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Reviewed by Amphetamines are powerful stimulants that affect the central nervous system by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
There are legitimate medical uses for amphetamines, but their non-medical consumption has risen, particularly among students and professionals seeking cognitive enhancement. However, the misuse of amphetamines can lead to serious health consequences.
In the U.S., amphetamine misuse has been steadily increasing, with about 1.6 million people reported using prescription stimulants non-medically in the past year.
In this article, you will find information about amphetamines, detox from these substances, and the best treatments available to recover from amphetamine misuse.
Table Of Contents:
Popular Amphetamines
Amphetamines, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin, are among the most commonly prescribed stimulants in the U.S., primarily for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Misuse of these medications is trending up. Recent data shows that around 4.9 million people in the U.S. misuse prescription stimulants each year, with the highest rates of misuse among young adults aged 18 to 25. In this age group, 5.8% report using these medications for non-medical reasons, often to enhance focus or stay awake.
College students are particularly vulnerable, with 19% of stimulant users reportedly using these drugs to boost academic performance.
| Age Group | Percentage Misusing Stimulants | Most Common Reason for Misuse | Health Risks | Commonly Misused Stimulants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-17 years | 1.70% | Curiosity/Experimentation | Addiction, Sleep Issues | Adderall, Ritalin |
| 18-25 years | 5.80% | Academic Performance | Addiction, Cardiovascular Issues | Adderall, Vyvanse |
| +26 years | 1.20% | Staying Alert/Concentrating | Addiction, Hypertension, Heart Problems | Adderall, Ritalin, Provigil |
What is Amphetamine Detox?
Detox is the process of clearing harmful substances from the body, and amphetamine detox is the process by which people safely stop using stimulant drugs, such as Adderall.
The importance of a controlled environment and process for detox lies in the fact that dependency on these drugs makes quitting dangerous since it can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as extreme fatigue, depression, and intense cravings.
Around 40-60% of people who quit amphetamines experience some form of withdrawal, with symptoms usually lasting from one to two weeks. Detox programs often provide medical support to manage these symptoms and help reduce the risk of relapse.
How Long Does Amphetamine Withdrawal Take?
When talking about amphetamine withdrawal, you should think about three distinct stages, each marked by specific symptoms and varying in duration depending on factors such as the severity of the abuse and the individual’s overall health condition.
Crash: Days 1-3
This is the immediate period after stopping consumption. In this stage, individuals experience intense fatigue, excessive sleepiness, and a marked increase in appetite.
Psychological symptoms such as irritability, agitation, and depression are common, as well as strong cravings for amphetamines. These symptoms are the body’s response to the sudden absence of stimulant effects.
Acute Withdrawal: Days 4-10
Withdrawal symptoms peak during this stage. People may experience extreme mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and trouble sleeping.
In this stage, cravings for amphetamines remain strong, and many experience deeper depression and emotional instability. This is often the hardest phase, requiring close medical and emotional support.
Subacute Withdrawal: Day 11 and beyond
In this stage, the intensity of physical symptoms diminishes, but psychological effects can persist. Low energy levels, lingering depression, and occasional drug cravings are common.
For some, these psychological symptoms can last for weeks or months, particularly in individuals who used high doses of amphetamines over a long period.
| Stage | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Crash (1-3 Days) | Fatigue, increased appetite, depression, strong cravings |
| Acute Withdrawal (4-10 Days) | Mood swings, anxiety, insomnia or excessive sleep, deeper depression, cravings |
| Subacute Withdrawal (11 Days and Beyond) | Mild depression, low energy, occasional cravings |
Differences Between Amphetamine Detox and Other Detox
Amphetamine detox primarily differs from other types of detox, such as opioid or alcohol detox, in the nature and intensity of symptoms.
Amphetamine detox is largely characterized by psychological symptoms like fatigue, depression, and cravings, while opioid and alcohol detox involve more severe physical symptoms.
The physical danger in amphetamine detox is generally lower. However, the psychological symptoms, including mood swings and anxiety, can last longer, sometimes for weeks or months.
| Aspect | Amphetamine Detox | Opioid/Alcohol Detox |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Psychological (fatigue, depression, cravings) | Physical (nausea, vomiting, seizures, delirium tremens) |
| Risk Level | Lower risk of life-threatening complications | Higher risk of severe physical symptoms, life-threatening risks |
| Duration of Withdrawal | Psychological symptoms can last for weeks or months | Physical symptoms usually resolve within days or weeks |
| Treatment Focus | Emotional and psychological support | Medical intervention for physical symptoms and stabilization |
| Long-term Effects | Prolonged psychological effects (e.g., depression, cravings) | Psychological effects may persist, but physical symptoms are shorter-lived |
Amphetamine Detox in the Pop Culture
Amphetamine detox has been depicted in pop culture through movies and TV shows like Requiem for a Dream and Breaking Bad, where characters struggle with the psychological effects of stimulant addiction.
These portrayals highlight the anxiety, depression, and cravings that accompany withdrawal, reflecting the intense emotional toll of detox and the challenges of recovery from stimulant misuse.
Amphetamine Detox Centers
Amphetamine detox centers are specialized facilities designed to help individuals safely manage the withdrawal process and begin their recovery from amphetamine dependence.
These detox centers provide medical supervision, psychological support, and a structured environment to help individuals cope with the challenges of detox.
Treatment centers vary in the level of care offered, ranging from inpatient programs with 24/7 monitoring to outpatient services where individuals can receive care while living at home.
The choice of a detox center depends on the severity of addiction, the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions, and personal preferences.
| Rehab Center | Location | Program Type |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy Healing Center | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Inpatient and Outpatient |
| Legacy Healing Center Margate | Margate, FL | Inpatient and Outpatient |
| Legacy Healing Center | Los Angeles, CA | Inpatient and Outpatient |
| Legacy Healing Center Cherry Hill | Cherry Hill, NJ | Inpatient and Outpatient |
| Bradford Health Services | Tuscaloosa, AL | Inpatient |
| Akeela Inc House Recovery Center | Anchorage, AK | Inpatient |
| Rosewood Capri | Wickenburg, AZ | Intensive Outpatient |
| Natural State Recovery Centers | Little Rock, AR | Outpatient and Inpatient |
| Alo House Recovery Centers | Malibu, CA | Inpatient |
| All Points North Lodge | Edwards, CO | Inpatient |
| Mountainside Treatment Center | Canaan, CT | Inpatient and Outpatient |
| Wilmington Treatment Center for Addiction | Wilmington, NC | Inpatient and Outpatient |
| Serenity Springs Recovery Center | Edgewater, FL | Inpatient |
| MARR Addiction Treatment Center | Atlanta, GA | Inpatient |
| Hina Mauka Recovery Center | Kailua, HI | Inpatient |
| Northpoint Recovery | Boise, ID | Inpatient and Outpatient |
| Gateway Foundation | Chicago, IL | Outpatient |
| Fairbanks Treatment Center | Indianapolis, IN | Inpatient |
| Prelude Behavioral Services | Iowa City, IA | Outpatient |
| Valeo Behavioral Health | Topeka, KS | Inpatient |
| The Healing Place | Louisville, KY | Inpatient |
| Townsend Recovery Center | New Orleans, LA | Inpatient |
| Liberty Bay Recovery | Portland, ME | Outpatient and Inpatient |
| Ashley Addiction Treatment | Havre de Grace, MD | Inpatient |
Costs of Amphetamine Detox
Amphetamine detox treatment costs can be affected by several factors, such as severity, level of care, and location. Here is a summary of common prices:
| Type of Detox | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient Detox | $1,000 – $1,500 | Patients live at home and visit the facility for treatment sessions. |
| Inpatient Detox | $5,000 – $20,000 (30-day program) | This includes medical supervision, therapy, and room and board during a stay. |
| Luxury/Inpatient Detox | $30,000 – $80,000 (30-day program) | Upscale facilities with personalized services and holistic treatments. |
| Free/Low-Cost Detox | Free or low-cost, depending on financial need or non-profit status | Available through state-funded or non-profit organizations. |
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for amphetamine detox varies depending on the specific insurance plan and the provider.
| Insurance | Coverage | Out-of-Pocket Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Covers detox and addiction treatment, varies by plan and state | Depends on deductibles, co-pays, and whether the provider is in-network |
| Aetna | Offers coverage for detox and rehab services, often requires in-network providers | Varies based on plan type, with co-pays and deductibles applying |
| United Healthcare | Covers addiction treatment, including detox, with varying co-pays and deductibles | Co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance vary by plan |
| Medicaid | Comprehensive detox coverage, depending on state programs | Low or no cost for eligible individuals depending on state-specific Medicaid plans |
| Medicare | Covers inpatient and outpatient detox under Part A and Part B | Deductibles and co-pays may apply based on the services provided |
| Cigna | Covers detox and rehab services, typically with lower costs for in-network treatment | Costs depend on network providers and individual plan details |
| Humana | Provides coverage for addiction treatment, out-of-pocket costs vary | Out-of-pocket costs depend on plan specifics, with co-pays and deductibles |
| Kaiser Permanente | Offers detox coverage as part of mental health and addiction services | Varies by plan, typically requires in-network treatment for lower costs |
Best Rehab Centers Near You for Amphetamines Detox
Amphetamine detox is a vital process for individuals recovering from amphetamine abuse, which has become increasingly common, particularly among young adults.
Detox involves managing withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and intense cravings, which can last from one to two weeks or longer.
Unlike opioid or alcohol detox, which presents more severe physical risks, amphetamine detox primarily involves psychological symptoms, requiring strong emotional support.
Treatment options range from outpatient to inpatient programs, and costs vary depending on the level of care and insurance coverage.
Choosing the right detox center, understanding costs, and navigating insurance coverage are key steps toward successful recovery.
Page Sources
- National Library of Medicine: Stimulant Usage by Medical Students for Cognitive Enhancement: A Systematic Review
- National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics: Drug Abuse Statistics
- National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics: Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics
- National Library of Medicine: Non-medical prescription stimulant use to improve academic performance among Australian university students: prevalence and correlates of use
- National Library of Medicine: Dependence, withdrawal and rebound of CNS drugs: an update and regulatory considerations for new drugs development
- National Library of Medicine: Representations of Psychoactive Drugs’ Use in Mass Culture and Their Impact on Audiences
- National Library of Medicine: Average Cost of Drug Rehab