Treatment for Psychostimulant Addiction

Addiction to psychostimulants is a serious medical and psychological issue that requires a professional, comprehensive, and personalised treatment approach. Psychostimulants — such as amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy — stimulate the central nervous system, creating an artificial sense of alertness, energy, and euphoria. Because of their powerful effects and the short-lived nature of the perceived “high”, these substances can rapidly lead to dependence.

At our specialised clinic, MedTiM, we provide comprehensive treatment for psychostimulant addiction. This includes medical detoxification, psychotherapy, post-discharge support, and ongoing patient monitoring. Our goal is not only to help patients stop using these substances, but to support them in breaking free from addictive behaviours entirely and building a stable, functional, and fulfilling life.

Whether the addiction involves amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine, or synthetic stimulants, every patient at MedTiM Clinic receives an individualised treatment plan tailored to their physical and psychological condition.

What are psychostimulants?

Psychostimulants are psychoactive substances that directly affect the central nervous system, speeding up brain activity and inducing a sense of increased energy, alertness, and motivation. Their primary effect is the stimulation of psychomotor functions, which gives users a subjective feeling of enhanced strength, endurance, and mental clarity.

This group of substances most commonly includes:

Due to their short-term ability to enhance concentration and reduce fatigue, psychostimulants are often misused in academic and professional settings, as well as for recreational purposes – most commonly during nights out or situations involving intense mental exertion.

Although some psychostimulants are used for medical purposes (e.g. in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – ADHD), unregulated use can quickly lead to addiction. The body builds tolerance, meaning increasingly larger doses are required to achieve the same effect, while serious mental and physical health consequences develop simultaneously.

Precisely for this reason, the treatment of psychostimulant addiction must involve a systematic approach that includes medical detoxification, psychological support, and professional supervision within a specialised facility.

Effects and Consequences of Psychostimulant Use

In the early stages, the use of psychostimulants is often associated with subjectively pleasant sensations – users report increased energy, elevated mood, and a heightened sense of control. However, these effects are short-lived, while the long-term consequences of psychostimulant use can be serious and detrimental to health.

Short-term psychological effects:

Short-term physical effects:

Although these effects might appear beneficial in specific situations, both the body and mind ultimately pay a high price over time.

Long-term psychological consequences of using psychostimulants:

Psychological consequences

Chronic anxiety
Paranoia and psychotic states (e.g., amphetamine psychosis)
Depressive episodes after the effects wear off
Loss of interest in interpersonal relationships
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Physical consequences:

Long-term and uncontrolled use of these substances depletes the body, disrupts the brain’s biochemical balance, and leads to the development of severe physical and psychological dependence on psychostimulants. In some cases, a condition known as “brain burnout” occurs, where the nervous system can no longer function without the presence of a stimulant.

This is why timely treatment is crucial.

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How does addiction to psychostimulants arise?

Addiction to psychostimulants develops gradually but extremely quickly compared to many other psychoactive substances. What makes this type of addiction particularly risky is that many users initially fail to recognise the problem, as the feelings of increased efficiency, energy, and alertness are perceived as “positive effects” rather than dangerous manipulations of the brain’s chemical balance.

Stages of addiction development:

Experimental use – A person uses a psychostimulant for the first time, often out of curiosity, a desire for better performance, or under social influence.
Occasional use – The substance is used in specific situations (e.g., exams, nights out, work), with the user believing they have the control.
Regular use – The need for the psychostimulant becomes more frequent, and the body begins to develop tolerance.
Addiction – There is a loss of control over use, withdrawal symptoms occur, and the person feels unable to function without the substance.

Biological mechanism of addiction:

Psychostimulants increase the secretion of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain stops producing normal amounts of dopamine without the presence of stimulants. This leads to addictive behaviour, where the user feels “empty,” fatigued, and depressed when not using the substance.

Psychological factors:

Addiction is not a weakness of will; it is a complex disorder that requires both medical and psychological treatment. Timely diagnosis and professional help are key factors in ensuring successful recovery.

Symptoms of Addiction to Psychostimulants

Recognising the symptoms of psychostimulant addiction at an early stage is crucial for timely intervention and preventing serious consequences for a person’s health and overall well-being. These symptoms can be divided into psychological, physical, and behavioural categories, and in most cases, a combination of all three will be present.

Mental Symptoms:

Intense irritability and frequent mood swings
Increased anxiety and panic attacks
Obsessive thoughts about the substance
Paranoia, suspiciousness, and feeling threatened
Depressive episodes after the substance stops working
Hallucinations and illusions in long-term users

Physical Symptoms:

Rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure
Dilated pupils, sweating, and dry mouth
Headaches, insomnia, and chronic fatigue
Sudden weight loss and decreased appetite
Tremor (hand shaking), muscle spasms
Decreased immunity, frequent infections, and physical exhaustion

Behavioral Symptoms:

Compulsive need to take the substance
Loss of interest in work, school, and family
Secrecy, social isolation, and conflicts in relationships
Financial difficulties and unreasonable spending of money
Changes in sleep rhythm – often around-the-clock wakefulness
Lying and manipulating to secure the drug

If you recognise several of these symptoms in yourself or a close person, there is a high likelihood that it is an addiction to psychostimulants. Such situations do not resolve on their own – professional help is essential and should be sought from a specialised treatment facility.

Stages of Treatment for Psychostimulant Addiction at MedTiM Clinic

The treatment of addiction to psychostimulants at MedTiM Clinic follows clearly defined and medically supported stages, designed to ensure both physical withdrawal and psychological stabilization. These stages aim to reintegrate the patient into their daily life in a healthy and sustainable manner.

1. Diagnostics and Assessment of the Condition

The treatment process begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Using laboratory results, psychiatric and psychological assessments, and in-depth consultations with the patient, our team of experts determines:

This comprehensive assessment forms the basis for creating a personalised therapy plan tailored to the individual’s needs.

2. Detoxification of the Body

Medical detoxification is the crucial first phase in physically cleansing the body of toxins and psychostimulant substances. During this stage:

Detoxification typically lasts between 14 and 21 days, depending on the severity of the addiction and the patient’s overall health condition.

3. Psychotherapy and Emotional Stabilisation

Following detoxification, the focus shifts to psychotherapy, where the patient works with a therapist to:

Modern therapeutic methods used include:

4. Family Therapy and Psychoeducation

Addiction does not affect only the individual – it impacts the entire family. At the MedTiM clinic, we therefore include:

5. Rehabilitation and Relapse Prevention

The final stage of treatment at the MedTiM clinic focuses on preserving long-term recovery and preventing relapse into addictive behaviours. This phase begins once detoxification and psychotherapy have been successfully completed, and the patient is stable and ready to resume life outside the clinic.

During this stage, the patient:

Takes part in final assessments and collaborates with their therapist to develop a personalised strategy for maintaining abstinence
Receives psychological support to cope with stress, everyday challenges, and potential triggers
Remains in contact with the clinical team through regular check-ups, providing ongoing monitoring and motivation

Our ultimate goal is not just to help the patient stop using substances, but to support them in adopting a stable, healthy lifestyle—free from addiction, grounded in self-awareness, clear boundaries, and strong support mechanisms.

Types of Therapies in the Treatment of Psychostimulant Addiction

Effective treatment of psychostimulant addiction requires a combination of therapeutic methods that work together and are tailored to each individual patient. At the MedTiM clinic, we use an integrative approach designed to address not only physical and psychological dependence, but also to support improved social functioning.

1. Pharmacological Therapy (Medication-Assisted Treatment)

Pharmacological therapy forms the foundation for stabilising the body during the withdrawal and detoxification phase. The main goals are:

All medications are prescribed solely by a specialist and administered under continuous supervision in a controlled clinical environment.

2. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in uncovering the deeper psychological mechanisms that contribute to the development of addiction, as well as in building healthy behavioural patterns that support long-term abstinence. At the MedTiM clinic, we use modern, evidence-based therapeutic approaches that have proven highly effective in the treatment of psychostimulant addiction.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most widely used and effective forms of psychotherapy for treating addiction. During this type of therapy, the patient:

Learns to recognise negative thoughts, internal conflicts and dysfunctional beliefs that lead to substance use.
Works on changing behavioural patterns that contribute to relapse, such as avoidance of problems, impulsivity or excessive self-criticism.
Develops practical skills for coping with stress, emotions and everyday challenges without resorting to psychostimulants.

Motivational Interviewing Therapy

This form of therapy focuses on strengthening internal motivation for change and is especially helpful for patients who are unsure about starting treatment or fear life without the substance. During the process:

The therapist helps the patient clarify ambivalent thoughts about addiction and treatment.
Through conversation and structured techniques, the patient develops a clear vision of personal goals and uses their own values as a foundation for change.
The outcome is increased self-confidence, a sense of control, and stronger determination to stay on the path to recovery.

Individual Psychotherapy

Working one-on-one with a psychotherapist allows for intensive and confidential exploration of personal issues, trauma, and emotional conflicts that may have contributed to the development of addiction. In a safe and supportive environment, the patient:

3. Psychoeducation

Through educational workshops and sessions, patients learn:

Education is often extended to family members, who are included in the support program to enhance their understanding and ability to assist in the recovery process.

4. Psychosocial support and reintegration

Returning to everyday life is a challenging step. That’s why MedTiM provides:

Inpatient treatment of addiction to psychostimulants

At the MedTiM clinic, the treatment of addiction to psychostimulants is carried out exclusively through inpatient care, as it is the most effective and safest method to completely free the patient from addiction and achieve stable, long-term abstinence.

During inpatient treatment, the patient stays in the clinic and participates in a structured therapy program that includes medical detoxification, psychotherapy, psychoeducation, daily activities, continuous support from the professional team.

Inpatient treatment is recommended in the following cases:

Severe physical and/or psychological dependence
The presence of psychotic episodes, anxiety disorders, or depression
Long-term abuse of psychostimulants
The need for 24-hour medical supervision and a safe environment
High risk of relapse and impossibility of independent abstinence

Advantages of inpatient treatment at the MedTiM clinic:

Constant availability of the medical team
Safe and controlled environment – without access to psychoactive substances
Intensive and consistent therapeutic dynamics
Complete commitment to treatment, without external distractions and stress
Regulated daily rhythm, healthy lifestyle, and structured activities

Inpatient treatment provides a stable foundation for complete recovery and the development of new, healthy habits, enabling the patient to return to everyday life free from addiction and the need for stimulation.

The cost of treating addiction to psychostimulants

The cost of treatment for addiction to psychostimulants at the MedTiM clinic depends on several factors, as we create a personalised therapeutic plan for each patient based on:

Our goal is not to offer one-size-fits-all packages but to ensure each patient receives the maximum medical and psychological support, with realistic costs that are transparently defined from the outset.

The treatment price includes:

Medical detoxification with constant medical supervision
Pharmacological therapy and laboratory diagnostics
Individual psychotherapy
The expertise of a professional and experienced multidisciplinary team
Accommodation in a modern, well-equipped, and safe facility

Note: We offer each patient a free initial consultation, during which our team will create a personalised treatment plan and provide detailed information on the organisation of the treatment and total costs – with no hidden fees or obligations.

Call us or fill out the contact form to schedule your appointment and get answers to all your questions about therapy and pricing.

Why choose MedTiM for psychostimulant addiction treatment?

When it comes to treating psychostimulant addiction, selecting the right clinic is crucial. At MedTiM, we offer more than just medical treatment — we provide compassionate support, understanding, and a holistic approach that fosters lasting recovery.

1. Professional team with extensive experience

Our multidisciplinary team is comprised of:

Each of our experts has years of experience in treating severe forms of addiction, including cases involving psychological comorbidities.

2. Tailored treatment plan for each patient

We recognise that every individual is unique, which is why we take a personalised approach:

3. Discretion, security, and modern facilities

Our treatment takes place in modern, safe, and comfortable rooms. We guarantee:

4. High success rate

Thanks to our structured approach and dedication to each patient, MedTiM boasts:

5. Ongoing support after leaving the clinic

The treatment journey continues even after discharge. We offer:

MedTiM doesn’t just treat addiction – we help people regain control of their lives.