Amphetamine Addiction Treatment & Rehab
Overcoming an addiction to amphetamines can be challenging but not impossible. By seeking the right treatment and support, you can take the first brave steps towards recovery. In the following guide, we take a closer look at the importance of amphetamine addiction treatment and the different options available in the UK.
Understanding Amphetamine Addiction
Abuse of prescription medication is described as the use of medication other than what is prescribed by a doctor (WebMD). Amphetamine addiction or abuse involves the ongoing use of amphetamine medication and in higher doses to achieve a high despite the negative consequences it has on mental health and physical well-being.
When stimulants such as amphetamines are taken over a prolonged period (even in the case of chronic or repeat prescriptions by a doctor), it can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. For example, if you are taking Adderall (a combination of amphetamine & dextroamphetamine) for ADHD, the body becomes accustomed to the drug over time. At this stage, there is a great risk of developing dependence.
The same is true for illicit amphetamines such as “speed”, as the body becomes accustomed to the drug, it requires more of it to receive the same effect. In some cases, an individual may become dependent on amphetamine to the point where they are unable to cope with day-to-day activities without it. This psychological dependence is also known as addiction. If you, or someone you love is taking amphetamine daily despite negative consequences to health and well-being, now would be a good time to consider treatment.
Why Amphetamine Addiction Treatment is Important
Amphetamine addiction treatment can help you live a healthy life without the dependence on and negative consequences of abusing prescription drugs. Stimulants, including amphetamine containing Adderall, can have serious health complications over time. This includes symptoms of hypertension, insomnia, rapid weight loss, anxiety, hallucinations, and severe digestive problems (NCBI).
Without the support and benefits of therapy, it is extremely challenging to stop using amphetamines on your own. Treatment focuses on education, coping strategies, and professional assistance to quit the chronic use of prescription drugs. It is a necessary step to prevent the severe impact that such addictions have on emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.
Choosing a Treatment Option
When you are ready to seek treatment for amphetamine addiction, there are two options available depending on your life commitments and finances. Inpatient – where you will reside at a private rehab centre for the duration of treatment, and Outpatient Services – Which include free NHS services and counselling.
Residential Rehab
Residential rehabilitation is completed in a facility where you will undergo a medical assessment, followed by a supervised amphetamine detox and then therapy as part of an amphetamine rehab programme. You will monitored throughout your stay and will have access to various programmes that are designed to support you in your recovery.
How does Private Rehab Work?
Rehab for amphetamines starts with detox. Because amphetamines, have a biological effect, it creates a physical and often a psychological dependence. The body believes that it needs the drug to survive. Detox helps the body slowly adjust to the absence of the drug.
Detox is performed within the residential facility. During an amphetamine detox, symptoms of withdrawal are managed by a specialised support team.
Individuals will receive therapy in the form of counselling, group therapy, and coping skills to help you adapt to life without amphetamines. Individuals also have the option of seeking aftercare. This is separate from residential rehab, but some UK rehabs provide aftercare as part of your treatment. It involves the attendance of counselling sessions a few days a week to continue to receive support, especially when feeling vulnerable or encountering triggers outside of rehab.
Choosing a Treatment Centre
Choosing a treatment centre is an important part of recovery. Not all treatment centres offer the same type and standard of therapy. To find a rehab programme to suit your needs, you can use the CQC as a guide. The CQC has made it easier for individuals seeking treatment to find a centre with a rating issued for each service. The services have a rating based on its relevance and the experience or expertise of personnel. Be sure to determine the therapeutic models offered by the different treatment centres. Some facilities use 12 step programmes while others use non-12 step services.
There are certain rehabs that specialise in treating addiction and mental health problems (known as a dual diagnosis). Cases of a dual diagnosis require an individualised treatment plan to address the addiction and the underlying mental health condition.
If you are unsure about the process and confused as to which treatment plan or service is right for your needs, you can contact us with your questions and concerns. Our dedicated team is here to help you find the right treatment centre. Simply give us a call and we can provide the assistance you need to make an informed decision for your recovery.
Inpatient Rehab VS Outpatient Services
The most effective treatment for prescription drug addiction is a residential rehab programme offered by a private rehab. The residential rehab involves living at the facility for a minimum of 30 days. During the 30 day treatment, clients receive a medical assessment, support with withdrawal symptoms and detox, and access to a qualified therapist for psychological and emotional counselling.
An outpatient service is available for those who cannot enter a programme full-time or do not have funds available for private residential treatment.
It provides the opportunity to attend weekly treatment sessions while attending work and family commitments. There are many options for outpatient services including the free services provided by the NHS.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of outpatient services:
Pros
- More affordable than residential rehab or inpatient programmes
- Remain in the comfort and familiarity of home
- Attend work and care for your family/dependents
- Local programmes make for easy travel.
Cons
- Greater exposure to triggers remaining in the same environment
- Increased risk of relapse
- Does not provide 24 hour access to support.
Advice Before Starting Treatment for Amphetamine Addiction
Taking the first step towards your recovery starts with a treatment programme. To make the process easier, let’s take a closer look at how you can prepare yourself before committing to treatment.
Make sure you are committed to treatment
If you enter treatment and in the first few days or week decide that treatment is not for you, the centre will not issue a refund. It is important to commit to the programme and ensure that you are ready and committed to make the change.
What to bring to the treatment centre
When you enter treatment, the items you bring to the centre will be restricted. You can bring clothing, personal hygiene products, towels, comfortable shoes, a pillow, board games, and pen and paper to write letters to loved ones. You may bring your phone and laptop but these may be restricted
Support Groups
Whether you are seeking residential treatment or outpatient services, support groups form an important part of your recovery from amphetamine addiction. Narcotics Anonymous and SMART recovery are free support groups in the UK, and attending meetings frequently will help you to remain focused on your recovery.
