As with most types of addiction, the first phase of treatment is detoxification. In this phase, abusers will decrease and discontinue use of the substance, under the supervision of a medical professional to help reduce the severity of potential withdrawal symptoms. Stimulants do not produce significant physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms are primarily psychological and behavioral. Symptoms include low mood, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and cravings.

Medications are often used during the treatment process for symptom relief and include available medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, anticonvulsants, and disulfiram. The cornerstone of treatment is primarily behavioral therapy. Most patients benefit from the frequent structured group and individual behavioral therapy sessions.

At Avance Psychiatry, our clinicians provide adjuvant medications that are marketed for other diseases (e.g., modafinil, tiagabine, disulfiram, and topiramate) and have shown promise to reduce stimulant use in research trials. Our counselors are skilled in behavioral therapies to assist in recovery from stimulant addiction.