Amphetamines Withdrawal and Detox

Amphetamines Info

• Amphetamines Addiction and Abuse
• Amphetamines Symptoms and Warning Signs
• Amphetamines Treatment and Rehab
• Amphetamines Withdrawal and Detox

If you’ve been taking amphetamines and are finding it difficult to quit, help is available to put an end to your dependence on the drug. Furthermore, if a loved one has been struggling with addiction to the substance, you can get help for them from health care professionals and rehab centres across the country.

Amphetamines are potent stimulants of the central nervous system, used to treat obesity, narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug has a high potential for abuse, as continued use ultimately leads to the body and brain becoming dependent on it for normal function.

We understand that hardly any addict plans on being addicted to the drug when they first take it. You may have ingested amphetamines to stay active for study, stave off fatigue, lose weight, or may have initially taken it whilst following your doctor’s orders. However, as a result of the powerful addictive quality of the drug, you were caught in the web of abuse.

Abusing the drug does not signify the end for you though. Treatment options are available that can see you live a clean life again, but you have to get help as soon as you can, because continued misuse of the drug can lead to dangerous effects and in some cases, may cause permanent damage.

In order to get clean, you have to be weaned off the drug and get the toxic remnants out of your body through a process called detox. During the detox process, you will go through a phase known as withdrawal, which is the body’s reactionary response to being deprived of the drug. Withdrawal and detox are together not going to be pleasant, but with professional help, you can complete this phase safely and in the most bearable way possible.

Amphetamine Withdrawal and Detox

When you begin to take amphetamines in small doses, especially under your doctor’s orders, the tendency for addiction and abuse is minimal. However, when you continue consuming the drug to the point of misuse, effects of abuse will begin to occur. Your body will begin to grow used to the drug’s continued presence and become dependent on it for normal function, over time.

As time goes on, due to chemical alterations in the brain as a result of abuse, your body will start to build tolerance to both the drug and the feelings it creates. This leads to the need to increase the dosage on your next use if the desired results are to be recreated.

Whenever you choose to abstain from the drug, your body will begin to react due to its dependence. These reactions are known as withdrawal. Withdrawal is a set of symptoms that occur as a result of depriving the body of amphetamines when it has grown to rely on their continued presence.

Treating addiction to amphetamines requires you to go through the detox stage at first, during which you will experience bouts of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be managed in a medically controlled environment by professionals.

Amphetamine Withdrawal – What is it?

increased sense of pleasure, alertness, focus and loss of appetite (to reduce weight), causing anyone who takes the drug in large amounts – and continuously – to develop a psychological and physical dependence.

The physical and psychological dependence developed over time will lead to withdrawal when the drug is no longer consumed. Withdrawal symptoms will quickly set in when use of the drug is abruptly ceased, causing the body and the brain to go through a period of discomfort, both physically and psychologically.

Withdrawal symptoms of amphetamine addiction range from mildly distressing to fatal and life-threatening, depending on the level of addiction, as well as the setting where withdrawal takes place. The symptoms may also occur just a few hours or days after the last use of the drug.

Types of Amphetamine Withdrawal

The types of amphetamine withdrawal occur based on the reason the withdrawal took effect. Withdrawal occurs almost immediately after usage ceases. We will categorise the types of withdrawal based on the circumstances that brought about the cessation of usage; they are planned and unplanned withdrawals.

Planned withdrawal happens when you firmly decide to stop using the drug, because you’ve noticed how it’s been stripping away your personality, burning your finances, or taking a toll on your general well-being. Perhaps you’ve come to realise the dangers of prolonged addiction and continued abuse.

Unplanned withdrawal on the other hand is largely circumstantial. It occurs when an addict has no intention of quitting usage, but stopped due to circumstances beyond their control. It can be due to a number of reasons, such as the addict not having enough money to continue purchasing the drug, or a serious medical breakdown.

It is important to note that you shouldn’t wait for help when you’re struggling with addiction. You should seek help the moment you notice your body has grown dependent on the drug.

Other medical complications could also be associated with withdrawal, though this is rarely the case. Cases such as seizures, headaches (due to bleeding in or around the brain), complications caused as a result of withdrawal from other substances, or cardiac problems such as irregular heartbeat or chest pain.

In any such scenarios, withdrawal may be severe or even life threatening. If you have a pre-existing medical condition and have been experiencing dependence on amphetamines, you should seek medical help immediately. The same applies if someone close to you is facing a similar situation. Medically supervised detox won’t only save you or your loved one from the dangers of addiction, but will save their life or yours.

First two to five days – Withdrawal symptoms begin to manifest within the first 36 hours after your last dosage. Symptoms that may occur include depression, increased need for sleep, increased appetite, strong cravings, dehydration, and heart palpitations.

Five days to two weeks – Symptoms during this period include aches and pain, irritability, mood swings, trouble sleeping, fatigue, depression, and cravings.

Two weeks to a year – Withdrawal symptoms will continue to dissipate as time goes on, but in cases of long-term and chronic abuse, protracted withdrawal symptoms such as emotional unrest, severe depression, impulse control problems, anxiety, distorted thinking, and others may continue to occur.

Amphetamine Withdrawal: Symptoms and Effects

The decision to stay off amphetamines should be a strong one and come with a serious resolve, as symptoms may cause unpleasant discomfort. You should also seek help, as going through withdrawal will be very difficult. Many addicts tend to relapse in order to escape the challenges of withdrawal, but this should be avoided at all cost, because the next withdrawal will be more difficult.

Generally, you would experience irritability, depression, anxiety, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and even suicidal thoughts. Symptoms and effects vary according to your particular situation. Early onset of symptoms occur during the ‘crash’ stage, which manifests within the first few days.

Physical Symptoms of Amphetamine Withdrawal

Since the body has grown physically dependent on amphetamines, it will exhibit a range of symptoms when use of the drug abruptly ceases.

Physical withdrawal symptoms often occur as a reversal of the effects induced by taking the drug. For example, amphetamines increase alertness – especially for study – by depriving the body of sleep, and one physical withdrawal symptom that occurs as a result is an increased need for sleep.

Increased appetite also occurs, because taking the drug substantially kills hunger in users, especially in those looking to lose weight.

Psychological Symptoms of Amphetamine Withdrawal

Amphetamines alter certain chemical activities in the brain to spike mental function, which leads to psychological dependence on the drug. The psychological enhancements produced by amphetamines will take a sharp fall when the effects of the drug wear off. After a few hours, this will result in withdrawal symptoms.

A range of psychological withdrawal symptoms occur when use of the drug ceases. They vary according to the mental health of any addict prior to falling into addiction. Major symptoms are depression, panic attacks and mood swings. Additional symptoms include:

Effects of Amphetamine Withdrawal

Putting an end to the use of amphetamines when your body has grown dependent on the drug will take a toll on your general health. Symptoms tell you that you’ve entered the withdrawal phase, but the effects may be long-lasting and severe if you don’t seek medical assistance.

For example, seizures and suicidal thoughts need to be managed so you don’t permanently harm yourself. There’s also the risk of relapsing if you don’t have help.

Studies have shown that sudden cessation of amphetamine usage -especially after chronic abuse -may lead to severe, permanent damage. However, if you seek help early enough, these situations may be averted.

If you’ve used amphetamines to mask other mental problems, during withdrawal you may witness an exacerbated version of that particular illness. You’ll notice mood swings over time and emotional inconsistency as well. Death is also a possibility, although rare.

Remember, getting help is the best way to escape the adverse effects of amphetamine withdrawal. If you or a loved one are struggling to get free from the grip of amphetamine, please call us today.

Amphetamine Detoxification

as withdrawal symptoms tend to occur in full force during this period. As time goes on, symptoms will continue to reduce substantially.

However, with medical care and supervision, your withdrawal symptoms will be managed in the best possible way and you’ll go through detox safely. This is why it’s ideal to seek help if you’ve had enough of amphetamines taking control of your life.

The duration of your detox, medical approach involved and level of difficulty will rely on your particular situation. This is why your health professional will devise a detox treatment plan for you, after assessing your health condition and severity of addiction.

• Evaluation: The first step to breaking free from amphetamine addiction is seeking help and making it to a treatment facility, where you’ll be monitored throughout your detox process. When you arrive, your health professional will perform a thorough evaluation based on certain procedures in order to devise a detox plan suited to your particular situation. Some factors that would be put in place include your general health condition, severity of addiction, as well as various biological factors (age, gender, weight and genes).
• Detoxification: The next step after evaluation is the main detoxification process. Being addicted to amphetamines has distorted your general body function. As a result, your body will go through a hard time readjusting itself to life without the drug and expunging the remaining toxins. When you detox at a dedicated rehab facility, you’ll be put under 24-hour medical surveillance. Drugs will be administered in some cases to aid the detox process and mitigate your withdrawal symptoms.
• Post-detox: once detox is over and your body has rid itself of drugs, you will be prepped to advance to the other stages of treatment. You should remember that detox is the first stage of your general treatment. There is no permanent cure to amphetamine addiction. You’ll be taught new skills to help you cope and live without drugs in subsequent treatment stages.

Amphetamines Detoxification Timeline

Each addict will experience a uniquely different detox, as addiction varies from individual to individual. This is why your rehab centre will streamline your detox process to your peculiar needs. Detox may last relatively longer or shorter than that of other addicts, depending on your situation. You should set your mind on the fact that you’re already on your way to sobriety. Below is the typical timeline for detoxification.

First three days: The first few days during detox are the toughest. You may experience long periods of restless sleep and consequent tiredness, as cravings for the drug begin. When you’re awake, headaches and dizziness may begin to occur. Due to the drastic changes your brain is going through, feelings of irritability and even depression may begin to manifest. In severe and very rare cases, you may begin to experience paranoia and suicidal thoughts.

Days 4 – 7: from the fourth day into the first full week, the severity of your withdrawal symptoms will begin to reduce. As you progress without use of the drug, the most difficult part of detox will now slowly fade away. You’ll be experiencing an increased need for sleep, fatigue, while intense cravings are likely to continue.

Days 8 – 14: You may continue to feel moody during this stage and have clear and vivid nightmares. Your hunger may return back to normal, having been suppressed by the drug during usage.

Days 15 – 28: Withdrawal symptoms may continue to occur from the second week of detox through to the end of the first month. In some cases, psychological effects such as cravings will continue to occur, even though the amphetamines may have completely left your system.

Remember that this is just a typical guide and does not necessarily reflect how your detox will go. Depending on your chemical makeup and personal situation, your symptoms may persist from the first day to several months, or may completely disappear within the first few days.

• Inpatient detox facilities: You’ll experience detox as a residential patient in this kind of facility. You’ll have a full medical staff dedicated to monitoring you. This is where you get round the clock medical supervision in an environment that is dedicated to help you through the detoxification process. Most inpatient facilities also host treatment programmes that include therapy and counselling once your detox is over.
• Outpatient detox facilities: This kind of facility is ideal for addicts without severe dependency issues. You won’t need to reside in the facility for your detox. Your withdrawal will be monitored and drugs will be prescribed as needed.

The kind of treatment facility you attend will be recommended by your doctor. You can choose one if you believe you understand your level of addiction. It is however strongly advised that you are evaluated by a medical professional and follow their recommendation.

Home Detox for Amphetamine Abusers: How Safe is it?

When your body is detoxing, you require careful monitoring, accountability, and external help to safely and successfully go through this phase. Detoxing at home is never totally safe and the chances of success are minimal. Complications may arise that require the expertise of a professional and you could easily relapse, as there would be no one there to keep you in check.

Detox can be dangerous and present serious health risks as you may go through vomiting, excessive sweating, and diarrhoea because these are part of the means your body gets rid of the drug. As your body purges out the amphetamines through these desperate means, you’ll be massively dehydrated and malnourished and may require an ideal diet to regain yourself. What’s more, detoxing at home denies you the opportunity of a professional to monitor your nutrient levels and food intake.

So, if you’re planning on withdrawing and detoxing from amphetamine, make sure you seek professional help. If you are not sure how to go about it, call our helpline now.

Self-detoxification from amphetamines

There’s also a high likelihood of you relapsing, which may increase the severity of your next withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification is difficult, but you can push through if you reach out for help. Going at it alone may end up doing more harm than good, especially if your addiction is on the severe side. If you want to detox form amphetamines, please call for help immediately.

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