Crystal withdrawal and cravings

One of the great fears for anyone who has used a drug regularly for a while is that they could find themselves dependent on the drug. When someone who is dependent on a substance stops using, they go into withdrawal.

Drug withdrawal has many variables. Everything from the type of drug and quantity of regular use to the length of time the drug was used will factor into how intense or mild an individual’s drug withdrawal experience will be. As mentioned, the type of drug used plays an important part in determining the length and severity of drug withdrawal.

If you are using ice frequently, you may get some withdrawal symptoms when you stop using. This can feel pretty bad for the first week or two, but you should start to feel much better within a few weeks.

After taking the drug for a while, your body and mind adapt or get used to having ice, and will only function normally when you’ve taken the drug.

When you stop using, your body has to re-adapt to not having ice in your system. This process is what causes the withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is this period of readjustment, where the body learns to work normally again without the drug.

Withdrawal symptoms from ice, or any other form of methamphetamine (such as speed or base), are more psychological than for heroin or alcohol withdrawal.

However, mood swings, irritability, sleep problems, changes in appetite and strong cravings are all symptoms of your body getting used to not having ice.

It is important that people who are considering quitting crystal know what may happen in the weeks ahead. In the first couple of days users go through what is known as a comedown and may experience exhaustion, increased sleep, depression, decreased appetite, restlessness and irritability.

After the comedown period the user will experience withdrawal. During this time common symptoms may include strong urges (cravings) to use ice, mood swings alternating between feeling irritable, stressed, agitated, restless and anxious, feeling tired, lacking energy and generally run down, very disturbed sleep, poor concentration (feeling scattered), general aches, pains and stiffness, headaches, increased appetite, strange thoughts such as feeling paranoid, misunderstanding things around you such as seeing things that aren’t really there and becoming easily upset.

This withdrawal can last up to 10 days and, although there are some physical withdrawal symptoms, most people find the psychological symptoms much more problematic.

Although most people find they’re feeling better in a couple of weeks, it may take up to a month for these symptoms to start to settle down. However, for some people it may take up to a couple of months for them to return to normal sleep and mood patterns.

Remember: if you do not want any negative consequences, do not use the drug and, no matter how many times you have used a substance, never be blas?/p>