If you have a problem with stimulants, either the prescription or street-level variety, you are not alone. According to a 2016-study published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most recent and relevant data available, more than 5 million American adults admit to abusing stimulants. And this form of substance abuse is not limited to adults only. The study further revealed that 6 percent of high school seniors admitted to using Adderall, Ritalin, and other prescription-based stimulants for nonmedical reasons. As far as street-level stimulants are concerned, more and more Americans are opening up about their struggles with cocaine, with nearly 2 million individuals over the age of 18 admitting to using the drug regularly. And this applies to both powder and crack cocaine.
STIMULANT WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
When it comes to prescription and street-level stimulants, the two are more the same than they are different. Fortunately, many of the rehab facilities across America are well-equipped to treat individuals who are ready to put either form of addiction behind them once and for all. To further put this into context, whether an individual is trying to move past their addiction to prescription or street-level stimulants, they will likely have to contend with the following withdrawal symptoms while going through detox:
- Changes in heart rate
- Muscle aches
- Hallucinations
- Fatigue
- Anxiety and depression
- Memory problems
- Dehydration
- An increase in appetite
- Weight loss
- Irritability
Of course, this list does not encompass all of the symptoms that one can expect to encounter as they work toward ending their relationship with stimulants; however, these are among the most common.
HOW REHAB FACILITIES HELP INDIVIDUALS OVERCOME ADDICTION TO STIMULANTS
Many rehab facilities will offer medication-assisted detox as well as round-the-clock monitoring by physicians to those who are trying to overcome an addiction to stimulants and find it difficult to cope with severe withdrawal symptoms. Several studies show that this two-pronged approach to treatment dramatically lowers an individual’s chances of relapsing.
WHAT MEDICATIONS ARE USED TO HELP INDIVIDUALS OVERCOME AN ADDICTION TO STIMULANTS?
While there are many different medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help ease severe withdrawal symptoms, clonidine is a go-to for most rehab facilities when it comes to helping individuals break free from their addiction to stimulants. And this applies to both the prescription and street-level variety. When prescribed and taken as directed, clonidine can resolve the following symptoms:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Profuse sweating
Along with clonidine, many facilities will also provide individuals with antidepressants or benzodiazepines to resolve feelings of depression, which can help keep them motivated as they go through the rest of their addiction recovery treatments.
STIMULANT WITHDRAWAL TIMELINE
Now that we have a basic understanding of what individuals can expect while detoxing from stimulants, let\’s take a moment to familiarize ourselves with the withdrawal timeline. In most cases, the withdrawal symptoms associated with coming off of stimulants will start to present themselves within 24 to 72 hours after an individual stops using. That said, here is what most will encounter on their journey to sobriety:
Days 1 to 3 – During this stage, most users report experiencing muscle aches, fatigue, and anxiety. Additionally, this stage of addiction recovery is marked by intense cravings, hallucinations, and depression. It is important to note that the symptoms during days 1 to 3 are often more intense for those who have been taking stimulants for a long time.
Days 4 to 10 – During this stage, many of the symptoms associated with stimulant cessation will become less severe. However, many will still be battling fatigue, depression, insomnia, and cravings to some extent.
Days 11 to 17 – At this point, most users will feel less weighed down by most symptoms; however, they will still find themselves struggling with depression. Around this time, insomnia may give way to hypersomnia, which is a condition characterized by excessive sleeping.
Days 18 and beyond – By this point, the withdrawal symptoms brought on by quitting stimulants will be all but gone. And most individuals will start working on other aspects of overcoming their addiction, such as attending counseling sessions with a licensed therapist to address the psychological component of addiction. Some of these same individuals may even join support groups for addiction, which can improve their chances of staying clean long-term.
BOTTOM LINE
In summary, whether you\’re struggling with an addiction to Adderall, Ritalin, cocaine, or any other stimulant, most rehab facilities have programs that can help you overcome your addiction and turn your life around. If you\’re ready to reclaim your life and put an end to your addiction, consider speaking with one of our associates today at 833-846-5669.