The Anatomy of Addiction by Akikur Mohammad MD

Author:Akikur Mohammad, MD
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2016-01-20T16:00:00+00:00

Stimulant Detoxification

Detoxification from stimulants like cocaine and meth may result in withdrawal symptoms, but normally these symptoms are less severe than with alcohol and are rarely life threatening. Symptoms include lethargy, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, increased appetite, depressed moods, and drug cravings.

As with alcohol and substance detox, the preferred method is tapering the drug off gradually. But as with illicit opioids, stimulants like cocaine are illicit and cannot be used in detoxification. Tranquilizers can be used for agitation and anxiety, and nonaddictive sedatives are helpful with insomnia.

As noted in the previous chapter, there is promising evidence supporting a medication called bupropion for curbing cravings and reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms associated with meth addiction. Bupropion was developed to treat depression, including seasonal affective disorder, and has been proven to aid in quitting smoking. The drug appears to work by blocking the receptors of two neurotransmitters active in substance addiction: dopamine and norepinephrine. Another advantage is that it curbs the increased weight gain associated with stimulants withdrawal.

Similarly, the stimulant medication modafinil (brand names Provigil, Alertec, and Modavigil), created to treat sleeping disorders, can reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with cocaine. Studies are inconclusive as to modafinil’s effectiveness, but depending on the individual patient, it can reduce the stimulating effects of cocaine and aid in overall detoxification.

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