Amphetamine Detox
Amphetamines are highly addictive substances, whether they are street drugs or prescription medication. This includes methamphetamine, Adderall, Ritalin, and similar substances.
What are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines come in pill or powder form. Common prescription amphetamines include Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), Vyvanse (lisdexamphetamine), and Desoxyn (methamphetamine) and is most commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit disorder (ADHD).
What is Amphetamine Addiction?
Amphetamine addiction, often referred to as amphetamine use disorder, is a serious and complex condition characterized by a compulsive and harmful pattern of amphetamine use. Amphetamines are powerful stimulant drugs that affect the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, energy, and a sense of euphoria. Individuals who become addicted to amphetamines may find themselves caught in a cycle of escalating use as they build tolerance and require higher doses to achieve the desired effects. This addiction can have profound negative consequences on various aspects of a person’s life, including:
- physical health
- mental well-being
- relationships
- work or academic performance.
How are Amphetamines Abused?
Amphetamines are commonly taken orally or injected. However, the introduction of “ice,” a street name for crystallized methamphetamine hydrochloride, has made smoking another common way to use the drug. Like “crack” cocaine, “ice” is a form of methamphetamine that can be smoked. This method of use can lead to rapid absorption and intense effects.
The Mental Impact of Amphetamine Addiction
While amphetamines share some effects with cocaine, their impact unfolds more slowly and lasts considerably longer. A key difference lies in how the body processes these substances. Cocaine is quickly broken down and eliminated, while methamphetamine persists in the central nervous system.
A larger percentage of methamphetamine remains in the body unchanged, contributing to its extended stimulant effects. Prolonged amphetamine misuse can lead to a psychosis similar to schizophrenia, marked by paranoia, skin picking, obsessive thoughts, and visual and auditory hallucinations. Chronic users may also exhibit violent and erratic behavior.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Long-term or misuse of amphetamines can cause withdrawal symptoms like mood changes, sleep problems, fatigue, and nausea. While there’s no specific treatment, medical advice is recommended when stopping. Amphetamines, regardless of use, can lead to physical dependence due to brain changes, making it very difficult to quit without withdrawal.
Amphetamine Detox Timeline
Because amphetamines stay in the body longer than many other drugs, detoxification and withdrawal can also take more time. While most people detox for one to two weeks, severe cases can last up to three weeks. The length of your detox will depend on the specific amphetamine, the amount used, and how long you used it.
The following is a general timeline of what you might experience during amphetamine detox:
Within the first 24 hours of amphetamine withdrawal:
- Agitation and irritability
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Aches and pains
- Amphetamine cravings
One to four days of withdrawal:
The brain’s readjustment process during this period leads to a worsening of amphetamine withdrawal symptoms, marked by several unpleasant side effects, such as:
- Intense fatigue and exhaustion
- Anxiety and depression
- Agitation and irritability
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Impaired social functioning
- Increased appetite
Five to seven days (and up to three weeks):
By this point, the most severe amphetamine withdrawal symptoms should have subsided, although cravings may persist. In some particularly severe cases, symptoms can last up to three weeks and may include:
- Muscle tremors
- Psychosis
- Mood swings
What to Expect From Amphetamine Detox at Hillside Retreat
Breaking free from amphetamine addiction typically requires comprehensive treatment, including counseling, support groups, and sometimes medication, to address the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder and help individuals regain control over their lives.
Tucked away in a tranquil oasis, Hillside Retreat provides an idyllic setting for your amphetamine detox journey. Immerse yourself in our opulent accommodations, meticulously designed to envelop you in comfort and serenity during this pivotal phase of your life. Your well-being takes precedence.
Our seasoned medical professionals and therapists are devoted to ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the detox process. Recognizing your uniqueness, we customize your detox plan to suit your specific needs, providing a personalized and holistic approach to your recovery.
Amid the challenges of addiction, stress and anxiety often loom large. Within our sanctuary, you’ll find numerous avenues for relaxation and rejuvenation. Completing your amphetamine detox program at Hillside Retreat marks the commencement of your transformative journey.
We remain committed to your success through comprehensive aftercare planning, arming you with the resources and support to maintain your sobriety as you venture beyond our sanctuary. We empower you to construct a life that’s not just free from amphetamines but also filled with meaning, happiness, and fulfillment.
Amphetamine Detox FAQ
Is there medication for amphetamine withdrawal?
No medications are approved to specificaly manage amphetamine withdrawal.
How long does it take to get off amphetamines?
The time it takes to get off amphetamines varies greatly from person to person. Factors like the specific amphetamine, dosage, how long it was used, individual metabolism, and any other mental health conditions all play a role.
Can you detox from amphetamines alone?
Professional medical detox is highly recommended for anyone trying to stop using amphetamines. Medical professionals can assess the individual’s specific needs, manage withdrawal symptoms safely, and provide referrals to ongoing treatment programs.
What does PAWs stand for?
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) (weeks to months): Some people experience lingering symptoms like mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and cravings for months after the initial withdrawal.
What does amphetamine do to the brain?
Amphetamines affect the brain by influencing neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that transmit signals between cells. They primarily work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), most notably dopamine. This surge in dopamine activity contributes to the stimulant effects of amphetamines.
What is the street name for amphetamines?
Where Luxury Meets Recovery
Rediscover your life in the lap of luxury, compassion, and expert care at Hillside Retreat. Amphetamine detox need not be a daunting or clinical process; it can be a voyage toward renewal marked by sumptuous surroundings and unwavering assistance. Commence your extraordinary path to sobriety with us, where your well-being is celebrated as a masterpiece. Welcome to Hillside Recovery, where luxury meets recovery, and lasting transformation knows no bounds.
Begin Your Amphetamine Addiction Journey Here.
Breaking free from amphetamine addiction can be a challenging journey. Our detox program is here to support you every step of the way. Through a personalized approach, we provide the necessary tools and care to help your body and mind heal from the grips of amphetamine abuse. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring your comfort and well-being throughout the detox process. Take the first step towards a healthier, drug-free life and click the button below to get started on your amphetamine detox journey.