Stimulant withdrawal symptoms can be extremely intense as well as dangerous, and they often last for a very long time after an individual has quit abusing stimulant drugs. According to CESAR, cocaine abusers will often “continue using cocaine simply to relieve these effects of withdrawal.” This can occur with other stimulants as well. In order to cope with the symptoms caused by stimulant withdrawal, consider some of the tips listed below.
Attend Detox Treatment
Symptoms associated with this syndrome include depression, irritability, isolation, an inability to experience pleasure, and intense cravings that are likely to cause relapse. “There is a risk of suicide or overdose” with cocaine as well as any other type of stimulant withdrawal (NLM). These are just a few of the reasons why you should attend a professional detox treatment (either at an inpatient or outpatient center, depending on your needs).
In one of these programs, you can receive treatments like medications and behavioral therapy which will help you cope with your symptoms. In addition, you can avoid the worsening of any symptoms which you may otherwise not recognize until you are in real danger. Many individuals even experience stimulant-induced psychosis during their withdrawal which causes:
Inpatient treatment for stimulant withdrawal can provide medical and behavioral therapy.
- Hallucinations
- Extreme paranoia
- Violent outbursts
- Homicidal and suicidal thoughts
- Picking at the skin
- Self-absorption
In this case, an individual especially needs to attend professional treatment in an inpatient facility and may even need to be restrained. The treatments you can receive in a detox clinic will minimize your withdrawal symptoms as well as protect you from endangering yourself or others during this volatile time. In addition, the clinicians at the detox facility of your choice will help you transition into addiction treatment after your withdrawal symptoms begin to subside which will be necessary to truly allow you to recover.
Stay with a Friend
Even if you start attending treatment at an outpatient detox facility or are not in need of the 24-hour care available at an inpatient program, you still should not spend large portions of time alone. If you live by yourself, it is important for you to stay with a friend, family member, or someone else you can trust.
This individual should be:
- Able to devote time to you and help you avoid being left alone
- Supportive of your decision to quit abusing stimulants
- Aware of the warning signs that point to a worsening condition
- Someone you trust and feel comfortable with
Staying with a friend or family member can also help you avoid becoming extremely depressed during your harder days. If you do happen to experience issues with depression, this individual can also make sure you get the treatment you need.
Avoid Stress
Going through stimulant withdrawal will be stressful no matter what you do. But taking time off of work, school, and other daily activities can help minimize the stress you normally deal with on a day-to-day basis. Going through withdrawal is similar to having an illness: it will be difficult for a while, but eventually, you will pull through. It will also be easier to cope with the symptoms if you give yourself time to heal and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself.
