Meth Withdrawal Timeline

Methamphetamine withdrawal timeline at a glance

When did you last use or take it?

⚠ Medical warning (read before using this)

Stimulant withdrawal isn’t usually physically dangerous the way alcohol or benzo withdrawal can be, but the crash can bring severe depression and suicidal thoughts, and, for withdrawal from cocaine (a closely related stimulant), MedlinePlus warns of a risk of suicide or overdose. Don’t go through it alone. Call or text 988 for suicidal thoughts, or SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 for treatment.

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This places the typical ranges from this article's sources on your date. It is not a prediction or a diagnosis, and being past a phase does not mean symptoms or risks are over.

A rough guide from published sources, not medical advice. Everyone is different.

Phase	When	What you may feel	Severity	Red flags
Acute peak	First 1 to 3 days	Sleeping and eating a lot; Depression; Anxiety, irritability; Cravings	Moderate	Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now; Hallucinations, paranoia or confusion: get urgent help
Acute phase	Day 3 to about day 10	Depression-related symptoms easing; Pain and discomfort; Sleep problems; Trouble concentrating	Moderate	Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now
Subacute	At least 2 further weeks	Symptoms at lower, steadier levels	Mild	—
Lingering	Several months	Low mood; Anxiety; Cravings	Moderate	Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now

Print a daily symptom log for this timeline · My quit tracker

Acute peak

0 h – 3 days

Acute phase

3 days – 10 days

Subacute

10 days – 3 wk

1 h6 h1 day3 days1 week2 weeks

MildModerateSevereCan be life-threatening

Symptoms, phase by phase

NIDA lists meth withdrawal symptoms as depression, anxiety, irritability, pain and discomfort, sleep problems, cravings and trouble concentrating, and says even people without a stimulant use disorder can have them after repeated use. In a 2005 study of 21 inpatients (McGregor and colleagues), withdrawal was most severe within 24 hours of last use and fell to near-normal levels by the end of the first week. The acute phase involved more sleeping and eating, depression-related symptoms and, less severely, anxiety and craving. A 2001 Cochrane review described amphetamine withdrawal as common, with a reported rate of 87% among amphetamine users. NIDA also notes meth use can cause psychosis (hallucinations and delusions), which can persist even when not intoxicated.

Acute peak: First 1 to 3 days

• Sleeping and eating a lot
• Depression
• Anxiety, irritability
• Cravings

Acute phase: Day 3 to about day 10

• Depression-related symptoms easing
• Pain and discomfort
• Sleep problems
• Trouble concentrating

Subacute: At least 2 further weeks

• Symptoms at lower, steadier levels

Lingering: Several months

• Low mood
• Anxiety
• Cravings

What makes withdrawal longer or shorter

• Amount and duration of use.
• Mental health history. Past meth-related psychosis can recur; NIDA says heavy drinking and stress increase those odds.
• Fentanyl in the supply. NIDA notes meth is sometimes combined with fentanyl, which brings opioid withdrawal and overdose risk.
• Sleep and nutrition. Recovery of sleep and appetite is part of the acute phase.

When to see a doctor or get help now

• Call or text 988 for suicidal thoughts; call 911 if you’re in danger.
• Hallucinations, paranoia or confusion: get urgent medical help.
• If you might also have been using fentanyl, get medical help and keep naloxone nearby.
• Ask about treatment: NIDA says there’s no FDA-approved medicine for meth use disorder, but behavioral treatments such as contingency management work.

Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.

Tapering

There’s no medicine taper for meth. NIDA says there’s currently no FDA-approved medication for methamphetamine use disorder; behavioral therapies like contingency management are used. Call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 or visit FindTreatment.gov.

Tips for getting through it

• Sleep and eat as much as your body needs early on
• Stay with someone supportive
• Remove using cues and contacts
• Get treatment for cravings and mood
• Keep naloxone if fentanyl may be involved

Frequently asked questions

How long does meth withdrawal last?

NIDA says symptoms peak 2 to 3 days after last use and may last a week. A 2005 study found an acute phase of 7 to 10 days and a subacute phase of at least 2 more weeks. Low mood and cravings can last months.

What’s the worst day of meth withdrawal?

Usually the first 1 to 3 days.

Is meth withdrawal dangerous?

It isn’t usually physically dangerous, but depression, suicidal thoughts and psychosis can be. Get help.

Why am I sleeping so much after quitting meth?

Increased sleeping and eating are core features of the acute phase, according to research.

Next steps

• Track your dayEnter when you stopped to see where you are on the timeline
• Combine timelinesAdd other things you are stopping and see them on one chart
• Talk to othersAsk questions on our community forum (peer support, not medical advice)
• Read nextCocaine Withdrawal Timeline
• Get helpFree, confidential helplines and when to see a doctor

Related timelines

• Cocaine Withdrawal Timeline
• Adderall Withdrawal Timeline
• Fentanyl Withdrawal Timeline

Sources

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse: Methamphetamine
2. McGregor C, et al. The nature, time course and severity of methamphetamine withdrawal. Addiction. 2005;100(9):1320-1329
3. Srisurapanont M, et al. Treatment for amphetamine withdrawal. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001
4. SAMHSA National Helpline
5. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine): Cocaine withdrawal

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Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.