What is stimulant rehab?
Stimulant rehab is a specialised treatment programme designed to help individuals overcome addiction to stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine and prescription stimulants like Adderall.
It involves a combination of medical detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms, counselling and therapy to address psychological dependence and support groups to provide social support. The goal is to help you achieve sobriety and develop coping strategies to prevent relapse.
What kinds of stimulants are treated at stimulant rehab?
Stimulant rehab centres offer specialised treatment for addiction to a range of stimulant drugs, which can be categorised into illegal substances and prescription medications.
Illegal stimulants
- Cocaine/crack cocaine: Derived from the coca plant, this potent drug can be consumed in various ways, including snorting, smoking or injecting.
- Methamphetamine (Meth): A synthetic stimulant known for its highly addictive nature, it affects the central nervous system and can be used in multiple forms such as smoking, snorting, injecting or oral ingestion.
- Ecstasy (MDMA): Mainly known for its psychoactive effects, ecstasy also has stimulant properties that lead to its inclusion here, offering a mix of stimulant and hallucinogenic experiences.
Prescription stimulants
- Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine): Often prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, this medication helps improve focus, attention and energy.
- Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate): Used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, these drugs aid in enhancing concentration while reducing impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
It must be noted that prescription stimulants can be safe and effective when used under a doctor’s guidance. On the other hand, misuse of these medications (such as taking them in non-prescribed ways, in larger doses or without a prescription) can lead to serious health issues and addiction.
When is it time for stimulant rehab?
Recognising the signs of stimulant addiction, whether the stimulants are prescribed or not, is crucial. It’s essential to understand that misuse doesn’t always stem from a place of recklessness and can begin with a legitimate medical need. That said, awareness and self-assessment are key steps in identifying when usage may have crossed into problematic territory. If you’re concerned about your use of stimulants, here are six questions to ask yourself:
- Do you find yourself using larger amounts of stimulants or using them more frequently than intended?
This can be a sign that you’ve developed a tolerance, leading to increased use to achieve the same effects. - Have you attempted to cut down or stop using stimulants but found that you couldn’t?
Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop stimulant use are strong indicators of an addiction. - Do you spend a lot of time obtaining, using or recovering from the effects of stimulants?
If stimulant use has become a central part of your day-to-day life, it might be time to reassess your relationship with these substances. - Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you haven’t taken stimulants for a while?
Withdrawal symptoms can be physical or psychological and are a clear sign of dependency. - Has your stimulant use led to problems at work, school or in your relationships, but you continue to use them anyway?
Continuing to use stimulants despite knowing the problems they cause is a hallmark of addiction. - Do you use stimulants to escape from problems or to relieve a negative mood?
Using substances as a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult emotions or situations can be indicative of a problematic relationship with those substances.
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it may be beneficial to seek professional advice.
What stimulant rehab options are there?
Treatment options generally fall into two main categories: inpatient and outpatient rehab programmes. While both aim to support you in overcoming addiction, they differ in structure, intensity and setting.
Outpatient stimulants rehab
Outpatient rehab programmes allow you to live at home while attending treatment sessions several times a week. The flexibility of outpatient care is beneficial for those who cannot commit to a residential stay due to personal responsibilities but still require professional support to overcome their addiction.
Inpatient stimulants rehab
Inpatient stimulant rehab is often considered the safer and more effective option for people struggling with stimulant addiction, especially those with severe addiction or who have relapsed after previous treatments.
Inpatient programmes provide a structured and supportive environment away from the daily triggers and stressors that may contribute to substance use. Participants will reside at the facility for the duration of their treatment, which can range from 30 days to several months, depending on the person’s needs.
Inpatient rehab facilities typically offer medically supervised detoxification, along with on-site therapists, enabling you to undergo withdrawal stages in a more comfortable manner.
What stimulant rehab option is the best for me?
The choice between outpatient and inpatient rehab should be made after careful consideration of your specific needs, preferences and circumstances. Consulting with healthcare professionals who understand your situation can provide valuable advice and help you make an informed decision.
Remember, the best rehab option is one that aligns with your personal recovery goals and supports your journey towards a healthier, substance-free life.
- Outpatient stimulant rehab might be suitable if you have a mild to moderate addiction and strong support from family and friends. This option allows you to apply the recovery tools in real-world settings immediately, which can be beneficial for some.
- Inpatient stimulant rehab is often recommended for those with moderate to severe addiction levels, especially if there’s a history of relapse or if outpatient treatments have not been successful in the past. Inpatient rehab provides a structured and supportive environment that allows you to focus entirely on your recovery without the distractions and triggers of your daily environment.
It’s worth noting that inpatient stimulant treatment is available to anyone, regardless of the level of addiction and can be particularly beneficial for those seeking a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction recovery.
What can I expect to happen at inpatient stimulant rehab?
The very idea of rehab can deter some people from exploring this option further. Numerous misconceptions, combined with the deeply personal nature of rehab, lead many to conclude that it isn’t the right choice for them. In reality, the rehab process usually encompasses several key stages, each aimed at tackling different facets of addiction and recovery. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect during your stay:
Initial screening
Upon entering rehab, you will undergo a comprehensive intake assessment. This involves relaxed but detailed interviews, medical examinations and psychological testing. This is so the doctors and nurses can gather information about your health history and any co-occurring mental health conditions. This assessment helps the treatment team develop a personalised treatment plan.
Stimulant detox
The first and often most challenging step is detoxification, where the body clears itself of stimulants. Since withdrawal from stimulants can be physically and emotionally taxing, medical detox provides a safe environment where medical professionals can monitor your health and manage withdrawal symptoms. This may include medication to ease discomfort and cravings, nutritional support and constant medical supervision.
Therapies
Behavioural therapies like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) are core to most rehab programmes. CBT helps you recognise and change maladaptive patterns of thinking and behaviour related to substance use. DBT focuses on improving emotional regulation and stress management skills.
Many programmes also incorporate holistic therapies designed to heal the mind, body and spirit. These include yoga, meditation, art therapy and exercise programmes. The goal is to provide you with stress-reduction techniques and promote overall well-being.
Counselling sessions, both in group settings and one-on-one, allow you to explore the roots of your addiction, learn coping strategies and build a supportive network of peers undergoing similar challenges.
Aftercare
Before leaving the rehab facility, a comprehensive aftercare plan is developed. This plan is crucial for maintaining sobriety in the outside world and might include ongoing therapy and support group meetings (like Narcotics Anonymous).
Engaging with aftercare services provides a safety net during vulnerable moments post-rehab. It helps with dealing with the possibility of a relapse by offering ongoing support and resources to deal with triggers and challenges in everyday life.
Does finishing stimulant rehab mean I’m cured?
Completing stimulant rehab is truly a noteworthy milestone and a big step forward in your journey to recovery. However, it’s crucial to recognise that finishing rehab doesn’t mean addiction is completely behind you. Addiction is a chronic issue, and like other ongoing conditions, it demands continuous attention and management.
The risk of relapse is real for many on the path to recovery. If a relapse happens, it’s important to view it not as a setback but as a natural part of the recovery journey for some. It signals that it might be time to tweak your recovery plan.
Aftercare can encompass continued therapy, support groups, and other resources that offer steady support and guidance after rehab. These services play a crucial role in reinforcing the coping skills and strategies learned during rehab, assisting you in dealing with life’s challenges without falling back on substance use.
What are the next steps?
If you or a loved one is experiencing a stimulant addiction, note that there are options available for you across the UK. By getting in contact with one of these facilities, you initiate the first steps to recovering from stimulant addiction. Take the first step today.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.