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August 30th, 2023
Amphetamine withdrawal and detox
Are you feeling apprehensive about giving up amphetamines? This is completely normal, especially as there are so many misconceptions about drug detox and withdrawal. The truth is that undergoing amphetamine detox can be the most important decision you ever make. Amphetamine detox can provide the foundations for long-term sobriety and allow you to move on to the next stages of recovery with the healing process already underway. At Banbury Lodge, we have helped many people go through amphetamine detox safely and successfully and we are here for you too.
What is amphetamine detox?
Amphetamine detox is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of amphetamines to break the physical aspect of amphetamine addiction. Amphetamine detox usually involves slowly tapering off the drugs until you are no longer physically dependent on amphetamines and your body and brain begin to heal.
Once the physical dependence is broken, you are then able to start undergoing the different therapies in your amphetamine rehab programme which will address the underlying emotional and psychological causes of your condition.
The benefits of amphetamine detox
While amphetamine detox can be a challenging process, the benefits can be truly life-changing and include:
- Improved physical and mental health
- Reduced risk of relapse
- Increased energy and motivation
- Improved relationships and social connections
- Greater overall life satisfaction
- Solid starting point for further recovery steps
What happens during withdrawal from amphetamine?
When you take amphetamines, they trigger the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are responsible for feelings of pleasure and energy. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to the flood of neurotransmitters caused by amphetamines, and it begins to rely on the drug to function normally.
When you then try to quit using amphetamines, you will experience amphetamine withdrawal symptoms as your brain and body readjust to functioning without the drug. This can take some time which is why amphetamine detox should always be done at a professional detox centre like Banbury Lodge where amphetamine withdrawal symptoms can be managed and you can be kept safe and comfortable until the withdrawal has passed.
Attempting to detox from amphetamines at home can be dangerous both due to the risks of amphetamine withdrawal and because if you relapse, your tolerance to amphetamines will have dropped during withdrawal making overdose more likely.
Common amphetamine withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal from amphetamines can be very challenging to manage and potentially even dangerous. While symptoms can vary from person to person, some amphetamine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Aches, twitches and body pains
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Cravings for amphetamines
- Amphetamine psychosis – This is a rare condition that can occur when you have been using amphetamines for an extended period of time. It is characterised by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and paranoia.
Amphetamine withdrawal timeline
The length and severity of amphetamine withdrawal symptoms are not an exact science and vary depending on factors such as the duration and frequency of amphetamine use, the amount of the drug taken and your overall physical and mental health.
Generally speaking, the acute phase of withdrawal lasts between one to two weeks, during which time most physical symptoms will manifest. After the acute phase, you may experience a protracted amphetamine withdrawal phase, which can last for several weeks or months and is characterised by more psychological symptoms.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of that typical amphetamine withdrawal timeline:
- Day one to two: The first 24-48 hours of amphetamine withdrawal are typically characterised by fatigue, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Cravings for amphetamines may also be intense during this time and you may have a greatly increased appetite.
- Day three to five: By this point, symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal will typically peak with common psychological symptoms including depression and irritability. Physically, you may experience aches, twitches, body pains and general discomfort.
- Day six to fourteen: Most physical symptoms will begin to subside during this period, although psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety may persist as well as less severe physical ones.
- Week two to four: During this period, you may experience minor lingering symptoms such as insomnia and low mood but most people will be well on track to overcoming amphetamine withdrawal.
- Week four onwards: After a month, most physical symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal will have subsided, although some individuals may experience protracted psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety for several weeks or months. This is called Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and will require ongoing professional help to manage.
Amphetamine detox at Banbury Lodge
At Banbury Lodge, we understand how difficult the process of amphetamine detox can be, and we are committed to providing our clients with all the support and resources they need to achieve long-term recovery.
Our inpatient amphetamine detox programme is designed to provide a safe, comfortable and immersive environment for individuals to withdraw from amphetamines under the care of our trained medical staff. As a resident at Banbury Lodge, you will have no access to amphetamines or other substances and will be able to take time away from your usual responsibilities to focus purely on detox and healing.
When you first begin detox, you will receive a full medical assessment so our team can create an individual amphetamine detox plan for you and decide whether you need any extra medical supervision or support. If they are worried that you are likely to experience severe amphetamine withdrawal symptoms, they may prescribe you medication to help you manage those symptoms and reduce discomfort.
We will also ensure that you are fully hydrated and well-fed with meals prepared by our private chef. This will give you the energy you need to complete amphetamine withdrawal successfully.
Ultimately, our goal is to provide all our clients with the tools and resources needed to achieve long-term sobriety and regain control of their lives.
Just some of the benefits of undergoing detox from amphetamines at Banbury Lodge include:
- Medical supervision and support
- Medication-assisted treatment options
- Access to therapy and counselling services
- A comfortable and safe environment
- A range of amenities and activities to support physical and emotional well-being
- Personalised amphetamine detox plan
Top tips for a successful amphetamine detox
While amphetamine detox can be a challenging process, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of success. Some top tips for a successful amphetamine detox include:
Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet…
During amphetamine detox, it is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consuming a healthy diet. Drinking fluids can help to flush toxins out of the body, while healthy food choices can help to nourish the body and support its natural detoxification processes. Conversely, it is best to avoid processed foods, refined sugars and excessive caffeine intake during the detox process.
Engaging in physical activity and exercise…
Regular exercise can also help to support the body during detox and recovery. Physical activity can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and promote healthy sleep patterns. Exercise can also help to boost energy levels which can be helpful during the early stages of recovery when energy levels may be low.
Practising stress-management techniques…
Amphetamine detox can be a stressful time but practising stress-management techniques such as meditation or yoga can help to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and improve overall well-being.
Staying connected with your support network…
Staying connected with supportive friends and family members can provide essential emotional reassurance during this time and help you stay motivated. Cravings can be very strong during amphetamine detox but speaking to your loved ones will help to remind you why you are going through the process.
How to help a loved one through amphetamine detox
Watching a loved one go through amphetamine detox can also be very tough but there are several things you can do to support them through the process. Some tips for supporting a loved one going through amphetamine detox include:
- Offer emotional support and encouragement
- Encourage them to seek professional help and medical supervision
- Help take care of their home responsibilities while they are in amphetamine detox
- Visit them when their detox centre allows
- Be patient and understanding of their struggles and challenges
- Celebrate their amphetamine detox milestones
- Create a home environment that is conducive to recovery for when they return from amphetamine detox
The love and support of family can make all the difference between success and failure so follow these tips to give your loved one the best possible chance.
How to start amphetamine detox
At Banbury Lodge, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest levels of care and support during amphetamine detox. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how our amphetamine detox programmes can help you take the first important steps on the road to recovery.