Our programs
Methamphetamine Detox Centers
Admissions answered 24 hours a day · Most major insurance accepted
Includes reviews of Flourishing Foundations Recovery, now part of Briarwood
The short answer
Methamphetamine withdrawal is primarily psychological rather than physical. Exhaustion, anxiety and paranoia are usual in the first one to three days, cravings and body aches follow through days four to seven, and most symptoms have subsided by day eight to fourteen — though low mood, disturbed sleep and mood swings can last a few weeks. Medical observation here most often means a stay of 24 to 72 hours.
If you are deciding whether to detox at home or with medical supervision, admissions can talk it through with you now on (866) 710-7710. Free, confidential, and answered around the clock.
The methamphetamine withdrawal timeline
This is the general pattern the page describes, not a prediction for any one person. How long it lasts and how hard it hits varies with how much was used, for how long, and what else is going on medically.
| When | What commonly happens |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 days after the last dose | Extreme exhaustion, anxiety and paranoia are most likely. More extreme symptoms may include suicidal thoughts and hallucinations. |
| 4 to 7 days after the last dose | Very strong cravings, hopelessness, aches, pains and headaches. Concentration is often difficult and some weight gain is common. |
| 8 to 14 days after the last dose | Most withdrawal symptoms have subsided, though slight depression, trouble sleeping and sudden mood swings may remain. Some of these can last a few weeks. |
Withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines can become medically dangerous. If you are unsure whether it is safe to stop on your own, call (866) 710-7710 before you do.
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Safe medical observation for methamphetamine withdrawal
Maybe you’ve reached a breaking point and you’re ready to put your drug abuse behind you but you need some help. You’ve come to the right place. Briarwood Detox Center offers personalized medically assisted detox for several substance use disorders, including methamphetamine addiction.
About Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine (or meth) is a synthetic, man-made stimulant drug that is very addictive. It is usually made in the form of a white powder or pill. Crystal meth is another form of the drug that looks like glass chunks or shiny, bluish-white rocks. Because it’s a meth precursor, misuse and purchase limits matter—learn the basics and safety risks. Why pseudoephedrine is tightly restricted.
Slang names for methamphetamine include:
- Ice
- Meth
- Crystal
- Chalk
- Speed
People often hide use behind nicknames; this glossary decodes the most common drug street names (meth, coke, more).
When using methamphetamine, individuals will either inhale (smoke), swallow a pill, snort the powder, or inject the powder after dissolving it in water or alcohol.
When a person uses methamphetamine, their brain is flooded with dopamine so they experience a powerful rush of euphoria. This “high” wears off quickly but it makes the drug extremely addictive. After the initial euphoria wears off, users typically feel angry, afraid, edgy, or overly excited and with continued use over time, they may experience extremely high body temperatures, severe itching, dental problems, extreme weight loss, and cognitive and emotional problems.
Long-term methamphetamine abuse may change the brain permanently, affecting a person’s ability to experience pleasure from natural things like eating a good meal or spending quality time with a loved one.
Do I Need Methamphetamine Detox?
While a full detox program is not necessary for methamphetamine, we do recommend a period of safe medical observation in a clinical environment while you are discontinuing use. If you are addicted to methamphetamine and have developed a dependence on the drug, you may need to be monitored during withdrawal to ensure your safety.
How to Detox From Meth
The best way to detox from meth is with a professional detox program. The dopamine levels in the brain drop dramatically when you stop using methamphetamine. As a result, the meth detox process can be a very lonely time, filled with melancholy thoughts and depressive tendencies. This leads many people right back into drug abuse.
If you are addicted to methamphetamine you may also experience severe mood imbalances during withdrawal. Medical observation in our facility provides additional support to help you cope with the psychological issues you experience when you stop using meth.
Most often, our clients detoxing from methamphetamine are also extremely exhausted. Our caring medical staff will treat any uncomfortable symptoms that are keeping you awake to help you get the rest you need to recover.
How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?
How long meth stays in your system depends on several different factors, such as:
- The type of meth you used
- Your age
- The amount of meth you used
- Your age
- Your overall health
Depending on the type of drug test being used, methamphetamine may be detectable for the following duration of time in your urine, blood, saliva, and hair.
| How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System? | |
| Urine | Detectable 3-5 days after use |
| Blood | Detectable 1-3 days after use |
| Saliva | Detectable 1-4 days after use |
| Hair | Detectable about 90 days after use |
Source: How long does meth stay in your system (health-street.net)
What Are Methamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms?
Unlike the withdrawal period during alcohol and opioid drug detox, methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms are primarily psychological, as opposed to physical. These may include:
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-injury
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
You may also experience some of these physical symptoms during methamphetamine withdrawal:
- Exhaustion
- Increased appetite
- Jitteriness
- Strong cravings
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Red, itchy eyes
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sleep problems
- Poor concentration and memory
How Does Briarwood Detox Manage Withdrawal Symptoms?
Although there is not a detox protocol for methamphetamine, our medical team will provide around-the-clock monitoring during a period of safe medical observation to manage uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety throughout the withdrawal process. Your multidisciplinary treatment team will work together to address your physical and emotional needs throughout withdrawal and administer medication when necessary to make sure you are comfortable at all times. Although you may be tempted to detox at home, we highly recommend you do not attempt it. Medically assisted methamphetamine detox is the safest and most comfortable way to get through meth withdrawal.
What Is The Methamphetamine Withdrawal Timeline?
| 1-3 days after the last dose: | You will most likely feel extremely exhausted, anxious, and paranoid. More extreme symptoms may include suicidal thoughts and hallucinations. |
| 4-7 days after the last dose: | You may struggle with very strong cravings, feel hopeless, and suffer from aches, pains, and headaches. You may also have difficulty concentrating and may experience some weight gain. |
| 8-14 days after the last dose: | Most of your withdrawal symptoms will have subsided, although you may still feel slightly depressed, have trouble sleeping, or experience sudden mood swings. Some of these symptoms may last for a few weeks. |
Straight answers
Common questions
How long does meth withdrawal last?
Most withdrawal symptoms have subsided between day eight and day fourteen after the last dose, with the hardest stretch in the first three days. Some symptoms — low mood, poor sleep, mood swings — can continue for a few weeks after that.
What are methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms?
Unlike alcohol and opioid withdrawal, methamphetamine withdrawal is primarily psychological: depression, suicidal thoughts, self-injury, hopelessness, anxiety and psychosis. Physical symptoms can include exhaustion, increased appetite, jitteriness, strong cravings, headaches, joint pain, red itchy eyes, diarrhea, constipation, irregular heartbeat, sleep problems and poor concentration and memory.
How long does meth detox take at Briarwood?
Medical observation for methamphetamine most often requires a stay of 24 to 72 hours, though that varies from person to person. The clinical and medical team works out the appropriate length with you rather than fixing it in advance.
How Long Does It Take to Detox From Meth?
Most often, medical observation for methamphetamines requires that you stay at our facility for 24 to 72 hours , but that will vary from person to person. Our clinical and medical team will work together with you to determine the appropriate amount of time required for your stay.
Where to Detox From Methamphetamine?
Our medical methamphetamines detox facilities in Austin and Houston are safe and supportive places to begin your addiction recovery. The experienced and friendly staff at Briarwood will ensure that your meth detox experience is as comfortable as possible and that you are treated with the utmost care and respect. From the moment you enter either of our facilities, you’ll receive nothing less than the highest quality medical and therapeutic care available.
My Son Is Addicted to Methamphetamine — What Type of Treatment Program Does He Need?
Meth addiction treatment usually begins with detox to safely get through the withdrawal "crash," then continues with behavioral rehab, because there is no FDA-approved medication that treats meth addiction the way medications treat opioid or alcohol dependence. At Briarwood, medically supervised methamphetamine detox is the stabilizing first step — managing symptoms like extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety, and cravings in a safe setting. After detox, the core of recovery is ongoing treatment such as inpatient or outpatient rehab and sober living, and our team provides recommendations to help him transition to the right next level of care. Does meth withdrawal require medical detox? Meth withdrawal is not usually life-threatening the way alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be, but it can bring intense fatigue, severe depression, and strong cravings that make relapse likely without support. Medically supervised detox provides a safe, structured environment to get through this phase, which is why quitting alone at home is not recommended. What comes after meth detox? Because meth addiction is driven largely by changes in the brain's reward system, lasting recovery depends on co…
What is the Recommended Treatment Plan After Meth Detox?
During methamphetamine detox, our treatment staff will treat uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and help you manage cravings with one-on-one counseling, support, and a positive sober environment. After detox, relapse is always a risk, so it’s very important to continue your addiction treatment. Many people do this by enrolling in a rehab or sober living program after detox. Meth inpatient rehab : During inpatient rehab, you will learn essential skills and make positive behavioral changes that will empower you to stay sober. Meth outpatient rehab : outpatient rehab offers flexible structured treatment in an outpatient setting that you’ll attend several times a week. Whether you enroll in in-person or online rehab , you’ll receive comprehensive, individualized treatment for meth addiction. We offer outpatient programs in Austin , Houston and Dallas. Sober living : After rehab, a sober living program can provide ongoing long-term support and peer recovery services. This will help you gradually assimilate back into society as a sober person and establish a stable support system. Getting professional treatment after detox is an important part of maintaining your sobriety and our treatmen…
Does meth withdrawal require medical detox?
Meth withdrawal is not usually life-threatening the way alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be, but it can bring intense fatigue, severe depression, and strong cravings that make relapse likely without support. Medically supervised detox provides a safe, structured environment to get through this phase, which is why quitting alone at home is not recommended.
What comes after meth detox?
Because meth addiction is driven largely by changes in the brain's reward system, lasting recovery depends on continued treatment after detox — most often inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, or a sober living program, where behavioral therapy helps rebuild skills and prevent relapse. Briarwood's team helps coordinate this next step so there is no gap between detox and ongoing care.
Before you arrive: what to expect from our detox covers the medical assessment, how long a stay usually runs, the privacy options and the rooms themselves.
Coverage
Our center is in-network with many insurances
Type your plan below to check it, or call and we will verify your benefits with your insurer directly. Free, and with no obligation to admit.
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Admissions is staffed 24 hours a day. One call tells you what your insurance covers and whether detox is the right first step.