Stimulant Addiction and Treatment

How Stimulants Work

• Short-term effects: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, heightened alertness, and decreased appetite.
• Long-term effects: Cardiovascular damage, stroke, weight loss, anxiety, paranoia, and, in severe cases, psychosis.

Stimulant Use Trends in New Jersey

• Cocaine is one of the most commonly abused stimulants in New Jersey, contributing to a large percentage of emergency room visits related to drug use.
• Methamphetamine use, while not as widespread as opioids, has been steadily rising in regions such as South Jersey and Newark, where access to the drug is increasing. Methamphetamine is known for its intense euphoric high but comes with severe physical and mental health consequences.
• Polydrug use is also a growing concern in New Jersey, where individuals often combine stimulants with opioids like heroin or fentanyl, increasing the risk of fatal overdose.

Health Impacts of Stimulant Addiction in New Jersey

• Heart problems: Stimulant abuse is linked to heart attacks, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.
• Mental health issues: Chronic stimulant use can lead to paranoia, anxiety, hallucinations, and psychosis.
• Physical deterioration: Methamphetamine, in particular, causes significant physical harm, including severe dental decay, weight loss, and skin sores.

Cocaine and Methamphetamine Treatment in New Jersey

1. Medical Detox: Detoxification is the first step in treating stimulant addiction. Our medically supervised detox program provides 24-hour care to help manage symptoms like fatigue, depression, and intense cravings during withdrawal. Patients are monitored closely to ensure their safety and comfort.
2. Inpatient Treatment: Once detox is complete, patients often transition to our inpatient program, which offers intensive, structured care. This includes:
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change the thought patterns that lead to drug use.
4. Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): Focuses on building the motivation to quit using drugs and make long-term changes.
5. Group and Individual Counseling: Provides support from both peers and licensed professionals.
6. Outpatient Programs: After completing inpatient care, or for individuals who need flexibility, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in New Jersey offers ongoing support and therapy while allowing patients to return to their daily responsibilities.

Stimulant Use Trends in Massachusetts

• Cocaine use is prevalent across urban areas, with 4.97% of adults aged 18-25 in Massachusetts reporting past-year use of the drug, higher than the national average.
• Methamphetamine use has become more common in rural parts of the state, where access to the drug has increased.
• A rising concern is the presence of fentanyl-laced cocaine, which has led to an increase in overdose deaths in Massachusetts, particularly in cities like Boston and Springfield.

Health Impacts of Stimulant Addiction in Massachusetts

• Cardiovascular damage: Both drugs significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
• Mental health complications: Stimulant users often experience anxiety, depression, and paranoia, with long-term users developing more severe conditions like psychosis.
• Neurological effects: Chronic stimulant use can lead to seizures, memory loss, and cognitive impairment.

Cocaine and Methamphetamine Treatment in Massachusetts

1. Detoxification: Cocaine and methamphetamine withdrawal can be physically and psychologically taxing. Our medical detox program provides 24-hour supervision, ensuring that patients are safe and comfortable as they go through withdrawal. Detox typically lasts 5 to 7 days, during which time we help manage cravings, depression, and other withdrawal symptoms.
2. Inpatient Treatment: Following detox, patients can transition to our inpatient care program, which offers intensive therapy and support in a structured environment. In our Massachusetts facility, patients have access to:
3. Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling to address the personal challenges driving addiction.
4. Group Counseling: Peer support through group sessions that foster accountability and shared experiences.
5. Dual Diagnosis Care: Many individuals with stimulant addiction also suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. Our dual diagnosis program treats both the addiction and the underlying mental health issues simultaneously.
6. Outpatient Programs: For individuals who have completed inpatient treatment or require a more flexible schedule, our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) in Massachusetts provide ongoing therapy and support. This includes regular check-ins with healthcare providers, group therapy, and relapse prevention strategies.

Evidence-Based Therapies

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a cornerstone of stimulant addiction treatment, helping individuals recognize and change thought patterns that lead to drug use. By teaching coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies, CBT provides individuals with the tools they need to maintain long-term sobriety.
• Contingency Management (CM): This approach uses positive reinforcement, such as rewards or incentives, to encourage sobriety and treatment adherence. CM is particularly effective in motivating individuals to remain in treatment and avoid relapse.
• Holistic Therapies: Serenity at Summit also offers holistic approaches like yoga, meditation, and art therapy to help individuals reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and foster healthy lifestyles.

Managing Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms

While stimulant withdrawal is not typically life-threatening, the process can be mentally and emotionally challenging, making it difficult for individuals to stop using these substances on their own. The symptoms of stimulant withdrawal primarily affect psychological functioning, often leading to a range of distressing experiences that, if left untreated, can result in relapse.

At Serenity at Summit, we understand the complexities of stimulant withdrawal and offer medically supervised detox programs designed to help patients navigate this critical phase of recovery safely and comfortably.

Common Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms

Stimulant withdrawal can vary depending on the type of stimulant used, the duration of use, and the severity of addiction. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Depression

One of the most prevalent withdrawal symptoms is a deep sense of depression. Stimulants, especially those like cocaine and methamphetamine, flood the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. After prolonged use, the brain’s ability to naturally produce dopamine is reduced, leading to profound depressive episodes during withdrawal.

Fatigue and Exhaustion

Stimulants provide a temporary surge of energy and alertness. As the body adjusts to life without the drug, individuals often experience extreme fatigue, lethargy, and low motivation. The brain and body need time to recover from the constant overstimulation caused by stimulant use.

Anxiety and Irritability

Without stimulants to provide a sense of control or focus, many individuals in withdrawal experience heightened levels of anxiety and irritability. Everyday stressors can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to cope with daily life.

Cravings

One of the most dangerous aspects of stimulant withdrawal is the intense cravings for the drug. The psychological desire to use can be overwhelming, leading to an increased risk of relapse, especially in the absence of proper medical supervision and support.

Suicidal Ideation

In severe cases, the emotional lows caused by stimulant withdrawal can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. This is particularly true for individuals who have used stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine for extended periods, as these drugs can significantly disrupt normal brain chemistry and exacerbate underlying mental health issues.

Sleep Disturbances

Insomnia or, conversely, hypersomnia (excessive sleeping), are common during stimulant withdrawal. The body’s natural sleep-wake cycle is often disrupted after prolonged stimulant use, making it difficult for individuals to establish a healthy sleep pattern.

Medically Supervised Detox at Serenity at Summit

We recognize that stimulant withdrawal requires a comprehensive approach, which is why we offer medically supervised detox programs tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. Our detox programs are designed to ensure that patients are monitored 24/7 by medical professionals who specialize in addiction treatment and withdrawal management.

Key features of our stimulant detox program include:

4/7 Medical Supervision: During stimulant withdrawal, patients are closely monitored to manage symptoms like depression, anxiety, and cravings. Our medical team is trained to provide physical and emotional support, ensuring patients are kept safe and comfortable throughout detox.

• Psychological Support: Given the intense psychological effects of stimulant withdrawal, we provide immediate access to counseling and psychological support. This helps patients cope with emotions like depression and anxiety in a structured, therapeutic environment, reducing the risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation.
• Medication Management: Although there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for stimulant withdrawal, certain medications may be used off-label to alleviate symptoms. For instance, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help manage the mental health challenges associated with withdrawal.
• Holistic Therapies: We incorporate holistic treatment options such as mindfulness practices, yoga, and meditation to help ease the psychological strain of stimulant withdrawal. These therapies promote relaxation, reduce stress, and encourage emotional balance during detox.
• Comfort and Safety: Detox can be an uncomfortable experience, which is why we focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment for patients to go through withdrawal. From comfortable living spaces to a compassionate medical team, we ensure patients feel supported throughout their detox journey.

Next Steps After Detox

Detoxification is just the first step in the journey toward recovery from stimulant addiction. After completing detox, patients are typically encouraged to transition into a higher level of care, such as inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), or outpatient services. Serenity at Summit offers a full continuum of care that ensures patients receive the comprehensive treatment they need for long-term recovery.

Our goal is not only to help individuals through withdrawal but to provide them with the tools and support they need to address the underlying causes of their addiction and maintain sobriety. With personalized care plans, ongoing therapy, and relapse prevention strategies, Serenity at Summit is committed to helping individuals regain control of their lives and achieve lasting recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with stimulant addiction, it’s important to seek professional help. The medical detox program at Serenity at Summit can help you safely and effectively manage withdrawal symptoms while setting the stage for long-term recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Care

Stimulant addiction often goes hand-in-hand with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder are present, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Treating just the addiction or the mental health condition alone can lead to incomplete recovery and a higher risk of relapse.

At Serenity at Summit, our dual diagnosis program provides integrated care that addresses both the addiction and any underlying mental health issues simultaneously. This approach is essential to helping individuals achieve long-term recovery, as untreated mental health conditions can often trigger substance use or make it difficult to maintain sobriety.

Get Help with Stimulant Addiction at Serenity at Summit

Contact Serenity at Summit

Serenity At Summit New Jersey

Address and Contact Information

• Phone Number: (844) 326-4514
• Address: 1000 Galloping Hill Road Union, NJ 07083

Serenity at Summit New England

Address and Contact Information

Phone Number: 978-312-9830
Address: 61 Brown Street, Haverhill, MA 01830

Our compassionate and experienced team is here to guide you through every step of your recovery journey. Get help today and take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life.