When the body goes into withdrawal, it is a sign that the mind and body are detoxing from substances leaving it and trying to seek balance. There is a timeline for stimulant withdrawal to understand as it helps know the process of detox, but it also gives an idea of what to expect during recovery.
Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal from stimulants is challenging but not impossible. It helps to have an idea of what to expect during rehab. Here is a basic timeline to consider if you or a loved one goes to rehab for stimulant addiction:
- First 3 days: a person may experience fatigue, body aches, anxiety, and displeasure at life. They may crave the drug, struggle with insomnia, and experience paranoia, hallucinations, or panic
- Up to 10 days: symptoms of withdrawal last somewhere between a week to ten days. Towards the end, the symptoms go away, but they may be intense for a while. Fatigue and depression can set it
- While symptoms lessen, depression and insomnia may continue. This may lead to hypersomnia or excessive sleeping. Some people may experience mood swings
- Anywhere from two weeks to 18 days: most symptoms go away by this point, but lingering issues remain like sleepiness and mood swings. Any remaining symptoms may result in PAWS and can fade over the course of a few months. Depression and cravings will continue for a while until the drugs are more fully out of the system.
Detox
Detox from stimulants is most successful when medical professionals are overseeing the process. In rehab, they can make sure the person is safely managing symptoms of withdrawal. Medical detox programs help manage symptoms of withdrawal, which make the process better for the person in recovery. Tapering is often a great method that produces less severe withdrawal. Sometimes, addiction treatment medications may be used in place of stimulants when tapering use. Detox is a time where doctors can treat all the symptoms of withdrawal, assess any antidepressants, and take a personal history into considering when developing a plan of action for recovery. Medical detox is available for people in both inpatient and outpatient rehabs.
Treatment Options
A drug treatment center will provide those who suffer from stimulant addiction a chance at a healthy recovery. Once complete, people often work with therapists to look at the underlying causes of addiction. Treatment centers teach relapse prevention and connect people with support groups. Outpatient treatment programs are available to help people who do stimulants to break free from addiction.
The Guest House is based on a Therapeutic Communty model. We help people, including professionals, nurses, doctors, and others, seek help for stimulant addiction and other types of substance use. We support your goals and help you define where you want to be in recovery. If you are ready to get help, contact us. Call us to find out more: 855-483-7800.