Amphetamine Detox Treatment Options

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Call our local number 01603 513 091
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Call our local number 01603 513 091
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What Are Amphetamines?

Amphetamines are drugs used to speed up the messages that travel between your brain and your body. Some of them are usually prescribed by doctors as psychiatric drugs to treat certain conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, or Narcolepsy.

They are widely used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However there is a growing amphetamine addiction that is as a result of using drugs such as speed. These are locally produced and sold. They are also taken as performance enhancement drugs.

At Abbeycare, we deal with many patients looking to recover from an incredibly harmful addiction to Amphetamine Type Stimulants, also known as ATS. We are invested in getting you better. We start you off with an amphetamine detox and then we go through the complete amphetamine addiction treatment.

The Popularity of Amphetamine Drug Abuse;

The amphetamine use rose to popularity during the 1960’s, and the drugs had an unlimited number of nicknames that included;

Variants are also known as methedrone, mephedrone, or methylene.

Amphetamines Recreational Use

Although used very carefully in medicine, the vast majority of Amphetamine users are recreational drug users – and are using the ones purchased from the streets. Prolonged amphetamine use leads to drug addiction that affects your central nervous system.

Incredibly popular with party goers looking to extend the party all night, whilst feeling more confident. Amphetamine is available in powder form, which usually looks either white, or white with a tinge of yellow, pink or grey. It’s usually sold in wraps of cling film. In some cases, amphetamine is also available as a paste.

Amphetamine available on the street, like most other drugs is incredibly dangerous – as amphetamine almost always mixed with a range of other ingredients to maximise profit for drug dealers.

Other ingredients in amphetamine can include everything from dried baby milk to caffeine, as well as other drugs such as paracetamol and aspirin.

This chemical make up of this drug use will cause psychotic episodes, mental health problem, increased appetite and many other issues, according to the national institute and department of health.

Amphetamine Substance Use Dangers & Risks

As with any substance abuse drug that provides an immediate high, That return back to ‘normal’ feeling can be a dramatic and depressing process, avoiding this process can easily lead to amphetamine addiction in a very quick space of time.

The stimulating nature of the amphetamine can put the organs of the body under massive amounts of pressure, especially when increasing heart rate. It also messes with your brain chemistry.

It’s use has been associated with dental problems, with users often grinding their teeth whilst under the influence.

Tolerance to Amphetamine can build up, meaning a user will end up needing higher doses of the drug to feel the same kind of high – ingesting more of the harmful substance so they can experience the same effects.

It is also a leading cause of anti-social behaviour and fights are common with those who take it. Increased confidence and aggression can be blamed.

Amphetamine Side Effects

As well as the above risks & dangers, amphetamine addiction can also be attributed to a number of physical and social problems, including:

  • Aggression
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain
  • Extremely uncomfortable pain
  • Headaches
  • Stomach
  • Pains
  • Malnutrition
  • Anxiety
  • Violence
  • Suicidal thoughts.
  • Unpleasant dreams.

Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms

They have a longer half-life compared to other substances such as cocaine, which means that, the amphetamine withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification process can go on for a longer period, since your last dose, as you attempt to quit cold turkey.

It takes time for chemical makeup and emotional balance to be restored following a period of amphetamine substance use.

The severe cases of taking amphetamines can cause fatal amphetamine withdrawal symptoms that would require comprehensive treatment options from a medical professional at the treatment center. The detox process must never be done at home.

Over long term use, the brain’s system of neurotransmitters and receptor’s develop a dependence on a certain level of amphetamines being present in the system, and it takes increasing amounts to achieve the same chemical effects in the brain, and the same resultant feelings after amphetamine withdrawal.

The most common amphetamine withdrawal conditions include;

  • First hypersomnia (sleeping much more than normal),
  • Followed by a period of insomnia, and slower or disturbed physical movement., accompanied by physical aches and pains.
  • Increased appetite and in some cases with cravings for specific foods.
  • Most in withdrawal report lethargy generally.

Emotional amphetamine withdrawal syndrome includes:

  • Depression,
  • Anxiety to different degrees,
  • Increased anger and irritation,
  • A loss of interest or happiness in day to day events, including reduced ability or desire to socialize with others.

Changes in mood can be significant part of amphetamine withdrawal symptoms , and can make it difficult for loved ones to cope.

In more extreme cases, the reported withdrawal symptoms include, hallucinations, paranoia, and suicidal ideation.

Without a supervised detox, the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely difficult to overcome, and are the primary cause for relapse in those suffering from amphetamine substance abuse.

Withdrawal Timeline

When you enter a treatment center for either outpatient treatment or an inpatient recovery process for substance abuse, you will have to understand the whole withdrawal process and what to expect.

A mental health services administration will guide you through the amphetamine withdrawal process. Amphetamine detox is the first stage.

According to the drug enforcement administration, e.g. for the Australian Government department if you live in Australia, the withdrawal timeline typically looks like this:

  • Days 1–> 3 – The time of greatest chemical withdrawal and therefore the time with greatest likelihood of relapse. Acute symptoms such as swings in sleep patterns, depression, and exhaustion are of greatest likelihood at this stage.
  • Days 4 –> 7 – Exhaustion and fatigue continue. With lower users, the initial acute mental lows are normally abating.
  • Days 8 –> 14 – Fluctuations in sleep patterns are continuing through days 8-14, in some this will swing from oversleep to insomnia at this stage.
  • Days 15 –> 28 and beyond – Some psychological symptoms may persist during this stage, especially if the individual suffers from pre-existing mental health issues.

Amphetamine Detox > Rehab > Aftercare

At the treatment center, you will receive a treatment plan, that will help you physically rid yourself of the addiction. Isolation is necessary at this point in order to deal with peer pressure, while taking the drug of amphetamines away.

In south Australia, several factors come to play during the complete detox. Do not worry about anxiety as the withdrawal process for amphetamines is likely to cause this.

Here’s the real process for treatment;

1) Detox

There are few options typically available via public healthcare or home services for Amphetamine Detox.

Home Detox

Home detox from amphetamine is not recommended due to the various symptoms of withdrawal you are likely to experience.

  • Physical and chemical detox requires appropriate medical supervision, not possible at home
  • Home detox options do not include therapeutic support, leaving the individual vulnerable to relapse following detox
  • Success may require a longer duration at the rehab, and it typically relies upon addressing the underlying behavioural patterns, associations, conditionings, triggers, anchors, and elements of life in place that are enabling the addictive pattern. It’s not possible to address these in the home environment without specialist help.

2) Rehab

Together with your addiction manager at the clinic, you’ll agree upon a care plan and goals for your stay in the clinic and detox from amphetamines addictions, and how to handle the symptoms of withdrawal you are lily to experience.

Once comfortable, after a few days in the clinic you’ll usually be invited to take part in therapeutic sessions 2-3 times per week to assist in understanding and addressing the underlying issues behind the Amphetamine addiction.

This means understanding how you arrived at amphetamine addiction in the first place.

For long term abstinence, there is no substitute for:

  • Expert help in identifying the underlying patterns behind the amphetamine addiction
  • How addiction affected you personally
  • Factors in your life which have enabled your addiction, or allowed it to continue
  • Practical tools and ways to avoid future relapse, in light of these insights

After detox and withdrawal, you’ll be assigned to an individual case manager in the clinic, a member of our addictions team who’s assigned to look after you, throughout your stay.

Together you’ll complete individual one-to-one sessions, 2-3 times a week, to help augment the therapeutic gains you’ve made, and put in place a structured aftercare plan, custom to you.

3) Aftercare

Aftercare planning includes taking account of both your practical recovery (what will my day to day life in recovery be like?), as well as emotional supports to help you stay addiction-free, like working with a sponsor, attending specialist local groups, and additional counselling options, if required.

FAQs

What detox will I receive for amphetamines?

Since there is no widely used amphetamine-based detox medication associated with amphetamine treatment, our medical team will decide upon an appropriate approach for your needs, tailored to any individual symptoms you’re experiencing.

How long does amphetamine treatment last?

This will depend on the individual. In most cases we strongly suggest an amphetamine detox and treatment period of 28 days as anything less is unlikely to allow sufficient progress on the underlying psychological areas of addiction, to deliver long term gains.

Can I return to low use of amphetamine in future?

No. Our clinic advocates an abstinence based approach which means you are expected to stay drug-free for life.

What does amphetamine treatment cost?

Costs of amphetamine treatment depends on your duration of stay, and your needs. The Abbeybot below can give you instant personalised pricing. This will be subject to agreement from our medical and admissions teams, and depends on individual factors we evaluate during your initial call with us.

What should I expect from amphetamines detox & rehab?

At Abbeycare, you should expect maximum support through this process. We’ll help you detox comfortably, safely, and with our support. Our staff are experienced in addiction and know the landscape well. They will help you to look honestly at your behaviours, thoughts, and feelings in addiction, in order to help you recover.

What happens when I am admitted to the clinic?

We’ll get you settled in to your room, you’ll then meet with your assigned case manager immediately, and our clinical team will have an initial chat and prepare your amphetamine detox medication, if appropriate. Our specialist team will support you through the first few days of detox, thereafter you can normally begin attending therapeutic sessions comfortably.

What are the success rates for amphetamine treatment?

This will depend on the addict. Generally, long term abstinence rates will depend on your ability to follow through on aftercare treatment, identify problems as they arise, and seek support to address them. We’ll help you understand your addiction, and construct a comprehensive aftercare plan, but the individual must follow through on this, for best long term results.

How quickly can I arrange detox and admission?

When you ring, we’ll take you through a few questions and you can usually be admitted within 24hrs, subject to availability. Contact us to get started.

How To Book

To begin detox from amphetamines get in touch with Abbeycare now: Need help? : 01603 513 091

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About the author

Laura Morris

Laura Morris is an experienced clinical practitioner and CQC Registered Manager with over twenty years experience, over ten of which have been as an Independent Nurse Prescriber.

She has held a number of senior leadership roles in the substance use and mental health sector in the NHS, the prison service and in leading social enterprises in the field.

Last Updated: October 31, 2023