Typically, when discussion surrounding addiction and delirium comes up, it’s referring to the withdrawal symptoms brought on in those who have heavily abused their substance of choice before seeking help. Oftentimes, it’s shown in media as a result of severe alcohol withdrawals, but delirium can be brought on by any psychoactive substance, including amphetamines.
Delirium can resemble the altered state of mind one enters after ingesting drugs or alcohol, but at a heightened rate and without relief from stopping use. The symptoms typically begin to appear 1-10 days after last drug use, with it being sooner for amphetamine users as the substance exits the body more quickly.
Understanding Amphetamine Withdrawal Delirium
Amphetamine withdrawal delirium can occur when someone who has been using amphetamines for an extended period suddenly stops using the drug. While amphetamine delirium occurs during or immediately after amphetamine use, withdrawal delirium happens when the body begins to re-adjust to the absence of the drug. As the brain’s dopamine levels plummet without the stimulant, symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and hallucinations can worsen, leading to a feeling of disconnection from reality. It’s especially common among those who have used amphetamines heavily or over a long period.
How Amphetamines Affect the Brain
Amphetamines work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily dopamine, which is often called the “feel-good” chemical. When amphetamines are ingested, they cause a massive release of dopamine in the brain, leading to intense feelings of euphoria and heightened energy. However, the overstimulation of dopamine receptors in areas of the brain responsible for mood and cognition can lead to disruptions in thought processes and hallucinations. This overstimulation, especially in chronic users, may even cause neurotoxicity, where brain cells are damaged, leading to lasting memory problems and difficulty in regulating emotions. The brain’s dopamine system can become permanently altered with prolonged amphetamine use, which significantly increases the risk of developing amphetamine delirium.
What Causes Delirium and How Long Does It Last?
While delirium can be found impacting those who have suffered from strokes or seizures in the past, the most common cause for the condition is substance intoxication or withdrawal. Even gradual decreases in drug use can cause delirium in those who have heavily abused amphetamines over many years.
The form of delirium felt from drug use will only last as long as the drug itself, typically disappearing once it’s out of your system. Withdrawal delirium, however, happens once drug use has stopped and can last over a week in some cases. Seeking professional drug addiction treatment is the only way to guarantee a safe environment capable of handling even the most severe withdrawal delirium.
Risk Factors for Long-Term Amphetamine Delirium
While most individuals recover from amphetamine delirium once the drug exits their system, long-term use can result in lasting cognitive and emotional damage. People who have been chronic users of amphetamines may experience permanent damage to the dopamine system, which can leave them vulnerable to ongoing mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and impaired cognitive function. Genetic predisposition also plays a role: some individuals are more likely to experience psychosis from amphetamine use due to a family history of mental health disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. If you or a loved one is struggling with long-term amphetamine use, seeking professional treatment early can help prevent the onset of these long-term complications.
How Drug Treatment Can Help Beat Delirium
When treating amphetamine delirium, medication is often required to manage severe symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and agitation. Antipsychotics such as olanzapine and haloperidol are commonly prescribed to help reduce dopamine activity in the brain, which helps mitigate the intensity of psychotic episodes. For patients experiencing extreme agitation or severe anxiety, benzodiazepines like diazepam may be administered to calm the individual and reduce the risk of more dangerous side effects like seizures. While these medications provide short-term relief, long-term recovery from amphetamine delirium often involves rehabilitation and psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns that can fuel addiction and mental health challenges.
Withdrawal delirium symptoms can be severe, ending in cases of seizure, heart attack, or stroke if not handled correctly. Risking the life of yourself or someone you care about goes against the fight for an independent life free from drug use. Reach out to our team today online or over the phone for a confidential meeting to discuss your concerns and our solutions that can deal with each one.
If you or a loved one is struggling with amphetamine delirium or amphetamine addiction, reaching out for professional help is the first step toward recovery. At America’s Rehab Campuses, we offer personalized treatment plans designed to address both the delirium and the underlying addiction. Don’t face this battle alone – contact us today to discuss treatment options and start your journey toward healing.
