Amphetamine Addiction Help & Treatment

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Amphetamine Addiction Help & Treatment

Amphetamine addiction is a serious medical illness that requires the appropriate treatment. Amphetamines are a class of synthesized drugs that are usually available by prescription to treat an array of illnesses.

These drugs are known for their effect on the central nervous system and can have serious adverse side effects when misused or abused. Amphetamines, which are commonly known as speed, ‘whizz’, ‘base’, ‘billy’ and ‘dexies’ are a type of drug which has a simulative effect on the user.

This drug allows the user to stay awake and alert for very long periods of time, meaning they often feel excited and have increased confidence along with sensations of exhilaration.

The effects from amphetamines can normally last for about six hours which is then followed by an extensive “come down” period. These drugs are normally consumed in tablet form but they can also be injected.

Addiction normally begins as a person’s tolerance develops with continued use of the drugs or with larger and stronger quantities of the drug being consumed in a need to experience the same “buzz” feeling.

Commonly Prescribed Amphetamines

There are many situations where amphetamines are prescribed for legitimate use to treat illnesses such as narcolepsy, ADHD, and in some extreme cases, obesity. The types of amphetamines that are commonly administered today include:

• Dexedrine
• Adderall
• Vyvanse

Amphetamines are known to be highly addictive both psychologically and physically, and many cases of overuse and abuse stem from over-prescription or neglectful use for a legitimate purpose.

Although a legitimate substance, amphetamines are commonly abused due to their stimulant effect. This effect has been compared to how cocaine works in the human brain.

Do I Have An Amphetamine Addiction

Do you know someone who is worrying you by exhibiting a possible addiction to amphetamines?

Try asking yourself the following questions.

• Do you have very dilated pupils while seeming hyped up, excited, and full of energy?
• After periods of excited energy do you become moody, depressed, excessively tired, or even violent?
• Are you often complaining of headaches, dizziness, mood swings, nausea, or blurred vision?
• Do you exhibit signs of paranoia or a more aggressive than normal personality?
• Are you exhibiting signs of poor coordination along with heavy or irregular breathing?

Signs & Symptoms of Amphetamine Addiction

There are many tell-tale signs that an amphetamine user is starting to develop a dependence on the drug, which include:

Psychological Symptoms

• Hostility and aggressiveness
• Anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Risky behaviour
• Decrease in inhibitions
• Euphoric bursts
• Loss of focus
• Loss of cognitive function (problem-solving)

Behavioural Symptoms

• Spending increased time and energy when looking for access to amphetamines
• Wanting to stop taking amphetamines but being unable to
• Enjoying taking amphetamines more than socialising with friends and family.
• Secretive behaviour regarding your amphetamine use
• Inability to focus or concentrate on anything else other than your next amphetamine hit.
• Loss in work/life balance
• Problems with relationships
• Avoiding eye contact with loved ones

Physical Symptoms

• Dry mouth
• Dilated pupils
• Headaches
• Blurred visions
• Nassau
• Vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Hypertension
• Heart palpitations
• Insomnia
• Increased energy
• Seizures
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Dehydration

Although some of these symptoms may seem harmless at the face, if left untreated, they will ultimately lead to a severe case of amphetamine addiction.

How Dangerous is an Amphetamine Addiction?

As these drugs have an adverse effect on the regular functioning of the central nervous system, addiction is a very serious issue. The misuse of amphetamines causes a high number of deaths each year and is becoming a prevalent issue amongst the British population in recent years.

Amphetamine addiction can have a detrimental effect on the users social and physical wellbeing and may cause them to suffer terribly from an array of symptoms including

• Paranoia
• Behavioural change
• Psychosis
• Malnutrition
• Financial loss
• Bad life quality
• Social alienation
• Damage to reputation
• Risk-taking
• Brain damage
• Engagement in criminal activities

This dense list still covers only a small fraction of the ill effects amphetamine addiction can have on a person’s health. Many do not fully understand the extent to which a body and mind can be damaged from these drugs just because doctors prescribe them.

Who is at Risk of an Amphetamine Dependence?

Amphetamine addiction can become an issue for people of all walks of life, no matter their social or financial status. Many cases of problems stem from m utterly legitimate use of these types of drugs.

These drugs are over-prescribed, which means dependence may present itself to patients from all walks of life. Although relatively harmless when used correctly, amphetamines, when misused, possess a relatively uniform pattern of developing risk factors.

These factors include:

1. Social Environment

Those with poorly managed social interactions and trouble with social situations may exhibit increased levels of motivation and engagement, which leads them to depend on the drug for these types of cases.

Overconfidence in these situations is a sign of the adverse effect of the drug and maybe a sign to consult a physician regarding your continued use of amphetamines.

2. Mental Health

Those suffering unknowingly from mental health issues are prone to develop an unhealthy relationship with these types of drugs. Underlying problems such as depression and anxiety may put people at risk of developing a dependence on amphetamines that may ultimately lead to an addiction.

3. Genetics

There has been a considerable increase in both psychological and physiological studies in recent years regarding the effects that genetics may play a roll in addiction previously unknown.

A family history of mental health is one of the most dominant factors amongst substance abuse victims and has sparked much conversation in the scientific community.

Due to the use of amphetamines in treating ADHD and similar illnesses, teen addiction is a very serious problem in recent years. Our clinics work in conjunction with social services and parents to provide a safe and effective route to treating amphetamine dependence in teens.

Dangers of Abusing Amphetamines

The dangers of amphetamine use are seriously detrimental to the regular functioning of the human body. Serious issues can have a rapid effect on the body and may lead to death over a short time period.

Short-Term Effects

• Rapid heart rate changes
• Delusions and hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Decrease in appetite
• Increased talkativeness
• Euphoric fits

Long-Term Effects

• Seizures,
• Stroke
• Breathing problems
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Loss of motor skills
• Severe hallucinations
• Malnutrition

Many of these symptoms of amphetamine abuse, if left untreated, can lead to a decline in the health of the user and eventual death if rehabilitation is not sought in time. Due to the drug’s alteration of brain function, some of these effects are irreversible and may be permanent.

Amphetamine Induced Psychosis

Amphetamine induced psychosis is one of the hardest issues to treat when it comes to amphetamine addiction and abuse. The adverse effect this drug has on the brain can cause a breakdown in cognitive function and can result in the inability of the addict to reason.

Erratic behaviour that may risk the drug user and people they come into contact with is a real danger when a consequence of amphetamine-induced psychosis.

People who undergo amphetamine-induced psychosis are a danger to themselves and anyone they interact with, and due to this, they should seek immediate help and detoxification. Sometimes, inpatient treatment is the only safe way to effectively treat amphetamine-induced psychosis, as this particular side effect takes constant specialised medieval attention to address safety and effectively.

Withdrawal Symptoms From Amphetamines

Withdrawal symptoms can often be debilitating to the user due to amphetamines having such an adverse effect on the bodies’ regular functioning. There are many ways in which you can go through amphetamine withdrawal, and some symptoms may result in severe damage to the individual’s regular bodily function and mental health.

Some extreme cases of addiction need alternative medications to help and mitigate any damage that may be done to the patient. For this reason, amphetamine withdrawal should not be attempted without the careful supervision of trained medical professionals as the potential consequences of mistreatment are dire.

Amphetamine Overdose

Amphetamine overdose, due to the drug’s potent effect on the central nervous system, if not treated effectively, may ultimately lead to death. If you or someone you know is going through an amphetamine overdose, immediate hospitalisation is required.

An amphetamine overdose can lead to the following side effects, even when treated medically:

• Anxiety
• Suspicion and Paranoia
• Hyperthermia
• Seizures
• Hypertension
• Heart palpitations
• Death
• Amphetamine induced psychosis

How to Help Someone Addicted to Amphetamines

If you or someone you love is going through an amphetamine addiction, medical help should be sought immediately. The consequences of amphetamine addiction can be deadly if left untreated, and many lives have been destroyed by misuse of these drugs, no matter how carefully prescribed or administered.

Your very first step is getting in touch with an inpatient program and scheduling a screening appointment. For more information on how to help others with drug addictions, visit our intervention page.