So you’ve heard about amphetamine addiction, or you’re suffering from an addiction yourself—now what? What is the withdrawal process like? Will it be painful? Is it dangerous?
These are all common questions that you can have if you or someone you care about is suffering from an addiction to an amphetamine. The best way to feel comfortable about the process of withdrawal, and what to expect in treatment is to have a full understanding of what amphetamine withdrawal actually is.
Here’s a look at what you can expect:
What is Amphetamine Withdrawal and Why Does it Occur?
In a nutshell, amphetamine withdrawal develops out of the degree of damage done to the brain’s chemical system. Over the course of drug abuse, amphetamines speed up chemical processes throughout the brain and central nervous system by forcing cells to secrete excess amounts of neurotransmitter chemicals. In the process, these cells take on considerable structural damage making it difficult for them to function normally in the absence of the drug.
Your body won’t know how to handle not being on amphetamines when you first stop, thus causing the uncomfortable symptoms.
For these reasons, stopping drug use abruptly causes the brain and body’s systems to “crash” as these systems have come to rely on amphetamine effects much like they rely on the brain’s own neurotransmitter chemicals. These effects account for the uncomfortable symptoms experienced throughout the amphetamine withdrawal timeline.
What are the Withdrawal Treatment Options?
Within the spectrum of illicit drugs, amphetamines exert a tremendous strain on the body as a whole. Likewise, stopping drug use altogether can easily overwhelm even the most determined of individuals.
While it is possible to make it through the amphetamine withdrawal timeline on one’s own, people coming off severe abuse or addiction habits will likely require some form of professional treatment to make it through this critical stage. If you or someone you know is considering going through the amphetamine withdrawal process and have further questions, please feel free to call our toll-free helpline at 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) to speak with one of our phone counselors.
Detox, medical care, tapering of medications, introduction of other medications, and support are vital to the recovery process. If you or someone you care about is suffering from an addiction to amphetamines, or if amphetamine withdrawal is preventing you from getting sober, call our helpline toll-free at 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) to speak with a support specialist who can provide you with a free referral for help.
