Stimulant Detox and Withdrawal in Florida

Choosing recovery over stimulant use is the first step to a better life. While many people try to quit on their own, they quickly relapse. Because stimulant withdrawal can cause uncomfortable and often severe symptoms, stimulant addiction treatment begins with a medical detox program. 

Stimulants are a drug class that increases the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. They also produce heightened energy and alertness. Stimulants such as Ritalin are prescription stimulants. While illicit stimulants include cocaine and methamphetamines.

Cocaine

Cocaine is an illicit drug made from the coca plant. This plant is typically found in South America. Cocaine absorbs rapidly into the bloodstream no matter how it is consumed. For instance, cocaine can be taken orally, snorted, or injected. 

Because the body absorbs cocaine quickly, the “high” is generally short-lasting. Typically, the “high” lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. For this reason, cocaine is often consumed in large doses to avoid “coming down” or losing the high. This cycle often leads to dependency and addiction.

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is commonly called “meth” and is highly addictive. Meth also produces various severe side effects. For instance, meth use destroys brain tissue, often leading to brain damage. 

Similar to cocaine, when meth is smoked or injected, it causes a rush of dopamine. This increases heart rate and blood pressure and creates a euphoric sensation. Snorting meth, however, produces euphoric feelings without the rush. 

Injecting meth creates the strongest effects that can last up to 30 minutes. However, after the rush, the high can last eight to 24 hours, depending on how it’s consumed. Staying up for days is a common sign of bingeing meth.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy is the street name for MDMA or 3,4 methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. It is an illegal synthetic stimulant with hallucinogenic properties. The feelings of well-being, happiness, and friendliness make this drug popular. 

The effects on a user’s sight, smell, sound, and touch make ecstasy use common at raves and dance parties. While the high often lasts eight hours, the effects lead users to take more than a typical dose. But, overdosing on this drug can lead to foaming at the mouth and potentially fatal seizures. 

Adderall

Adderall is a prescription stimulant often used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Similar to meth, it affects the central nervous system and increases focus and alertness. However, Adderall produces unnaturally high dopamine levels, or the “feel good” chemical, often leading to misuse.

Although not everyone misuses Adderall, using more than prescribed can lead to dependence. As a result, the brain and the body will not function without it. A tell-tell sign of needing Adderall stimulant addiction treatment is mental fog and physical exhaustion without the drug. 

Ritalin

Ritalin is a prescription stimulant similar to cocaine. It also helps those with ADHD and narcolepsy. Ritalin has calming effects and increases focus when taken as prescribed. 

However, Ritalin has a high potential for abuse. When taken recreationally, it is often taken at dangerously high doses. Furthermore, users may snort or inject the drug for faster effects. This can lead to severe and possibly fatal consequences. 

The signs that stimulant addiction treatment is necessary often vary depending on the drug being misused. So, we have broken down the signs and symptoms of stimulant addiction by drug type. 

Cocaine

• Weight loss
• Mood swings
• Isolation
• Constant runny nose
• Nosebleeds
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep pattern
• Frequent bathroom trips
• Increasing need for privacy
• Secrecy
• Unexplained energy and excitement

Prescription Stimulants

• Irregular heartbeat
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Hallucinations
• Convulsions
• Sexual dysfunction
• Nausea
• Severe anxiety
• Exhaustion
• Memory loss
• Mania
• Impulsive
• A decline in personal hygiene

Methamphetamine

• Hyperactivity
• Twitching
• Facial tics
• Paranoia
• Dilated pupils
• Sudden and drastic weight loss
• Open skin sores
• Rapid eye movement
• Mood swings
• Violent outbursts
• Erratic behavior
• Rotting teeth
• Burns on lips and fingers

Ecstasy

• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Severe depression
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Kidney failure
• Hemorrhage
• Cardiovascular collapse
• Brain damage

Stimulant withdrawal may be a little different for each person. The symptoms depend on factors such as the length of addiction, the typical dose, and the mode of consumption. However, stimulant withdrawal is characterized by feeling unhappy or dysphoric and two or more of the following.

• Anxiety
• Irritability 
• Depression
• Jitters
• Chills
• Dulled senses
• Dehydration
• Loss of interest
• Slow speech
• Slowed heart rate
• Slow movements 
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Impaired memory
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Body aches
• Cravings
• Unpleasant dreams

Stimulant withdrawal symptoms generally begin within a few hours to several days after the last dose. While the most intense symptoms typically peak a week after last use. Some symptoms, such as depression, however, may last for weeks or months.

Days 1-3 of Stimulant Withdrawal

Within 24 to 72 hours after the last dose, symptoms of stimulant withdrawal begin. Typically the symptoms include anxiety, body aches, fatigue, and a general feeling of unhappiness. Cravings may also start as well as trouble sleeping. Heavy stimulant users may also experience paranoia, panic, and hallucinations.

Days 4-10 of Stimulant Withdrawal

Typically, symptoms of stimulant withdrawal last around seven days. As most symptoms begin to subside, cravings may be the most intense. Sometimes, symptoms of severe depression and extreme fatigue may be present.

Days 11-17 of Stimulant Withdrawal

At this point, most symptoms are fading away. But, some may still experience depression and insomnia. As a result of insomnia, some people may struggle with excessive sleeping or hypersomnia.

Symptoms lasting two weeks or more are called post-acute withdrawal symptoms or PAWS. PAWS may include symptoms of anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, irritability, and fatigue. While the severity of symptoms will decrease over time, they often last 12 to 18 months.

What Happens in Detox?

Stimulant withdrawal treatment typically starts in a detox program. Medical detox programs provide 24-hour monitoring and medication to reduce the severity of stimulant withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, therapists help people work through the psychological symptoms of withdrawal. 

Above all, detox programs take away the temptation of relapsing. While completing detox and stimulant withdrawal treatment is fantastic, the recovery journey is just beginning. After stimulant withdrawal treatment, the next step is stimulant addiction treatment.

Treatment doesn’t end after detox. In fact, it is just beginning. Inpatient stimulant addiction treatment is generally the next step after detox. However, it’s essential to discuss any personal challenges and outside responsibilities that can interfere with inpatient treatment with your therapist. For some, outpatient stimulant addiction treatment may be best.

Inpatient Stimulant Addiction Treatment

Inpatient or residential treatment is a live-in facility that offers 24-hour supervision. Furthermore, inpatient stimulant addiction treatment typically lasts 28 to 90 days. However, it can last longer for those who need it. 

While in stimulant addiction treatment, the main focus is on the psychological aspect of addiction. Because addiction commonly co-occurs with mental illnesses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, a complete evaluation must be performed. Co-occurring disorders, also known as a dual diagnosis, must be treated at the same time to ensure a full recovery.

Individual Therapy in Stimulant Addiction Treatment

Psychotherapy or individual therapy involves the person in treatment and the therapist. The therapist provides a safe space allowing for trust to be built. This trust enables people to be open and honest about their addiction and mental health struggles. 

Benefits of psychotherapy include:

• Resolving emotional conflict
• Building self-esteem
• Develops social and communication skills
• Learn and build relapse prevention skills

Group Therapy in Stimulant Addiction Treatment

In group therapy, people learn from each other while building healthy communication skills. A therapist leads the same group of typically three or four people but can be as many as 12. The therapist generally picks a different topic for each session, allowing the group to discuss their experiences.