Amphetamine Withdrawal
Legacy Healing Center Blog
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that are responsible for speeding up messages between the body and the brain. They are typically prescribed to treat disorders like narcolepsy (an uncontrollable need to sleep regardless of circumstances) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because of their ability to increase focus and productivity, they are commonly abused by many different kinds of people looking to improve their performance. If a person attempts to stop taking the substance “cold turkey,” they run the risk of developing amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Read on to learn more about this phenomenon and what you should do if faced with it.
Examples of Amphetamines
There is a wide variety of drugs that contain amphetamines as their key ingredient. Many are credited with enhancing focus and drive in users, while misuse can lead to unpleasant consequences.
Common amphetamine examples include:
- Adderall
- Concerta
- Focalin
- Methamphetamine
- Ritalin
- Strattera
Illegal versions of this substance are commonly referred to as speed and get abused by people who are unable to acquire a doctor’s prescription. Regardless of if someone is prescribed amphetamine or not, abusing these substances can result in the development of tolerance, addiction, and eventual withdrawals.
How Long Does Amphetamine Withdrawal Last?
While this will ultimately depend on the severity of the addiction in question, as well as how much the person has consumed, the typical withdrawal timeline lasts roughly anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month.
On days one through three, symptoms will likely be the most intense. This is due to the brain’s readjustment to the lack of amphetamines in the system. For days four through seven, the severity of these symptoms should decrease, although cravings will likely persist. Through the second week of withdrawals, nightmares and insomnia are a possibility. Finally, the last few weeks will see an overall decrease in the number of symptoms the person is experiencing.
Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms
There are common symptoms to expect following the stopping of heavy amphetamine use.
These symptoms can include:
- Confusion
- Heightened appetite
- Feelings of depression, agitation, and irritability
- Muscle aches
- Uncontrollable twitching of the body
- Severe tiredness or fatigue
- Symptoms of insomnia
- Digestive issues, such as vomiting
If you or someone you love is struggling with quitting their amphetamine abuse habits, take comfort in the fact that there are compassionate treatment programs that will address their symptoms. For instance, Legacy Healing Center offers an incredible amphetamine detox program that aids patients in overcoming these sensations in a safe, medically monitored environment.
Amphetamine Addiction Treatment at Legacy
No matter how deep into an addiction someone has fallen, our team of highly trained professionals will do everything in their power to help them overcome it. Each level of care at our facility is designed to address the unique facets of that person’s situation. Additionally, our selection of addiction therapies allows for an engaging and customizable treatment experience.
For instance, psychodynamic therapy is an excellent option for patients that continue to be affected by negative thoughts and behavior patterns and will have the chance to get a better understanding of their emotions as a whole.
To learn more about treatment options at our Legacy Healing Center locations, call us today at 888-534-2295.
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