Symptoms of Stimulant Withdrawal & Addiction

Eighty-five percent of the U.S. population consumes at least one caffeinated drink a day. Additionally, prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are fairly common. Detox from stimulants is safest and most successful under the supervision of medical professionals. Medical detox programs help to manage symptoms of withdrawal, making the whole process more bearable and efficient. A tapering schedule involves slowly reducing the dosage of a stimulant over time.

In two studies (Jittiwutikan 1997, Srisurapanont 1999b), participants were inpatients at a drug dependence treatment center who met DSM‐IV criteria for amphetamine withdrawal. In the Srisurapanont 1999b study, participants had to meet the additional criteria of having an Amphetamine Withdrawal Questionnaire (AWQ) score of 10 or higher. The combined mean duration of amphetamine use histories alcohol addiction articles and length of time since last use of amphetamine prior to admission for the two studies on amineptine was 23.6 months and 55.2 hours, respectively. Participants in the Kongsakon 2005 study were detainees from a probation facility who were diagnosed with amphetamine dependence by DSM‐IV criteria. All the participants in this study were males and had an average age of 24.3 years.

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Generally, symptoms present within a few hours to several days after the last use of the drug. Some psychological symptoms, like depression, can last for weeks or even months after quitting.

  1. The evidence about the treatment for amphetamine withdrawal is very limited.
  2. They are treated with common medications that provide symptomatic relief.
  3. Instead, talk with your healthcare provider first if you want to stop taking it.
  4. Two types have proven effective, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management (CM).
  5. After stopping stimulant use the brain goes through an extended readjustment period categorized by physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, the severity of which depends on the dosage and duration of use.
  6. The combined mean duration of amphetamine use histories and length of time since last use of amphetamine prior to admission for the two studies on amineptine was 23.6 months and 55.2 hours, respectively.

If you abuse illicit or prescription stimulants and build up a dependence, when you try to stop use, withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur. Treatment for stimulant withdrawal usually includes medication to address symptoms and supportive care. However, if the withdrawal symptoms are due to Adderall misuse or abuse, this speaks to a larger issue that needs to be treated. Many people feel exhausted during this time, but you may still have sleep problems despite feeling very tired. Because this stage can feel uncomfortable, many people relapse on stimulants.

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After the detox process, continuing treatment with groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous is recommended to keep you substance free. If you or a loved one lives with stimulant addiction or another type of substance use disorder, Northeast Addiction Treatment Center is here to help. Any remaining withdrawal symptoms are considered post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). Common stimulant drugs include methamphetamine, amphetamines like Adderall, cocaine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta. When it comes to withdrawal, the context actually doesn’t matter too much. Anyone who has been using amphetamines for an extended period of time can experience withdrawal symptoms.

Adderall Withdrawal: What You Should Know

Symptoms are the strongest within the first week and can last a few weeks. Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug, making the decision to quit an incredibly brave one. Steven Shoptaw and Uyen Kao alcohol withdrawal can be deadly heres why conducted the article searches, study selection, data extraction, data analysis, and write up of updated review. Keith Heinzerling provided feedback on the data analysis and assisted in writing the discussion section.

Why it is important to do this review

Additionally, the severity of the signs and symptoms may depend on how much of the substance was taken and how long it was used. People experiencing addiction and going through substance withdrawal can benefit from the support of friends and family. This support can help with both the physical symptoms of withdrawal and the psychological side of addiction. Support groups are available for addiction and even for addiction to specific substances such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Additionally, there are things that can be done at home to help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal, such as eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Despite the dangers and consequences of drug use, many people try substances such as alcohol, marijuana, heroin, and cocaine.

They are treated with common medications that provide symptomatic relief. There is mixed evidence suggesting that abruptly quitting smoking—especially with supportive therapy—is more effective than gradual cessation. Nicotine withdrawal peaks at 3-5 days after stopping, Cravings, headache depression, irritability, mental fog, and increased appetite are common symptoms—unpleasant but not usually dangerous.

Detoxification

After detox, your team will offer you aftercare treatment referrals. Detox helps stabilize your mind and body; an addiction treatment program helps you learn how to adjust to a new life without stimulants. A drug treatment center will give those suffering from stimulant addiction their best chance at a successful recovery.

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