Focused Treatment
Medically Assisted Stimulant Detox
Are you or someone you love considering a stimulant detox? At Guardian Recovery we understand how difficult stimulant withdrawal can be. Stimulant withdrawal can cause extreme anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue and strong cravings. These symptoms make quitting hard even when someone desperately wants to stop. The key to overcoming this obstacle is a medically supervised detox where withdrawal symptoms can eased with medication in a comfortable, supportive, homestyle environment. Beyond physical stabilization, detox is also an important time to plan a path forward in recovery. At Guardian Recovery we first provide a safe, pain-free detox, then we get to work putting together a plan for long-term sobriety. We perform an in-depth initial evaluation and tailor a treatment plan unique to each client’s needs and recovery goals.
What Are Stimulant Drugs?
Stimulant drugs are highly addictive and widely abused throughout the U.S. The most commonly abused stimulant drugs include prescription stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta, and illicit street stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Stimulant addiction can be extremely debilitating and can quickly lead to a wide range of serious and sometimes permanent personal consequences and health-related issues. The good news is that recovery is always possible — but not without help. At Guardian Recovery we offer a multi-phased continuum of clinical care that begins with medically monitored detox. The detoxification services we provide cannot be found in most state-funded detox facilities or traditional hospital settings. In addition to focusing on a safe, pain-free stimulant detox, we provide clients with the addiction services they need to overcome substance dependence and maintain sobriety long-term. Contact us today to learn more or to begin your own personal journey of comprehensive healing.
Commonly Abused Stimulant Drugs
The most commonly abused stimulant drugs are:
- Prescription stimulants – The most commonly abused prescription stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta, which are used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Commonly referred to as “study drugs” these medications tend to be abused by college-aged men and women, though members of every demographic are affected by prescription stimulant abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, roughly 5 million Americans reported abusing a prescription stimulant in 2016. Over half of these individuals — roughly 56 percent — cited cognitive enhancement as the main reason for abuse.
- Cocaine – This illicit chemical substance is highly habit-forming, and can be ingested in its powdered form or smoked (crack cocaine). The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that in the year 2014 there were roughly 1.4 million past-month cocaine users throughout the country. Rates of cocaine abuse are highest among men and women between the ages of 18 and 25.
- Methamphetamine – This illicit chemical substance is highly addictive and can rapidly destroy the lives of men and women who engage in daily use. According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1.6 million American adults reported abusing methamphetamine within the past year and 774,000 reported abusing the drug within the past month. During the same year it was estimated that 964,000 people over the age of 12 suffered at the hands of a diagnosable methamphetamine abuse disorder.
Stimulant Addiction Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms associated with stimulant abuse and addiction are as follows:
- Attempting to cut back on the amount of the drug being taken but being unable to do so for any significant length of time
- Experiencing a range of serious consequences directly linked to stimulant use
- Engaging in drug-seeking behavior, and spending an ample amount of time obtaining, using and recovering from the effects of stimulant drugs
- Isolating from friends and family members and neglecting social and recreational activities that were previously enjoyed
- Decreased performance at work or at school
- An increase in risk-taking behaviors like driving while intoxicated or engaging in illegal activities in order to support a drug habit
- Continuing to use stimulants despite professional medical advice to quit
- Developing a physical tolerance meaning a greater amount of the chemical substance is required in order for the desired effects to be produced
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stimulant use is suddenly stopped
Stimulant Withdrawal
Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of stimulant withdrawal are going to vary on a client-to-client basis based on what drug was being abused and the severity of the substance abuse disorder. Symptoms of stimulant withdrawal typically include:
- Increased appetite which could lead to temporary weight gain
- Restlessness and irritability
- Insomnia and other sleep-related issues
- Excessive tiredness and fatigue
- Psychomotor agitation
- Vivid and unpleasant dreams
- Drug cravings
- Psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression
Is Stimulant Detox Necessary?
While the physical symptoms associated with stimulant withdrawal are not generally life-threatening, the psychological symptoms can be severe. Medical detox is a necessary first step of every long-term program of recovery for a number of reasons, including:
- Symptoms of withdrawal can be effectively treated as they develop utilizing medication and holisitic methods
- Clients are in a secure and closely monitored environment, reducing the risk of relapse significantly
- Clients have access to a range of addiction services including case management services and psychotherapy
- We focus on rehab placement and aftercare planning, ensuring that clients smoothly transition into the next appropriate level of clinical care once they have been physically stabilized
Treatment Options for Stimulant Detox
At Guardian Recovery we combine several evidence-based treatment options in order to provide our clients with the most integrated care available. In addition to working towards physical stabilization we focus on beginning the mental, emotional and spiritual healing process. When it comes to stimulant withdrawal the treatment options we employ include:
- Medication assisted treatment (MAT) – While there is no designated medication used to treat symptoms associated with stimulant withdrawal, we combine over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen with non-narcotic sleep aids to make the detox process as comfortable as possible.
- Intensive behavioral therapy – At Guardian Recovery we believe that therapeutic intervention is an important part of every stage of the recovery process. We offer individual therapy sessions that take place at least once a week and group therapy sessions that take place on a daily basis. We also offer family therapy as part of our family-oriented recovery program.
- Psychiatric treatment – The psychological symptoms of stimulant withdrawal are often far more severe than the physical symptoms. We have on-staff psychiatrists who might prescribe an antipsychotic medication short-term if they see fit.
- Holistic methods – In order to provide the most integrated care possible we offer a range of proven holistic treatment methods including acupuncture, yoga therapy, mindfulness meditation, massage therapy and physical therapy.
- Relapse prevention & Aftercare Planning – One of the most difficult parts of staying sober once detox has concluded is learning to combat psychological stimulant cravings. We focus on providing clients with the coping mechanisms and tools they need to stay sober long-term. We also help clients create a detailed plan for their ongoing recovery.
Start Your Recovery Journey
At Guardian Recovery we remain dedicated to making our effective detox services as accessible as possible to men and women of all ages and walks of life who have been suffering from substance abuse and dependence. The moment you or your loved one makes the decision to commit to an entirely new way of life, we set to work developing a plan for intake. During our initial phone call we complete a brief pre-assessment geared towards determining which detox methods are going to be the most effective for each individual case. Next we determine which coverage option is the most viable. In addition to working closely with most major regional and national health insurance providers, we offer self-pay and private pay options. Finally we set a date and a time for intake and help arrange plans for reliable transportation to our center. We understand how devastating stimulant addiction can be, and our main priority is making the entire admissions process as straightforward and uncomplicated as possible from start to finish. To begin your own personal recovery journey — or to help someone you love — contact us today.
Get Started Now
Give us a call 24/7
