Anti-Addiction Medications for Stimulant Addiction

May 4, 2011

Stimulant drugs like cocaine, amphetamines and crystal meth are popular around the country – young and old, despite culture, race, or economic class, this class of drugs has a large following. Unfortunately, ongoing or chronic abuse of the drug can lead to addiction and stimulant addiction can mean changes to the brain, mood control, energy level and behavior.

In an effort to get a grip on some of these changes and help the individual to fight off stimulant addiction, some are proponents of anti-addiction medications during stimulant rehab. To be clear, there are no drugs that are specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of stimulant addiction like there are for opiate addiction, but there are medications that have been clinically proven to assist those in the detox process who need help fighting cravings and heal some of the damage done to the brain and neurotransmitters during addiction.

Anti-Addiction Medication Regimens for Stimulant Addiction

In one program, medications include IV and oral drugs like gabapentin, hydroxyzine, flumazenil and other supplements. These are given according to a strict regimen, varying the IV and oral medications according to evidence-based studies of efficacy. The goal of the medication? To help those in recovery to calm down and focus on their health while reducing cravings and increasing their chances of staying in the program to get the care and help they need.

Support for Medications During Stimulant Addiction Treatment

Crucial to the program is the therapeutic support and nutritional support supplied during treatment. It is generally recommended, if at all possible, that patients undergo inpatient treatment in order to enjoy the benefits of round-the-clock care. In general, the longer a patient stays in treatment and the more active he or she is in their involvement with their own recovery program, the more likely they will be to maintain a successful sobriety when they return home.

Does Everyone Need Medications to Successfully Fight Stimulant Addiction Treatment?

Absolutely not. In fact, most patients who are fighting crystal meth addiction, amphetamine addiction or cocaine addiction do not take medications during the detox phase or after. Because there are few physical withdrawal symptoms and a great many psychological withdrawal symptoms, the focus of most treatments are the psychotherapeutic addiction treatment options provided. Medications are just one option of many that may be a topic of interest to discuss with your doctor if you are exploring your options for stimulant addiction treatment.

If you would like to learn more about cocaine rehab or crystal meth rehab here at Michael’s House, contact us today for more information.

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