Stimulant addiction is a complex and chronic disease. It could stem from the abuse of prescribed medications — such as Ritalin, Adderall or Dexedrine — or illicit drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and MDMA. Often referred to as “uppers,” these substances act on the central nervous system to produce short-term effects many find to be addicting.

Stimulant use can produce a boost of energy, making users feel almost invincible as well as blocking their pain. They also manipulate brain chemicals into producing an extreme dopamine reward, which users continue to crave. In addition to being highly addictive, abuse of these substances may also cause severe negative effects.

One of the most common stimulant addictions is to cocaine. Highly abused throughout the United States, cocaine is a potent illegal stimulant drug. Its users experience a quick high followed by a crash shortly after with each use. This cycle occurs so rapidly and triggers a dopamine reward so desirous, the user’s brain adapts to it, leading to addiction. Recognizing the need for cocaine addiction treatment can be difficult as the effects are so short lived.

Stimulant Abuse Treatment

One of the most challenging yet important steps in recovering from addiction is making the decision to quit. At Scottsdale Mental Health and Wellness Institute (SMHWI), our staff of compassionate team members can support you along the road to recovery. Our center for stimulant addiction treatment in Arizona can offer you a customized drug treatment program that’s tailored to meet your specific needs.

Each program varies based on severity of addiction and the substance(s) involved. It may include prescriptions for rehab medications, chemical dependency therapy and other forms of comprehensive substance abuse treatment in an inpatient or outpatient setting. At SMHWI, we offer a range of services and resources as part of our cocaine addiction treatment. We can help you overcome the psychological and emotional hurdles in facing addiction.

Detox & Withdrawal Symptoms

Detox is an essential aspect of recovery. The duration and severity depend on the substance as well as how long a person has been using. For instance, Ritalin or Adderall addiction treatment may have a longer detox time as these prescription stimulants are designed to build up over time for longer lasting results. Therefore, they typically take longer to completely leave the body.

Cocaine and amphetamine addiction treatment often requires medical assistance during the very difficult detox phase. When regular use of cocaine is stopped and the body attempts to function without it, users may experience various symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms may be present even after the drug has been eliminated from the body.

Common withdrawal symptoms experienced during the detoxification stage of cocaine addiction rehab may include:

  • Aggression
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Paranoia
  • Restlessness
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches

It’s important to understand that stopping use abruptly could be dangerous. Our trained psychiatrists can help make the detox experience as safe and painless as possible.

How We Help Our Patients

Treating stimulant abuse and addiction takes commitment. The team here at SMHWI works to identify the root cause of your addiction, show you the right coping mechanisms to fight temptation and assist your efforts until all your recovery goals are met. If distance is a factor, we offer online treatment and virtual mental health counseling options as well.

We’ve seen it all and helped those facing even the worst conditions find success. We understand that drug addiction can cause you to feel frightened and alone. We’re here to help. Let us support your recovery with compassion and professionalism every step of the way.

If you’re ready to get started, please contact us today.