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8 Common Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms

Acute withdrawal feels different depending on the substances involved. Stimulants come in both legal and illegal forms. Their medical purpose does not negate their risky nature, however.

This article will discuss how stimulants work, why they are dangerous, and common withdrawal symptoms.

8 Common Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms

Although not as intense as other substances, stimulant withdrawal symptoms can still be dangerous.

The Uses and Dangers of Stimulants

Stimulants work by blocking the reuptake of the dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters, creating a build-up of these chemicals between the neurons. Dopamine helps improve memory, motivation, and productivity. Norepinephrine boosts focus and alertness. When used at too large of doses, stimulants can cause the “high” many drug users seek.

Doctors usually prescribe stimulant medications to patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. They carry an extremely high risk of dependency and abuse, though. For this reason, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies most legal stimulants as Schedule IIN. That is the highest level of controlled substances with approved medical purposes. Some stimulant drugs fall into Schedule I, making them entirely illegal.

Examples of prescription stimulants include:

  • Desoxyn (methamphetamine)
  • Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
  • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
  • Ritalin (methylphenidate)
  • Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

Examples of illegal stimulants include:

All of these stimulants create a high potential for abuse. Though overlooked by many, stimulant addiction can cause serious health issues.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported a 38.4% increase in psychostimulant-related overdose deaths between 2019 and 2020. People diagnosed with stimulant use disorder must seek treatment for their brain disease.

They need to enter a detox program that understands acute withdrawal from stimulants.

Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms

Most people do not consider stimulant withdrawal as dangerous as other forms of substance withdrawal. While it causes fewer physically lethal symptoms, the psychological effects can severely impair patients. If left untreated, this can cause problems like self-harm or suicide attempts.

Doctors and psychiatrists should closely monitor patients going through stimulant withdrawal. Below are the eight most common symptoms.

#1. Poor concentration

Prescription stimulants are often called “study drugs” because they help people stay awake and focused. Anybody coming off stimulants is bound to feel hazy, easily distracted, and unfocused. Throughout withdrawal, patients will get used to normal neurotransmitter levels again. Over the treatment period, they may feel more mentally present. Their memory and concentration should eventually improve.

#2. Fatigue

Often, people with stimulant use disorder do not sleep properly. The effect of the medication keeps their brains constantly going. After a long period of hyperstimulation, people going through stimulant withdrawal experience severe fatigue. They may sleep more than usual. Their body and brain will usually feel exhausted. That typically lasts for two weeks.

#3. Extreme depression

When a patient's brain starts to detox from stimulants, it will react as if it is deficient in dopamine and norepinephrine. The low neurotransmitter levels may create symptoms of extreme depression. A person could feel lost, hopeless, worthless, and empty. This can last for a week or longer, depending on whether a patient goes through post-acute withdrawal syndrome. Eventually, the symptoms should subside.

#4. Weight gain

Many people use stimulants to lose weight. The drugs can increase metabolism. They also decrease the appetite. When healing from stimulant use disorder, patients commonly gain weight. A balanced food intake helps the body to heal. This is healthy; however, it may cause an emotional reaction. Fatphobic ideas may impact people going through this experience. Therapists should regularly discuss this with individuals in detox.

#5. Severe anxiety

People experiencing stimulant withdrawal almost always experience anxiety. This could result from untreated disorders. The patient could have self-medicated their generalized anxiety disorder with stimulants; thus, coming off the drugs will cause a rebound effect. The body could also be adjusting to the lowered dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Whatever the reason, anxiety can severely influence people in treatment.

#6. Distressing dreams

After a long period without proper rest, patients will experience a weird relationship with sleep. A person may experience insomnia or hypersomnia while going through stimulant withdrawal. Then, they could cope with strange and distressing dreams. These typically border on nightmares. In the morning, patients will remember the images from their sleep.

#7. Stimulant cravings

All addictive substances cause cravings during acute withdrawal. Stimulants are not an exception to the rule. These cravings can overwhelm an individual. Outside of detox settings, people with cravings face a danger of relapse. 

#8. Suicidal ideation

One of the most dangerous, common symptoms of stimulant withdrawal is suicidal ideation. Patients may experience passive ideation or active ideation. No matter which forms of suicidal ideation a person experiences, this can be dangerous. When a person is passively suicidal, they usually neglect their basic needs. This can also quickly turn into active suicidality if not monitored or treated.

Less common symptoms of stimulant withdrawal can include psychosis, memory loss, paranoia, and slurred speech. Though patients report these symptoms much less frequently, doctors should consider the possibility when developing a treatment plan. 

Inpatient Detox or Outpatient Detox?

Though less risky than other substance withdrawals, patients still put themselves in danger by attending outpatient detox for stimulants. If a patient relapses during outpatient detox, they could easily overdose. Their drug tolerance decreases from the minute their body starts detoxification.

Even if they do not relapse, they could face such severe depression that they attempt to die by suicide. 

For these reasons, people trying to get sober from stimulants should seriously consider entering an inpatient detox program. They will receive 24-hour care from a trained medical team. The facility will strictly control what comes in and out of the environment and medications can relieve psychological symptoms.

Find Stimulant Detox Today with DetoxNearMe.com!

People abusing stimulants put their health at risk every day. Though it's regarded as a less dangerous substance, stimulant-related deaths have increased astronomically within the past few years.

Stimulant use disorder warrants urgent action. If you struggle to manage stimulant intake, there are many treatments available. They range from intensive programs to support groups. No matter what direction you choose to go with your long-term treatment, you need to start with detox. DetoxNearMe.com will assist you in finding a local treatment center equip for stimulant withdrawal. We partner with only the most qualified facilities in the United States. Without substances restraining you, you can live your best life.

Dare to take the first step. Start searching DetoxNearMe.com today!

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