San Jose Amphetamine Detox Program

Amphetamines are a class of stimulant drugs including both legal prescription medications and illegal substances. Amphetamine addiction can be difficult to identify simply because these drugs are commonly prescribed to people of all ages to treat certain disorders. For example, stimulants like amphetamine salts are present in prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. The line between normal use to treat a disorder and addiction can become blurry in these cases. However, amphetamine addiction is a serious condition that warrants professional treatment, as long-term use of these drugs can contribute to a host of physical and psychological problems for users.

Amphetamines work in the brain by stimulating the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are responsible for things like cognition, sleep memory, behavior, pleasure, mood, appetite, arousal, heart rate, and the “fight or flight” response. The effect it has on the body and brain is one of stimulation; the mental and physical functions of the individual are sped up by amphetamines. Prescription amphetamines have been and are used to treat conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. Examples of common amphetamines, both legal and illegal, include:

• Adderall
• Ritalin
• Dexedrine
• Concerta
• Vyvanse
• Methamphetamine (illegal drug)

Symptoms of Amphetamine Addiction

The short-term effects of amphetamines can produce a euphoric feeling as well as other sensations described as the “high” of these drugs. The immediate, short-term effects of this class of drugs include:

It’s important to note that even during first-time or early use, amphetamine overdose is always a possibility, as are more serious side effects like cardiac arrest. Over time, the effects of amphetamines become more pronounced and more consequential- they can also become far more dangerous and even life-threatening. Amphetamines, whether prescription or illegal, can have the following long-term effects:

For people who use methamphetamine intravenously, intranasally, or who smoke the drug, side effects can include vascular damage, skin infections and abscesses, lung damage, and other serious damage to body tissues.

Even for people who use amphetamines to treat disorders, some of the listed side effects can show up and be detrimental to many aspects of their lives. While these drugs are effective in many cases in treating certain conditions, there is a risk of dependence and addiction. It is important, therefore, for people to be careful about amphetamine use, even when prescribed legal amphetamines.

Addressing Amphetamine Withdrawal

For people who suffer from amphetamine addiction, whether it’s to prescription medication or illegal drugs like methamphetamine, withdrawal, and detox can be particularly difficult and uncomfortable. Amphetamines produce large amounts of “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, and when the brain is cut off from this supply, serious psychological symptoms can set it. It can be hard to experience pleasure or joy for a period of time even following acute detox from amphetamines, and the psychological symptoms of withdrawal can lead many users to relapse before the detox process is finished.

Additionally, some of these drugs can cause substance-related psychosis. This can be dangerous and distressing for both the individual and those around him or her. For these reasons among others, people who suffer from amphetamine addiction are the safest and most comfortable when they detox in a professional facility. This environment also offers the greatest chance for a successful detox, as it greatly reduces the risk of relapse, which is common for individuals who attempt to detox on their own.

Symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal include:

• Intense drug cravings
• Severe depression
• Anxiety
• Increased appetite/hunger
• Increased need for sleep
• Fatigue and weakness
• Shakiness and tremors
• Seizures (in rare cases)
• Mood swings
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances such as nightmares
• Head and body aches
• Difficulty with concentration and memory
• Psychosis

Fortunately, in a professionally-supervised detox, these symptoms can be managed and sometimes even prevented. At Wellness Retreat Recovery, we offer clients suffering from amphetamine addiction a safe and comfortable detox process. This includes partner physicians who are on-call 24/7, round-the-clock staff, and luxury amenities.

Clients suffering from amphetamine addiction all get a thorough intake at Wellness Retreat Recovery Center. This is in order to help staff create a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan for them. Clients can also take advantage of non-habit-forming medications which can reduce the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

In addition to professional assistance, Wellness Retreat clients also have access to therapy services during the detox process. These resources help clients to navigate the emotional aspect of withdrawal and they also provide assistance for patients suffering from psychosis to regain normal mental function.

Dual Diagnosis and Treatment After Detox

Some people suffer from amphetamine addiction as the result of long-term use of medications to treat conditions like ADHD, so we offer comprehensive care for these disorders as well. As a dual diagnosis facility, Wellness Retreat effectively treats co-occurring disorders like depression and ADHD. Both can contribute to the development of amphetamine addiction. We don’t believe in simply treating the symptoms of one disorder.

We believe in treating every aspect of clients’ needs, including co-occurring mental and physical conditions, with a combination of holistic addiction treatment, traditional therapy, and non-narcotic assistance. Through these methods, we give patients the tools they need to live healthy, full, and happy lives following treatment. For people suffering from amphetamine addiction, professionally-assisted detox with the professionals at Wellness Retreat Recovery Center provides a greater chance of successfully leaving addiction behind and living free of substances.