that causes a serious comedown. For many individuals who use meth, avoiding this comedown is a priority. The symptoms can be extremely severe, even life-threatening in some cases, and those who are addicted to the drug might continue to stay high for days, sometimes weeks, to keep themselves from coming down from the drug’s effects. Anyone who is using meth should reach out for help from our treatment center. If you’re concerned about a loved one’s use of this illicit drug, learn more about the symptoms of coming down from meth and the meth treatment programs that can help.

The Basics of a Meth Comedown

A meth comedown is the crash that follows a meth high. During a meth high, users experience a rush of energy, euphoria, and increased alertness. But when the high wears off, they can feel fatigued, anxious, and irritable. Meth comedowns can last for several hours or even days. The intensity of the symptoms depends on how much meth was used and how long the high lasts.

How Long Does a Meth Comedown Last?

Meth affects the brain differently than other substances, even other stimulants like cocaine. Meth has a longer duration of action than cocaine does, causing it to remain in the body for a long period of time unaltered. The drug also causes higher levels of dopamine in the brain than cocaine does and, according to animal tests, blocks dopamine’s reuptake in the brain, which can become toxic.

The drug is also manmade, similar to amphetamine, but it is much more potent. Like a hangover from drinking alcohol, the symptoms from a meth comedown will typically last between four to 24 hours. A lot of the experience can depend on how you manage the symptoms.

Methamphetamine causes short-term effects like increased blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate, as well as wakefulness, decreased appetite, and increased physical activity. All of these effects are part of why a person feels extremely excited, euphoric, and alive while on meth. The drug can also cause delusions of grandeur and a belief in one’s invulnerability.

Coming Down off of Meth Experience

Another reason people start to experience a desire to continue using the drug is because of the comedown effects of meth. Meth comedown can happen even if a person hasn’t become dependent on the drug. This is because the drug causes such intense, pleasurable effects, and when it wears off, it can make a person feel empty.

Over time, as the individual uses meth more and more, the empty feelings associated with the comedown period become more and more intense. This is how long-term use can lead to dependence.

Those who have been abusing meth for a prolonged period of time can experience severe withdrawal symptoms, some of which are associated with depressive and psychotic states. These can include:

  • Cravings
  • Exhaustion or fatigue
  • Body aches and pains
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations
  • Violent behavior
  • Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
  • Insomnia
  • Mood disturbances

These symptoms can be dangerous to the user as well as to those around them.

How to Treat Meth Comedown Symptoms

coming down off meth

You can do several things to deal with the problem of meth comedown and avoid any serious side effects. The first of these is to seek professional help. At Westwind Recovery® we offer many treatment options for a safe recovery from meth addiction and other substance abuse, as well as help during the difficult weeks of meth withdrawal.

Still, many people want to go through withdrawal in their own homes. Though we recommend seeking professional help, there are a few things you can do if you are going through this on your own:

  • Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods. Try to avoid an unhealthy diet, as it’s only going to make you feel worse, but make sure that you eat and drink water regularly.
  • Exercise when you can. Meth comedown will make you feel lethargic, but exercise will help you to get your blood flowing. Exercise also produces endorphins naturally, which will help your body and brain relearn this process.
  • Take OTC medications to minimize the aches and pains you may feel. Try to avoid drinking alcohol or taking street drugs for this reason.
  • Get lots of rest. You won’t be at 100 percent for a while, and your body is going to need the extra rest. You will also likely be feeling depressed and anxious, and making sure you get enough sleep is one of the best ways to fight this.
  • Ask for help. Don’t feel like you need to go through meth withdrawal alone. Ask a close friend or family member to look after you during this time.

Tips for Meth Recovery: Overcome the Comedown and Stay Clean

If you’re in meth recovery, you know that meth withdrawal and the comedown can be tough. But there are ways to make it through the tough times. Here are some tips:

Stay Busy and Distracted

When you’re coming down from meth, it’s important to stay busy and distracted. This can help take your mind off of the meth comedown symptoms and help you focus on something else. Try watching a movie, reading a book, or spending time with friends and family.

Eat Healthily and Drink Plenty of Fluids

When you’re coming down from meth, it’s important to eat healthily and drink plenty of fluids. This will help your body recover from the meth use and help you feel better overall. Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water will also help to flush the meth out of your system.

Avoid Using Other Drugs or Alcohol

It’s important to avoid using other drugs or alcohol when you’re coming down from meth. Using other substances can make the meth comedown symptoms worse and can also lead to relapse. If you feel like you need to use another substance, be sure to talk to a professional about it first.

Get Plenty of Rest

The meth comedown can be exhausting, so it’s important to get plenty of rest. This will help your body recover from the meth use and help you feel better overall.

Getting plenty of rest is important when you’re coming down from meth. Your body needs time to recover from meth use, and getting enough sleep will help with that. Be sure to establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

Reach Out to Westwind Recovery® for Meth Addiction Treatment

westwind recovery can help you heal from meth addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with meth use, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to those who need them, and treatment can make all the difference. Meth comedown symptoms can be difficult to deal with, but with the right help, they can be overcome.

Even after a person has completely withdrawn from meth dependence, they will still be addicted to the drug. Addiction and dependence are two different disorders, and your loved one will need proper rehab treatment to learn ways to cope with addiction, avoid relapse, and recover safely and effectively.

For this reason, the best thing to do to help someone who is coming down from meth is to get them into detox treatment, which is often the first part of rehab. Westwind Recovery® offers meth addiction treatment programs that promote long-term, sustainable recovery.

Over time, you and your loved one can begin to heal from meth abuse, addiction, and dependence. The process of meth comedown isn’t easy, but it is necessary for a safe recovery. Connect with Westwind Recovery® today to learn more about how our Los Angeles treatment center can help you heal.