Types of Treatment in Amphetamine Detox

Amphetamines are drugs that cause a sudden, euphoric burst of energy that makes a user feel elated and excited by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. According to NIDA, ” dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, movement, and attention.” Drugs like cocaine, crystal meth, and MDMA are amphetamines. Amphetamine drug use more than doubled from 2007 to 2011. If someone becomes dependent or addicted, they will require amphetamine detox treatment.

Amphetamine Detox Methods

Amphetamine drug use is on the rise and more people are struggling with addictions to amphetamine drugs than ever before. An estimated one in four will use amphetamines in their lifetime. Those struggling to recover often don’t know what to expect during their treatment. Treatment for addiction to amphetamines may vary slightly but will all have similar methods.

Inpatient Residential Rehab

Rapid detox uses anesthesia so patients experience less withdrawal symptoms.

The first step in the amphetamine detox process is deciding if inpatient or outpatient treatment will be right for you. Inpatient facilities have advantages and offer a wide range of amenities to make their clients more comfortable. Treatment in a facility like this can be expensive, and to some, money isn’t an issue. The sky is the limit when it comes to some luxury rehab centers. Luxury rehab facilities offer five-star dining, spa services and private rooms with oceans views.

Some even offer “quick detox” which occurs while the client is under anesthesia. Medications are given to control symptoms of withdrawal while they sleep. There is no evidence that this kind of treatment works more effectively, in fact, studies show that once awake, the person experiences the same uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

On the other end of the spectrum are basic residential rehab centers. Residents often bunk four to a room and help prepare and clean up after their own meals. They are expected to adhere to strict rules where guests must be screened and approved beforehand. Some offer treatment at no cost if the person can’t afford it. Insurance is also accepted at some of these facilities to help with the cost of treatment.

Outpatient Rehab

Another treatment option for amphetamine detox is through an outpatient rehab center. It’s treatment program will include medication and behavioral therapy to control withdrawal symptoms as well, but it occurs during visits to the facility while the person lives at home. Sometimes outpatient detox is a better fit due to family and job constraints. Others just feel more comfortable in their own homes. It is less expensive too because the person in recovery is responsible for their own food and lodging.

Behavioral Therapy

Counseling is an important part of detoxing from amphetamines as symptoms are mostly psychological. When dopamine levels in the brain are decreased from stopping the use of amphetamines it can cause deep depression and even suicidal thoughts. Some even have psychotic delusions that mimic paranoid schizophrenia. There are medications to help control these symptoms in part, but in some cases, psychosis lasts for an extended period of time and can be irreversible. The average person starts to feel better and has clearer thoughts within about three weeks.

Most programs last from six months to a year, however, addiction isn’t curable and will require extended treatment and counseling indefinitely. Cravings to use amphetamines can last for years after they are discontinued. Organizations through religious groups and churches and community programs like Narconon can help.

Sources

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Prescription Stimulants. 
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Stimulants.