When comparing withdrawal symptoms and the severity of them when connected to a medication or drug of use, there are so many variables that have to be taken into account when comparing what withdrawal symptoms and experiences may be worse than the other such as how long have they been using the drug, what are the dosage or amount they have been using each time, have they increased the amount gradually after every use, and many more factors need to be considered.
Heroin is an IV drug that mimics the effect of opioids in the body making a replacement of opioids for those who were on it and could no longer get a hold of the drug. Heroin’s effect of euphoria is far greater than that of opioids making it highly addictive. Methamphetamine is a powerful and addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system and can be smoked, snorted, injected, or orally ingested. The main effect the drug has is called a “rush” and it only lasts a few minutes, but it is extremely pleasurable.
Now let’s take a look at each of their withdrawal symptoms.
Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin withdrawal symptoms vary on several variables such as the average amount, potency, and frequency of heroin having been used prior to the attempt to reduce the amount used daily or quit altogether. The symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Muscle Aches
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Dilated
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The physical dependence of heroin is major in the withdrawal process and depending on how long they were using the drug that they may be subjected to it to even function as normal to even go through a simple day’s activities. The avoidance of withdrawal symptoms frequently compels people to continue the use of heroin after they had the resolve to quit.
Methamphetamine Withdrawal
Methamphetamine or meth withdrawal symptoms can vary on several factors as stated previously. A basic rule of thumb on how long the withdrawal symptoms will last is the longer the person has been on the drug the worse the withdrawal symptoms will be and last. Withdrawal symptoms are at its worst and start to kick in 24 hours after their last use. The symptoms of withdrawal are:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Depression
- Psychosis/Hallucinations
- Increased Appetite
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and if they start to become unbearable it is advised you call your doctor and inform them that you are withdrawing from meth in order to get the right kind of help and put in a better setting to not fall back to using it to feel ok. It is advised in someone’s best interest if they are battling this addiction and want to withdraw from meat that it goes under the supervision of a medical/trained professional while detoxing to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Case by Case Basis
Now it’s difficult to say which one has a harder road to cross when dealing with their own respective withdrawal symptoms. Each honestly has their own criteria and variables that make it a case by case basis. It is always advised when trying to get off of these drugs that you seek the help of medical professionals to help along the process so there is a reduced chance of relapse.