Amphetamine Withdrawal; Symptoms, Treatment, Medication

Amphetamines are usually consumed to augment nervous system and brain activity while some also use it to shed extra weight. In medical terms, amphetamines are psycho-stimulant drugs that increase wakefulness and concentration coupled with decreased appetite and fatigue. It is even used as performance enhancer and training athletes take advantage of this drug to improve performance resulting to increased heart rate, alertness, energy and level of confidence.  This could be snorted, smoked, injected and taken orally. However, amphetamine overdose could lead to panic attacks, headaches, abnormal heartbeat and faintness.  While for some, it is associated with extreme fierceness, insomnia, obsession and depression. To prevent this from happening, amphetamine withdrawal must be initiated. Read on to learn more about this.

Amphetamine Withdrawal Definition

Amphetamine withdrawal refers to a chain of symptoms that takes place in the body once the intake of amphetamine is reduced or stopped. However, the symptoms differ according to the dependence level of every individual and appear once the effects of the drug fade away. Symptoms may include some psychotic problems such as hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and depression. But one should remember that withdrawal from consuming amphetamine either for good or for a while is a period in which your body readjusts and gets back to its normal functioning without amphetamine.

Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms

The process of withdrawing from amphetamines involves a lot of courage and determination because the symptoms are hard to overcome. In fact, it is normal to expect some relapse during the early stages. However, remedies are available in coping with the withdrawal symptoms. Here are some of the common symptoms and remedies of withdrawing from amphetamines.

1. Cravings – These are drives to use the drug. Cravings are normal in any form of addiction, especially during the withdrawal process. Be rest assured, though, that these are not based on the fact that you lack motivation or willpower and definitely not an indication that the withdrawal is not working. However, you can fight your cravings by delaying your decision to use the drug for an hour and engage in some relaxing activity.
2. Excessive sleeping – Because your body is used to being awake for extended periods and when you stop taking the drugs, your body adjusts and work without amphetamines. However, subsequent consequences are difficulty sleeping, night sweats, nightmares and disturbing dreams. You can get through these by going to bed when you’re actually sleepy.
3. Mood swings – This could be manifested in the form of irritability and anxiety. To some point, you may feel unmotivated or exhausted while at other times you feel agitated and restless. The best ways to cope with mood swings is recognizing it as part of the withdrawal process and engaging in some relaxing activities, exercise, eat right and strive to get the 8-hour sleep.
4. Strange thoughts – This could be in the form of mild paranoia and misinterpreting the things around them. Strange thoughts are very common during amphetamine usage and may get worse during withdrawal. However, this symptom settles down as long as you do not take amphetamines.
5. Increased appetite – Reduced appetite is the effect of taking amphetamines and during withdrawal, your appetite increases. Eat right, drink lots of fluids and stay away from alcoholic drinks and beverages that contain caffeine.

Amphetamine Withdrawal Treatment

Amphetamine withdrawal treatment normally includes counseling and behavioral therapy. Whatever your reason for withdrawing from amphetamines, sit back and weigh down its pros and cons as you will surely would not put your health at risk.