Amphetamine detox

Why is detox required to come off amphetamines?

Much like other habit-forming substances, amphetamines have the potential to devastate lives and tear apart families. This is because individuals can become so entrenched in their illness that they find it impossible to see things as clearly as they once did. For this reason, amphetamine detox is necessary to return your mind to a clearer and more focused state, one which it was previously in before abuse of the substance began.

Amphetamines have a very high addictive capacity, and it is likely that when coming off the drug, you will experience strong cravings and a powerful desire to take it again. Detox is a process which essentially frees the user from their physical dependency, with space and time to rebuild their strength, so they no longer need to rely on amphetamines to achieve normal functioning. Unfortunately, however, this process does not happen overnight, and your body will need time to adjust as the amphetamines leave your system during detox.

Withdrawal from amphetamines

Trying to withdraw from amphetamines can be a very intense process, one which can leave those attempting to come off the drug both emotionally and physically drained. With many users relying on amphetamines to give them bursts of energy throughout the day, it can be quite an adjustment to stop taking the substance, and it is important to be kind to yourself as you make this change.

If you are suffering more severe effects of withdrawal from amphetamines, you might be prescribed some medication to help ease these more uncomfortable symptoms.
While withdrawal is a unique experience and is distinctive to the individual, you will likely go through several amphetamine withdrawal symptoms during detox, some of which include:

• Aches and pains
• Agitation and irritability
• Fatigue
• Nightmares
• Anxiety and depression

Timeline for amphetamine withdrawal

The length of time for amphetamine withdrawal, as well as the severity of symptoms, will depend on a variety of factors, such as how much of the substance you have been using and for how long. However, this timeline can help provide an outline of what to expect from the withdrawal process.

Methods to detox from amphetamines

Home detox

While it is possible to undergo amphetamine detox at home, this method has several downsides, and it is important you consider these factors before making such an important decision:

• You will not have access to therapy or psychological support as you attempt to wean yourself off the amphetamines.
• No medical supervision means you are more at risk of complications if your condition is not monitored.
• Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, which makes the chances of amphetamine relapse higher in a home environment.

Inpatient detox

Typically, inpatient detox is considered the safest method to withdraw from amphetamines, as clients are provided round-the-clock medical supervision, monitoring their condition as they clear their body of the drug.

Inpatient detox is also a more effective approach to recovery, as it offers both physical and psychological recovery from amphetamine dependence. Typically, once you complete a detox programme and are deemed ready for the next steps, you will begin your holistic amphetamine treatment, with a range of treatments to address the root causes of your condition so you no longer need to return to amphetamines again.

Quitting cold turkey

While it might seem beneficial to make a clean break from amphetamines and immediately stop your intake, we at UKAT would strongly advise you to reconsider this method of detox. Sudden withdrawal from amphetamines is not just uncomfortable but also has the potential to be highly dangerous. Amphetamines have a direct impact on bodily functions such as blood pressure and heart rate; therefore, stopping the drug without warning can be highly unsafe.

Benefits of amphetamine detox with UKAT

At UKAT, our main goal is to ensure you can detox from amphetamines as safely and comfortably as possible. Some of the benefits that come from choosing to detox with us include:

• At one of our private facilities, through the help of in-house chefs and quality ingredients, you will be provided nutritionally balanced meals to help build up your strength as you detox from amphetamines.
• Holistic methods are employed at our centres, focusing on the entirety of the person – mentally, physically and spiritually. We have found that this approach to care guarantees not just a ‘short-term fix’ to recovery but all-around wellness for our clients.
• Amphetamines are commonly abused for their ability to energise and wake up users, and it is likely that when coming off the substance, you will experience a spike in fatigue and lethargy. At a UKAT centre, we implement specialised methods in your programme to ease these symptoms as your body adjusts during the detox.
• With 24/7 supervision and personalised treatment plans, through our extensive amphetamine detox and treatment programmes, your safety and comfort are assured.
• As most of our staff are in recovery themselves, this gives them a unique perspective, one which can only come from lived experiences. This compassion from our team is reflected in the unwavering support offered to clients throughout their amphetamine detox.
• We have a range of workshops and sessions that help our clients to remain focused and driven throughout the amphetamine detox process.
• Our aftercare and Alumni programmes ensure that the support you receive in recovery need not end once you leave our centre. Instead, you will be part of a life-long community that you can always turn to for support and guidance.

Your next steps

Wherever you are in your journey with amphetamines, it is never too late (or too early) to start considering methods as you move towards recovery. Our team at UKAT is highly skilled and well-versed in all elements of addiction, and while you are the only one that can make the decision to get well, we are always available for advice about how to approach the detox process.

Frequently asked questions