Other Drug Detoxification – Cocaine, Amphetamine, Marijuana, LSD, Ecstasy
Cocaine Detoxification
Cocaine is used either orally, by inhaling (called crack) or through injection. It is often used with other drugs such as heroin and alcohol. Stopping cocaine causes withdrawal symptoms like craving for the drug, insomnia and depression.
- Cocaine causes mild withdrawal symptoms. Medications are not used currently for its treatment though some medications are being tested in clinical trials. Psychotherapy and behavior therapy are extremely important in treating it.
- Depression associated with withdrawal is treated with antidepressant drugs.
Amphetamine detoxification
Amphetamines are drugs of abuse commonly abused as “Speed.” Withdrawal symptoms include increased hunger, fatigue, insomnia or increased sleep, drug craving, depression, suicidal tendencies and even arrhythmia or heart arrest in severe cases. Detoxification is usually carried out in an inpatient setting. Counseling plays an important role in the treatment. A number of medications are being studied for the treatment of amphetamine abuse.
Cannabinoids (Marijuana)
Marijuana users usually do not experience withdrawal symptoms except if they were taking it everyday and stop suddenly. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability and insomnia.
There is no specific drug to treat Marijuana withdrawal. Antidepressants may be used to treat accompanying depression.
Drugs such as LSD, MMDA (Ecstasy) and MDA produce hallucinations. These conditions do not need drugs for treatment. Counseling is the cornerstone in the treatment of these addictions.
