If you become addicted to amphetamines, when you decide to quit there is a good chance you will be faced with a variety of withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms, duration, and level of discomfort you experience is based on many factors including: length of time you have been abusing amphetamines, the dosage, and your overall level of health.
Once a physical and psychological dependence sets in, your body will depend on amphetamines to maintain its “normal” feeling. When you don’t take the drug, it will not be long before some or all of the following physical symptoms of withdrawal are present:
- Lack of coordination
- Oversleeping
- Excessive hunger
- Dehydration
- Shaking
- Stomach pain and discomfort
Along with the physical effects of amphetamine withdrawal, here are some of the most common psychological symptoms:
Within a couple of weeks after you stop using amphetamines you will be feeling great!
- Short temper
- Mood swings
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Sensitivity to sound and light
- Hallucinations
- Nightmares
- Depression
These amphetamine withdrawal symptoms may be enough to scare you away from attempting to quit. Despite the challenges associated with withdrawal, it is important to realize that many before you have successfully done so. If you want to follow in the same path, you should become familiar with the withdrawal timeline.
If you were taking an amphetamine, as prescribed by a doctor, you may be able to quit use without going through withdrawal. The reason for this is that you were taking the medically prescribed amount as instructed by a qualified professional.
On the other hand, if you were abusing amphetamines on your own, taking a large amount of the drug over a long period of time, it is likely you will experience some level of withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms are most intense in the first few days following your last use. After a week, the most severe symptoms will begin to wear off, however, some could linger for an extended period of time.
Note: cravings for the drug have the potential to remain for several months.
The first three months of withdrawal are typically the most challenging. If you come this far, you are in good position to go the rest of the way.
There is no set timeline for amphetamine withdrawal. Just because one person does not experience many symptoms does not mean you will find yourself in the same position, and vice versa.
If you are concerned about withdrawing from amphetamines, don’t hesitate to contact a rehab facility that specializes in the treatment of this type of addiction.