Amphetamines are prescription stimulants that are typically used to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, some people also use them to help them stay awake or suppress their appetite in an effort to lose weight. Adderall and Ritalin are perhaps the most well-known prescription amphetamines but there are also illegally produced substances on the street.
Amphetamines stimulate the central nervous system and induce a level of euphoria while boosting energy, confidence, and focus. While amphetamines have legitimate medical uses, misuse is a significant problem in the United States. These drugs are extremely addictive and can be very dangerous when used recreationally. If you or someone you love is struggling to control the use of amphetamines, you can recover. Pathfinders Recovery Center can guide you to the best amphetamine detox center for your needs.
With individualized treatment, you can begin the journey towards sobriety. People who are addicted to amphetamines and/or other drugs usually benefit from a combination of individual counseling, group therapy, and medical and psychological support. But before any of that can happen, they need to let the substance work its way out of their body. Let’s take a closer look at what happens during detox.
Detoxification is the process by which the body clears itself of substances. Detoxing from amphetamines can take longer than detoxing from other stimulants because amphetamines stay in the body longer and continue to affect the individual longer.
Since detoxing can result in uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, it’s highly recommended that you go through the process in a detox center. In a facility, you’ll have support from highly trained personnel who can provide relief from the worst of the symptoms.
Amphetamine dependence occurs when a person needs the drug to function on a daily basis. If they stop using it abruptly, they experience withdrawal symptoms. It’s possible to develop an amphetamine dependence even if you’re using your medication as prescribed.
However, dependence is more likely to occur in people who use Ritalin, Adderall or other drugs without a prescription or use more than prescribed. Using amphetamines often and for a long time can also lead to dependence.
However, it’s important to know that some people can become dependent a lot faster than others. You may be more at risk if you:
We’ve already mentioned two well-known amphetamines. However, this category of drugs also includes Dexedrine, Concerta, and Methylin, which are all used to treat ADHD. While these medications are unlikely to cause dependence or addiction when used as intended, people who abuse them can develop tolerance. This means they’ll need higher and higher doses to get the desired effects.
This can quickly lead to drug dependence and all the usual related challenges. If a person becomes dependent on one of these stimulants, they need to seek out an amphetamine detox facility.
Meanwhile, there are some types of amphetamines that are produced illegally and used as performance enhancement drugs. The strongest of these drugs is crystal meth. Since these drugs are used recreationally without any type of medical supervision, they can be very dangerous.
The first stage in overcoming drug dependence or addiction is detox. Since7 amphetamines stay in the body longer than many other drugs, the detoxification process and withdrawal symptoms may be prolonged. You may not experience any symptoms until a day or two after you last took the drug. Everyone is different but most people complete detox within five days. This doesn’t mean that their addiction is cured or that they’ll no longer get cravings. Rather, it means that they’re ready to move on to the next stage of treatment.
Amphetamine detox can take various courses depending on the individual’s body type and the way they used the drug. People who smoke or inject amphetamines tend to experience withdrawal symptoms that start within 36 hours and last for three to five days. However, people who ingest or snort amphetamines may experience their symptoms for longer.
Here’s an example of a typical withdrawal timeline.
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms in the same order. Therefore, the above timeline is merely a guide. It’s important that you’re patient without yourself as you go through a detox journey that will be unique to you.
When the brain gets used to the presence of a substance, it can go into shock when that substance is no longer available. Therefore, when you stop using amphetamines, your brain will feel like something has gone wrong. You’ll need to rewire your brain to function without drugs. As your mind and body try to adjust, you may experience some uncomfortable side effects.
The nature and the severity of the symptoms will depend on your age, height, and gender as well as:
The symptoms can be both physical and psychological.
Some of the physical effects that you may experience include:
In addition, you may experience some emotional or psychological symptoms including:
When you enter an amphetamine detox center, you go through a process that’s designed to ensure you get the care you need. Detox is more than just quitting amphetamine use and relying on willpower to stay sober. Here’s a look at what’s likely to happen.
When you decide to fight your disorder and check into a facility, the doctors and therapists will seek to learn more about you so they can come up with the appropriate treatment plan. You will likely have to fill out an intake form to get the process started. The treatment team will be interested in your physical and mental health as well as the severity of your addiction.
They will also seek to determine where you are in the withdrawal process. Many people who are addicted to amphetamine have co-occurring mental health disorders which may or may not have been previously diagnosed. The evaluation helps the professionals at the center to devise an individualized treatment plan that takes your unique circumstances into consideration.
The first thing on your treatment plan will be detoxification. You can only begin your recovery journey when your body is free from amphetamine. It is not recommended that you try to detox at home. Instead, you should enter a reputable detox facility where medical personnel will be on-hand to ensure you’re safe and comfortable 24/7. No matter how intense your withdrawal symptoms may be, you’ll have support from highly knowledgeable individuals.
Doctors sometimes prescribe medications for people who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These drugs help to reduce the uncomfortable side effects so the individual can focus on getting better. This is one of the reasons why medically supervised detox comes so highly recommended. Some of the medications that are commonly used are:
Detoxification is only the start of recovery from a substance use disorder. Aftercare is of the utmost importance. While the amphetamines may be out of your body after a few days, your mind still has a long way to go. You will need to learn how to resist drug cravings and live a sober life once again. Detox prepares you for long-term recovery.
Your recovery plan will be based on several factors, including your personal circumstances, history of drug use, communication style, and mental health history. The plan is likely to change as your treatment progresses and the treatment team learns more about you.
Each individual will have a slightly different experience in detox. A lot depends on their personal circumstances and which facility they enter. However, as long as you enter a reputable detox center, you can expect to get compassionate care for the duration of your stay.
Many people who try to quit on their own are unsuccessful because the withdrawal symptoms and cravings seem to be too much to bear. When you enroll in a detox program, you’ll have access to highly trained medical professionals who can provide medication as needed. You should also be able to access psychological support to help you manage the thoughts and feelings you’ll be experiencing.
Since you won’t have access to drugs, you’ll be less likely to experience the triggers that led to your drug use, you’ll be much more likely to move on to the next stage This contrasts sharply with detoxing at home.
Even though detoxification can be challenging and uncomfortable, the withdrawal symptoms will eventually go away. When your body feels better, you’ll be more capable of getting your mind right. That’s why detox is such an important step in the recovery process.
Substance abuse can affect people from all walks of life and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Anyone who is finding it difficult to stop using amphetamines should seek professional help. The earlier you or your loved one gets treatment, the more likely it is that you will achieve long-term recovery. If you’ve tried to quit without success or you feel like your life is spiraling out of control because of your substance use, it’s time to get clean with support from experts.
Signs that you need help include:
Once you decide to seek treatment for your substance use disorder, you’ll need to choose from the large number of facilities out there. Most people make their decision based on the location of the detox center, the type of treatment available, and how much that treatment costs. While you need to seek treatment as soon as possible, you also need to find the facility that meets your needs.
Some of the things you should consider are:
If you need help in assessing the various amphetamine detox centers and choosing the best one, contact the team at Pathfinders Recovery Center and we’ll provide the help you need.