Last Updated:

May 16th, 2025

Amphetamine Detox | Withdrawal Symptoms to Expect

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Feeling nervous about starting your recovery journey is totally understandable. There is a lot of mixed information out there about amphetamine withdrawal and detox but it can be the most important thing you ever do. Amphetamine detox lays the groundwork for lasting sobriety, kick-starting the healing process and preparing you for the next recovery phases. If you are ready to turn over a new leaf, this page will explain how to safely detox your body from amphetamines and the treatment options available to you.

What is amphetamine detox?

Amphetamine detox is the first stage of comprehensive treatment for amphetamine addiction. It involves quitting amphetamines so that your body can rid itself of all the drugs and toxins and start healing. This can be done at home, but as you may already know, home amphetamine detox is rarely successful and can be distressing and dangerous. This is because of amphetamine withdrawal symptoms, which can cause health issues and relapse.

This is why treatment at an amphetamine detox centre is necessary for everyone who is addicted. These facilities make sure you are well looked after and provide comprehensive amphetamine detox programmes to set you up for ongoing treatment.

What is amphetamine withdrawal?

Amphetamine withdrawal marks the period of adjustment your body endures once you cease taking the drugs. This adjustment happens because your brain becomes accustomed to the effects of amphetamines when you have been taking them over a long period. After a while, amphetamines partly take over dopamine release and central nervous system communication, and your brain forgets how to do these functions on its own.

When you stop using amphetamines during detox, the brain has to take these functions up again and it struggles at first to remember how. This leads to various amphetamine withdrawal symptoms, which can include:

  • Feeling constantly tired and worn out
  • A constant sense of tiredness
  • Experiencing deep sadness or a sense of emptiness
  • Feeling nervous or on edge
  • Discomforts such as aches, muscle twitches and body pains
  • Quick to anger or frustration
  • Sudden changes in mood
  • An increase in hunger
  • Trouble sleeping
  • A strong desire to use amphetamines again
  • Experiencing hallucinations, delusions and intense paranoia (a rare condition called amphetamine psychosis which can affect long-term users)

These symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal can take a massive toll if you don’t have any support. For many people who attempt detox at home, amphetamine withdrawal systems can be too much to bear and cause them to start using again. That is why medical amphetamine detox is so beneficial because you will be supported until your brain catches up and all the symptoms have passed.

How long does amphetamine withdrawal last?

One of the most commonly asked questions at addiction treatment centres is, “How long does it take to detox from amphetamine?” The duration and intensity of withdrawal from amphetamines depend largely on how frequently and how much you’ve used, along with your physical and mental health status.

The acute amphetamine withdrawal phase generally lasts from one to two weeks and includes the majority of physical symptoms. Afterwards, you may go through an extended period of amphetamine withdrawal, lasting several weeks to months. This is often marked by ongoing psychological symptoms such as cravings and emotional instability.

While everyone is different, here is a closer look at what you may experience:

Days 1-2
The first couple of days, early amphetamine withdrawal symptoms include intensifying cravings, fatigue, insomnia, increased appetite and growing anxiety.
Days 3-5
Around the mid-point of the first week, you will experience peak amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. These may involve unpredictable mood swings, depression and a host of physical symptoms like aches, pains and twitches.
Day 6-14
Over the next week or so, most of the serious physical symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal will subside. However, anxiety and depression can continue along with a little physical discomfort.
Weeks 2-4
Some lingering insomnia, low energy, and mood can persist for the rest of the first month, but the vast majority of people will be well over the worst.
Beyond the first month
In very rare cases, you may experience PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome). This is an extended period of amphetamine withdrawal, particularly psychological symptoms, which require therapy and emotional support.

The benefits of amphetamine detox at a professional treatment centre

When weighing the decision between home detox and an amphetamine detox centre, it is important to understand why professional treatment is so much safer and more effective:

Medical assessment and planning
The best way to ensure a safe withdrawal from amphetamines is to leave nothing to chance. In a professional amphetamine detox centre, treatment starts with an in-depth medical assessment. This enables your medical detox team to anticipate and effectively manage the spectrum of amphetamine withdrawal symptoms which may arise. Continuous monitoring and the ability to adjust the plan as needed ensure that both your immediate and changing needs are met during the amphetamine detox process.
Reduced amphetamine relapse risk
One of the primary challenges of detoxing from amphetamines at home is managing withdrawal symptoms effectively. As explained below, these can be incredibly powerful and frequently lead to relapse. In a professional amphetamine detox centre, the environment is strictly controlled with amphetamines completely inaccessible. As well as restricting any access to amphetamines, your medical team will provide crucial support, monitor your progress and give you medication for amphetamine withdrawal if required.
Emergency care, if needed
Your amphetamine detox plan should prevent any real risks but unexpected issues can occasionally arise. Having 24/7 medical staff means that emergency care can be administered if something does happen. They will prevent dangerous complications like dehydration or psychological issues, which could put you in danger.
Direct access to rehab therapy
Amphetamine detox alone is not enough to overcome addiction to amphetamine as it doesn’t address the psychological triggers that lead to drug use. That is why professional recovery centres integrate amphetamine rehab therapy with detox. This dual treatment addresses both the physical dependency and the emotional reliance on amphetamines, significantly increasing the likelihood of lasting recovery.

Tips for a successful amphetamine detox

Amphetamine detox can be physically and mentally tough but there are four simple strategies to boost your chances of a smooth detox:

  1. Stick to your amphetamine detox plan: Follow the personalised detox plan devised by your detox team. This includes any medication for amphetamine withdrawal, nutrition advice and therapies designed to ease withdrawal symptoms and speed up detox.
  2. Embrace self-care: Take good care of your physical and emotional health. Try activities like exercising, meditating or other relaxation techniques to help calm your anxiety, improve your sleep and lift your spirits.
  3. Keep yourself hydrated: Staying well-hydrated is vital during amphetamine detox. It helps clear out toxins, prevents dehydration and generally supports your body’s recovery.
  4. Lean on your support network: Detoxing can be emotionally taxing. so it is essential to have support from friends, family and your amphetamine detox team to stay encouraged and committed to recovery.

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Contact us today to find the right amphetamine detox centre

The journey to recovery starts with choosing the right amphetamine detox programme. At Addiction Helper, we are here to ensure you make the best choice. By discussing your specific needs, we can guide you towards an amphetamine detox centre with the right programme and facilities. Contact us today and begin your recovery from the best possible starting point.

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Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you die from amphetamine withdrawal?
While amphetamine withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and psychologically distressing, it is not usually life-threatening. However, there are rare complications such as severe depression and suicidal thoughts that can pose serious risks. This is a big reason why medical supervision is required, as your detox team can keep you safe and possibly administer amphetamine withdrawal medication.
Can amphetamine withdrawal cause muscle aches or pains?
Yes, muscle aches and pains are common symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal. When you are physically dependent on amphetamines, they help your brain stimulate your central nervous system. When you quit, your systems have to adjust to the absence of amphetamines, and it is this adjustment that creates aches, pains, flu-like symptoms and other physical reactions.
Can amphetamine withdrawal result in paranoia or intrusive thoughts?
Yes, these psychological effects are due to changes in your brain chemistry after you stop taking amphetamines. Chronic amphetamine use raises dopamine levels significantly so when you quit, it can lead to a big dopamine crash and a brain chemistry imbalance. This causes increased anxiety, paranoia and intrusive thoughts, which require professional support during amphetamine detox.

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