Support through the crash, the cravings, and the low
Stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine drive the brain hard, and when they stop, the brain crashes. That crash can bring deep fatigue, heavy sleep, low mood, and powerful cravings. It may not carry the same medical danger as alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, but it is exactly the stretch where people give up and use again. A supported detox helps someone get through the crash and into recovery.
More on stimulant recovery
Detox Programs in San Diego
Residential Detox and Withdrawal Management in San Marcos, plus separate outpatient withdrawal management in Carlsbad.
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Stimulant Addiction Treatment
Care for stimulant use, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and misused prescription stimulants.
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Residential Treatment (RTC)
Round-the-clock residential care in a small, single-family home, typically fewer than six clients.
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Relapse Prevention
Building the skills, routines, relationships, and purpose that support lifelong recovery.
Learn moreWhat stimulant withdrawal can look like
- Intense fatigue and long periods of sleep
- Depression, flatness, or loss of motivation
- Increased appetite
- Anxiety, irritability, or agitation
- Strong cravings, sometimes coming in waves
- Difficulty concentrating
The hardest parts are often emotional rather than physical. The low mood and cravings can be serious, and for some people thoughts of self-harm can surface during the crash, which is one more reason not to go through it alone.
How stimulant detox works at PMR
Detox begins with a clinical and medical assessment so we understand the use history, physical and mental health, and any safety concerns. There is no single medication that reverses stimulant withdrawal, so care focuses on stabilization: rest, nutrition, monitoring of mood and safety, and steady support from staff while the brain rebalances. Our Medical Director oversees care and treats any medical or mental health concerns that come up.
“The beauty of our Continuum of Care model is a consistent treatment team from the beginning of the journey until the client is ready to fly solo. Clients are able to establish trust with their primary counselor, while the team supports them from the first day of care through their transition into the next appropriate stage of recovery.”
Because so much of stimulant recovery is about mood, motivation, and cravings, what happens after detox is where the real change takes hold. Clients move into residential or outpatient treatment with the same team, where counseling, relapse prevention, and dual-diagnosis support address what the drug was being used to manage.
Not sure whether detox is necessary?
You do not need to have everything figured out before you reach out. Most families begin with a simple phone call where we listen to what is happening and help identify the appropriate next step. Our phone line is answered seven days a week, from 8:00 AM–9:00 PM PT. Outside those hours, leave a message or send a text and we will respond as soon as possible. If you need to speak with someone now, call or text (619) 363-4767.
Frequently asked questions
Is stimulant withdrawal dangerous?
Stimulant withdrawal is usually different from alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, but that does not mean it should be dismissed. Depression and cravings can become severe, and some people experience dark or suicidal thoughts during the crash. Structured support allows us to pay attention to those symptoms and identify when a higher level of care is needed.
Is there a medication for meth or cocaine detox?
There is no single medication that reverses stimulant withdrawal. Care focuses on rest, nutrition, monitoring of mood and safety, and treating any mental health concerns. Our Medical Director manages anything that needs medical attention along the way.
What comes after stimulant detox?
The crash passes, but cravings and low mood can linger, so treatment after detox is where recovery is built. Most clients continue into residential or outpatient care focused on counseling, relapse prevention, and any co-occurring mental health needs.
What does stimulant withdrawal feel like?
Coming off methamphetamine or cocaine often brings intense fatigue and long periods of sleep, depression or loss of motivation, increased appetite, anxiety and irritability, and strong cravings that can come in waves. The hardest parts are usually emotional rather than physical. For some people dark thoughts can surface during the crash, which is one more reason not to go through it alone.
What does stimulant detox look like at PMR?
Detox begins with a clinical and medical assessment of the use history, physical and mental health, and any safety concerns. Because there is no single medication that reverses stimulant withdrawal, care focuses on stabilization: rest, nutrition, monitoring of mood and safety, and steady support while the brain rebalances. Our Medical Director oversees care and treats any medical or mental health concerns that come up.
