Amphetamine detox
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Last Updated:
November 28th, 2023
At Sanctuary Lodge, we have a team of drug detox experts who are dedicated to helping people through the amphetamine detox process. If you are looking to begin your recovery journey, read on to learn more.
What is amphetamine detox?
Amphetamine detox is the first crucial step in overcoming amphetamine addiction. It involves abstaining from amphetamines to allow your body to rid itself of the drugs and begin to heal. The length of time required for amphetamine detox will vary depending on individual factors such as how long you have been using amphetamines, the amount you have been using, and your general health.
Amphetamine detox is most safely and effectively done at a professional detox centre like Sanctuary lodge where you will be kept safe and comfortable until you have completed amphetamine withdrawal treatment.
What are the benefits of amphetamine detox?
As well as breaking your physical dependence on amphetamines, there are many other potential benefits to amphetamine detox. What you get out of detox will depend on whether you are ready to make wholesale changes and also address the psychological aspects of your dependence too. If so, the potential outcomes may include:
- Improved health
- The repair of relationships
- Better job and education prospects
- A fresh start to begin psychological recovery treatment
What is amphetamine withdrawal?
Amphetamine withdrawal is the process your body goes through when you stop taking amphetamines. It occurs because your body has become used to the presence of amphetamines and when they are no longer there, it can take some time for your body to adjust. Withdrawal from amphetamine involves a number of unpleasant or dangerous symptoms which can make it very difficult to quit without professional help. These include:
Physical amphetamine withdrawal symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches and pains
- Insomnia
- Headaches
Psychological amphetamine withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Nightmares
Amphetamine withdrawal timeline
The length of time it will take you to clear amphetamines from your system will vary depending on individual factors such as how long you have been using amphetamines, the amount you have been using, and your general health. However, the typical amphetamine withdrawal duration will usually be around two weeks and look something like this:
Days one to two:
The first couple of days after you stop taking amphetamines are sometimes called the “crash period”. During this time, amphetamine withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Chronic tiredness
- Constantly feeling hungry
- Irritability or depression
- Powerful amphetamine cravings
Weeks one to two:
During the first couple of weeks, your amphetamine withdrawal symptoms will peak and then begin to subside. You will most likely experience:
- Unpredictable moods
- Physical discomfort
- Chronic fatigue
- Sleeplessness
Week two onwards
Most of your amphetamine withdrawal symptoms should have passed after the two-week mark but you may still experience some mild cravings, mood swings or sleep troubles.
Amphetamine withdrawal management at Sanctuary Lodge
When you come to Sanctuary Lodge for amphetamine detox, you will be in safe hands. We have a team of experts who are dedicated to helping people through the amphetamine detox process. Some of the ways our amphetamine detox programmes and facilities can keep you safe and comfortable and ensure a successful recovery include:
Bespoke amphetamine detox programmes and 24-hour care: All our amphetamine detox programmes are based on a full medical assessment so that we can create a personalised plan that meets your individual needs. We also have 24-hour staff on hand to support you through the process.
Medical professionals: Sanctuary Lodge has both a consultant psychologist and on-site nurses to support you through amphetamine withdrawal and detox.
Private chef and healthy meal plans: Our private chef will prepare healthy meals for you during your stay with us to help you through the amphetamine detox process. This will keep you nourished and help your body to heal.
Comprehensive amphetamine rehab: Alongside amphetamine detox, you will also have access to our comprehensive recovery programme. This will help you to address the underlying causes of your addiction and develop the tools you need for a successful recovery. We also offer family support programmes to help you repair relationships and bring your loved ones along on your recovery journey.
Aftercare support: When you leave Sanctuary Lodge, that does not mean that you need to go it alone. We offer a range of aftercare services to help you stay on track with your recovery, including weekly group therapy and phone support.
Excellent accommodation and facilities: These include nineteen ensuite bedrooms, an on-site gym, spacious gardens, a living room, TV, board games and regular social events. All of these help to create a relaxed and comfortable environment in which you can focus on your recovery and socialise with the other residents.
Can you undergo amphetamine detox at home?
Detoxing from amphetamines at home is never recommended. Amphetamine withdrawal can be both physically and psychologically challenging and there are several risks associated with attempting to detox without professional help. These include:
- Relapse: The temptation to use amphetamines again during the detox process can be strong, particularly if withdrawal symptoms are severe. If you are not in a professional detox centre, the chances of relapse are much higher as not only will you have no support with your amphetamine withdrawal symptoms but you will also have access to amphetamines.
- Severe amphetamine withdrawal symptoms: Without professional help, it can be difficult to manage amphetamine withdrawal symptoms effectively. This can lead to serious health complications such as severe dehydration, malnutrition or even seizures, all of which could be potentially lethal.
- Psychological problems: Amphetamine withdrawal can cause a range of psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression and psychosis. If you are not in a safe and supportive environment, these problems can be exacerbated.
- Increased risk of overdose: If you relapse while detoxing from amphetamines at home, you are at a much higher risk of overdosing as your tolerance will have lowered. This means that the same dose of amphetamines that you used before may now be too much for your body to handle.
As you can see, it is far safer and more effective to undergo amphetamine detox at a professional detox centre like Sanctuary Lodge. Get in touch with us today so we can further explain our amphetamine detox programmes and how we can help you.
Common fears about amphetamine detox
There are various fears and misconceptions about amphetamine detox which prevent people from seeking the professional help they need. It is important to understand the truth behind these fears so that you can make an informed decision about your recovery. Some of the most common fears we hear at Sanctuary Lodge include:
“I won’t be able to handle the painful amphetamine withdrawal symptoms”
Many people believe that detox is a painful and difficult process. While amphetamine withdrawal can cause some uncomfortable symptoms, our team of medical professionals will work with you to minimise these and make the process as comfortable as possible. If you attempt to detox at home, you will not have access to this level of support and care and so your withdrawal symptoms from amphetamines will not only be uncomfortable, but they could also be potentially dangerous.
“If I apply for amphetamine detox, I could be arrested for illegal amphetamine use”
This is simply not true. Like any healthcare provider, amphetamine detox centres are bound by confidentiality laws. This means that we will not share your personal information with anyone without your consent. Likewise, we will not report you to the police for illegal amphetamine use or possession.
“I can’t afford to go to an amphetamine detox centre”
The cost of professional amphetamine detox may seem like an obstacle but it is important to remember that this is a long-term investment in your health and wellbeing. In addition, there are a number of funding options available which can help with the cost of detox. For example, Sanctuary Lodge offers several different payment plans so that you can spread the cost over a period of time. We also have agreements with certain private health insurance providers whose policies will cover some or all of the costs.
What to do next
When it comes to amphetamine detox, there is no better time than the present to get started. Taking the first and most crucial step on the road to recovery can seem daunting, but with the right support, it can be the most important decision you ever make.
If you are considering detoxing from amphetamines, the best thing is to seek professional help. At Sanctuary Lodge, we can provide you with the support and care you need to safely and effectively detox from amphetamines and begin your recovery. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our amphetamine detox programmes and facilities.