Stimulants Detox

Substance use disorders take a significant toll on the body. Detoxing from substance abuse, especially when that substance is a stimulant, is especially difficult. The body needs time to rest and recover while detoxing from stimulants; however, stimulant withdrawal symptoms make life miserable. Detoxing from stimulants is a vital first step to recovery. Detox West Tennessee offers complete stimulant detox in a safe, judgment-free space for those ready to take that first step. 

What are Stimulants?

Stimulant drugs speed up activity in the brain and central nervous system. They affect the brain’s neurotransmitters, chemicals that send and receive signals between brain cells. 

Stimulants are cheap and readily available, making them a popular recreational drug. When misused, stimulants create a sense of euphoria and increased focus and concentration.

Stimulants do have some medical value. For example, prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are often prescribed to patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because they improve focus and concentration. 

However, stimulants have a high potential for addiction. Stimulant addiction can lead to various physical and psychological health issues requiring professional treatment.

Some stimulants are legal when used medically, but some are illegal. Below is a list of both types.

Prescription Stimulants

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
• Dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Illicit Stimulants

• Cocaine
• Crack cocaine
• Methamphetamines
• Crystal meth
• Bath salts like MDPV and mephedrone

Stimulant Abuse in the U.S.

Stimulant abuse and addiction are growing problems across the United States. 

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry reported that five million Americans had misused prescription stimulants at least once, while around 400,000 had a stimulant use disorder.

Users take stimulants for their social and energy-enhancing abilities; many take prescription stimulants without having an actual prescription. They often use them in nightclubs and party settings due to the energy and feelings of euphoria they produce. 

Some college students use them as a study aid due to their ability to increase focus. They also allow people to consume more alcohol than usual without feeling as drunk.

Unfortunately, what starts as recreational use can soon turn into dependence and addiction. Stimulants cause the brain to produce abnormal amounts of dopamine – the brain’s reward chemical. The more people take, the more the brain seeks to achieve that same level of dopamine release.

Regular use of stimulants leads to addiction. Once a person develops an addiction, life becomes challenging when they don’t take the drug. Routine daily tasks become overwhelming. 

Stimulant addiction is dangerous. The more one uses a stimulant, the greater the body’s tolerance to its effects. At that point, a user will need to take more of the stimulant drug more often to achieve the desired results.

Signs and Symptoms of Stimulant Addiction

Stimulant addiction affects one’s personal life and causes extreme health consequences. 

Individuals who become addicted to stimulants will exhibit a range of physical and psychological health issues.

Some of the symptoms of stimulant use disorder include:

• Poor dental health
• Sores from picking skin
• Weight loss
• Shakiness
• Heart palpitations
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety
• Irritability and mood swings

Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms

Stimulant use can lead to addiction. Ultimately, addiction causes difficult withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to stop using. 

Anyone who has tried to quit using stimulants on their own knows how challenging it can be. Many people relapse because taking a stimulant drug seems to outweigh withdrawal challenges.

 Stimulant withdrawal symptoms that may occur include:

• Mood swings
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Fatigue
• Increased irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety, risk of panic attacks
• Difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• Headaches
• Aches and pains
• Decreased sensitivity to alcohol
• Hallucinations
• Cravings for the drug 

How long stimulant withdrawal symptoms last depends on how long the person has had their addiction, the amounts and types of drugs taken, and their physical and mental health when entering detox.

Medical Detox for Stimulant Addiction in the Memphis area

The human body is a mind-boggling machine with amazing healing capabilities. In the long term, detoxing from stimulants will significantly improve the quality of life. However, detoxing is stressful and uncomfortable in the short term due to stimulant withdrawal symptoms. 

Detoxing from stimulants is never advised without professional supervision. People who use a stimulant detox program will more likely make it through detox smoothly. Thus, have a successful recovery. 

At Detox West Tennessee, detox programs include the latest research and evidence in addiction recovery science to treat stimulant addiction. Every treatment program is tailor-made for each client, with around-the-clock medical and psychological support every step of the way.

Additionally, while detoxing from stimulants, clients receive counseling to help determine whether residential or outpatient recovery treatment is best once rehab is complete.

Stimulant Detox in the Memphis area

Addiction left untreated can be fatal. Stimulants are life-threatening drugs and require professional help to detox from and enter solid recovery. 

At Detox West Tennessee, we understand how difficult stimulant withdrawals can be.

If you or a loved one suffer from stimulant addiction, we can help you conquer your substance use disorder. We can also help you manage any co-occurring mental health issues during detox.

Contact Detox West Tennessee today. We will help you arrange an appointment for your initial assessment and individualized treatment program.