At Arrow Health, we provide a medically supervised detox at The Sam Lawrence Private Hospital. Located in the beautiful Macedon Ranges, just 1 hour from Melbourne’s CBD, we are able to offer a safe, compassionate environment to begin recovery.
Here’s what you need to know if you or a loved one is considering meth detox.
Understanding meth withdrawal
Methamphetamine changes the brain’s chemistry, especially its dopamine system. You can read more about the long term effects of ice here. When someone stops using, the body and mind need time to adjust. This process is what we call withdrawal.
Everyone’s experience of withdrawal is different. Some of the common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Low mood, depression, or anxiety
- Intense cravings
- Disturbed sleep, vivid dreams, or insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Agitation, irritability, or restlessness
While meth withdrawal is not usually life-threatening in the same way alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be, it is often uncomfortable. The risk of relapse is very high without support, as cravings and mood swings can be overwhelming.
How long does meth withdrawal last?
The meth withdrawal timeline varies depending on how long and how heavily someone has been using, as well as their overall health.
First 24 – 48 hours: The “CRASH!”. At this point you can expect extreme fatigue, excessive sleep, and an increase in appetite.
Days 3 – 7: This is where it can be super challenging. Mood swings and strong cravings can kick in. Feelings of depression and anxiety may intensify, and you may experience sleep disturbances.
Weeks 2 -3: Most symptoms should stabilise by this time. However, cravings and low moods may continue.
Beyond 1 month: Psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or cravings may linger.
It’s important to understand that withdrawal is a process, and setting realistic expectations around that is vital.
The risks of detoxing at home
While it might seem like a private or easier option, detoxing and experiencing withdrawal at home can come with risks.
High relapse rate: Cravings and emotional distress can quickly lead back to use. Especially if you are detoxing alone at home, and have no one to help talk through these feelings and thoughts with you in the moments.
Safety concerns: Without medical oversight, severe depression or anxiety can increase the risks of self harm.
Lack of professional support: The process of withdrawal can be intense, and whether you are experiencing this alone, or a loved one is assisting, it can be overwhelming and isolating to go through this experience.
What the research says about home detox
Recent research explored whether detox can be managed at home instead of in hospital settings. A 2024 systemic review found that while home-based detox can sometimes be safe and effective for people with mild alcohol dependence, there is very limited evidence to support its use for drugs such as methamphetamine.
Outcomes for substances like opioids were found to be especially poor, with higher risks of relapse and complications. The review concluded that although some patients and families prefer home detox, it’s safety and effectiveness for drugs like meth remain unproven.
While home detox may sound comfortable and familiar, the unpredictable and intense nature of meth withdrawal makes supervised detox in a hospital setting the safest and most effective choice.
(Reference: Rens E, Ceelen A, Martens N, Van Camp L, Destoop M. Home-based detoxification for individuals with alcohol or drug dependence: A systematic review of the recent literature. Front Psychiatry. 2024;15:PMC11814356. )
The benefits of supervised detox
The unpredictable nature of meth withdrawal, combined with the intensity of cravings, the risk of severe depression, and the emotional lows that can accompany the process, means that many people struggle to manage on their own.
Supervised detox and withdrawal programs provide a safer, more stable alternative. In a hospital or dedicated treatment environment, individuals have access to:
- Continuous monitoring: Around the clock medical and nursing care ensures that any complications (psychological or physical) are quickly recognised and managed
- A controlled setting: Being away from the environments, triggers, or pressures of daily life reduces the risks of relapse during the most vulnerable early days of withdrawal
- Emotional and therapeutic support: Withdrawal is not only physical. It is also mentally and emotionally draining. Having trained staff available to listen, guide, and encourage makes a significant difference
- Tailored care: Every person’s withdrawal experience is different. A supervised setting allows treatment to be adjusted to individual needs, whether that’s support with sleep, managing agitation, or addressing co-occurring mental health conditions
- A bridge to further care: Most importantly, detox is rarely the end point. In a supervised detox setting, individuals can often transition smoothly into ongoing therapeutic programs, ensuring they are supported beyond the first hurdle of withdrawal.
Beyond detox: building a foundation for recovery
Detox is an important first step, but lasting recovery requires more than clearing substances from the body. At Arrow Health, we provide a full continuum of care to support individuals and families beyond detox.
Inpatient programs: Longer-term therapeutic support and behaviour change
Day programs: Structured therapy while continuing to live at home
Outpatient care: Flexible support to help people reintegrate into daily life
Family programs: Helping loved ones understand addiction and learn how to best support recovery
Our approach focuses on addressing not just the use, but the underlying emotional, psychological, and social factors that play a role in recovery.
What can I expect at the Sam Lawrence Private Hospital?
Residents have access to:
- Continuous medical monitoring from qualified and caring professionals
- Private rooms with ensuite
- Individualised care plans
- Evidence-based behaviour change programs
- Detox stays of up to 30 days with aftercare included
- A seamless transition into longer-term treatment, if needed
How long does meth detox take?
Is meth detox covered by private health insurance?
What happens after detox?
Family programs are also available to help loved ones heal and support the recovery journey.