Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms & Timeline

Legacy Healing Center Blog

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that are responsible for speeding up messages between the body and the brain. They are typically prescribed to treat disorders like narcolepsy (an uncontrollable need to sleep regardless of circumstances) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because of their ability to increase focus and productivity, they are commonly abused by many different kinds of people looking to improve their performance. If a person attempts to stop taking the substance “cold turkey,” they run the risk of developing amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about this phenomenon and what you should do if faced with it.

Amphetamine Types and How They Work

Amphetamines work by disrupting the brain’s natural reward system. They flood the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, and block the reuptake of excess dopamine, leading to prolonged feelings of euphoria. However, this artificial increase in neurotransmitters comes at a cost, as the brain can become depleted of natural neurotransmitters, leading to tolerance, addiction, and other serious health consequences.

There is a wide variety of drugs that contain amphetamines as their key ingredient. Many are credited with enhancing focus and drive in users, while misuse can lead to unpleasant consequences.

Common types of amphetamines include:

Prescription Amphetamines:

Adderall: A combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, often prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Dexedrine: Primarily dextroamphetamine, also used to treat ADHD.
Vyvanse: A prodrug of lisdexamfetamine, converted into dextroamphetamine in the body.

Illicit Amphetamines:

Powdered Amphetamine: A white, crystalline powder that can be snorted, injected, or swallowed.
Crystal Methamphetamine: A highly potent, crystalline form of methamphetamine that is typically smoked or injected.
Speed: A slang term for amphetamine or methamphetamine.
Ice: A slang term for crystal methamphetamine.

Illegal versions of amphetamine are commonly referred to as speed and get abused by people who are unable to acquire a doctor’s prescription. Regardless of whether someone is prescribed amphetamine or not, abusing these substances can result in the development of tolerance, addiction, and eventual withdrawals.

How Long Does Amphetamine Withdrawal Last?

While this will ultimately depend on the severity of the addiction in question, as well as how much the person has consumed, the typical amphetamine withdrawal timeline lasts roughly anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month.

On days one through three, symptoms will likely be the most intense. This is due to the brain’s readjustment to the lack of amphetamines in the system.
For days four through seven, the severity of these symptoms should decrease, although cravings will likely persist.
Through the second week of withdrawals, nightmares and insomnia are a possibility.
Finally, the last few weeks will see an overall decrease in the number of symptoms the person is experiencing.

Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms

There are common symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal to expect after stopping heavy amphetamine use.

These symptoms can include:

Confusion
Heightened appetite
Feelings of depression, agitation, and irritability
Muscle aches
Uncontrollable twitching of the body
Severe tiredness or fatigue
Symptoms of insomnia
Digestive issues, such as vomiting

What Causes Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms?

Amphetamines, including Adderall, can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly. This is primarily due to the brain’s adaptation to the increased levels of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, that amphetamines provide.

Here’s a breakdown of why amphetamine withdrawal occurs:

Tolerance: Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to the elevated levels of neurotransmitters, leading to a decreased response to the drug. This means that higher doses may be needed to achieve the same effects.
Depletion of Neurotransmitters: When amphetamines are stopped suddenly, the brain may be unable to produce enough neurotransmitters on its own, resulting in a deficit. This can manifest itself in various symptoms.

It’s important to note that amphetamine withdrawal effects can vary from person to person and may be more severe in individuals who have been taking these drugs for a long time or at high doses.

If you’re considering stopping amphetamine use, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help you develop a gradual tapering schedule to minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensure a smooth transition.

If you or someone you love is struggling with quitting amphetamine abuse, our rehab in Cincinnati offers medically supervised detox programs that address symptoms efficiently and safely.

Amphetamine Withdrawal Treatment in Cincinnati, OH

No matter how deep someone has fallen, our team of highly trained professionals will do everything in their power to help them overcome amphetamine addiction. Each level of addiction treatment at our facility is designed to address the unique facets of that person’s situation. Additionally, our selection of addiction therapies allows for an engaging and customizable treatment experience.

For instance, psychodynamic therapy is an excellent option for patients who continue to be affected by negative thoughts and behavior patterns and will have the chance to get a better understanding of their emotions as a whole.

To learn more about the amphetamine detox program at our Cincinnati addiction treatment center, call Legacy Healing Center today at 888-680-9276.