Amphetamines are dangerous drugs that can cause severe addiction syndromes when abused. If you have been abusing amphetamines in any capacity, call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) now to find treatment. But what should you expect from amphetamine rehab?
Immediate Treatment for Amphetamine Abuse and Addiction
Patients will need to be treated immediately for any signs of amphetamine overdose, intoxication, or withdrawal. Those who have overdosed and took the drug by mouth will often be given activated charcoal. The individual’s vitals will be monitored as well for any signs of seizure or other severe medical issues.
Those suffering from acute intoxication will sometimes require treatment with antipsychotic medications, as it is common for amphetamine abusers to experience drug-induced psychosis. According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, “Psychosis is actually induced more commonly by amphetamine than by cocaine, perhaps because it is difficult to maintain high chronic levels of cocaine in the body.”
Severe withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, are also usually treated with medications whenever possible until they begin to subside.
Once you are stabilized, doctors can start creating an addiction treatment plan for you.
Once you are more stable, the medical team will set about creating an addiction treatment plan for you. Your plan will be specific to your needs and allow you to recover in the best way for you. It will also be continually assessed and updated in order to ensure it reflects your changing needs (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
Long-term Care for Amphetamine Abuse
You will likely still receive treatment for withdrawal after becoming more stable, as some symptoms can last for months. Depression, irritability, and cravings can all create prolonged issues during recovery, and your healthcare providers will monitor your progress and ensure you are managed safely.
Your behavioral therapy will often begin after the initial withdrawal symptoms wear off, and you will be able to start making a real change in your behavior and attitude toward substance abuse. Some of the commonly used behavioral treatment options for amphetamine abuse and addiction include:
- Contingency management: utilizes a reward system based on drug testing to give patients the necessary motivation to stay sober
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: allows patients to change the way they see their substance abuse as well as learn skills that will help them avoid relapse in the future
- Group therapy: lets patients meet others who have experienced their same situation and build social supports
- The Matrix Model: creates a strong relationship between patient and counselor and uses parts of other behavioral programs to create a treatment option specifically for stimulant abusers
You may receive one or more of these behavioral therapies during treatment. Over time, you will begin to make improvements in your situation and to feel that you have more control over your life.
When you and your doctor decide the time is right, you will be released from treatment and begin an aftercare program to help facilitate your transition into recovery.
Professional Treatment for Addiction Works
If you have been taking amphetamines without a doctor’s prescription or abusing them in some other way, call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) now to find safe, reliable care. We will help you recover from amphetamine addiction and put an end to your substance abuse for good.