Amphetamine Addiction Signs, Symptoms, Dangers and Treatment

Understanding Amphetamine Addiction

A type of stimulant drug, amphetamines impact the central nervous system by causing a rush of chemicals like dopamine to flood the system and produce a euphoric high that gives users a sense of heightened alertness. In medical instances, amphetamines are used to treat conditions such as ADHD and narcolepsy, although they are taken for illicit recreational reasons. At one point, it was used to treat depression, but this changed when physicians realized that if not taken properly, this class of drug presents a high chance of being abused.

There are some misconceptions that amphetamines cannot cause addiction, but this could not be further from the truth. Amphetamines are one of the most addictive drugs available, and especially risky when taken without following a careful prescription. Breaking away from an amphetamine addiction is a daunting task, but with the right help it is possible.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an amphetamine addiction, it is important to seek the help of a rehab center that specializes in treating drug and alcohol use disorders. Call Brookdale today to begin the process of recovery and experience a life…recovered at 855-575-1292.

What are Amphetamines?

Amphetamines are a group of oral medications intended to help manage the symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy. They are meant to be taken orally and are usually recognizable as small blue tablets. These tablets are designed to take effect in two ways: the first is quick and immediate, and the second is a time-release, slowly releasing the drug throughout the day to provide long-term relief.  Amphetamines are prescribed for cases such as ADHD and narcolepsy because they are powerful stimulants that promote alertness in the brain and give users an extra burst of energy.

One of the most recognized demographics for using amphetamines are college students, who notoriously misuse an amphetamine called Adderall. This group usually turns to the drug believing that it can help as a study aid, when in reality there is no evidence for it increasing a person’s intelligence. Of course, Adderall is not the only abused amphetamine and college students are not the only people that turn to them. Addictions can be found among people of any age that are hoping to benefit from the drug’s effects, be it to aid them in work, sports or merely to enjoy the high in recreational use.

Nicknames and Popular Brand Names

When dealing with amphetamines, drug dealers and abusers often try to conceal their activities by referring to them by different names. These names are often related to the symptoms and appearance of the drug and are constantly evolving to draw less attention.

Amphetamines come in several different forms and under many names, some of which will also include their brand names. The key for a brand to be classified as an amphetamine is that it contains either Dextroamphetamine or Levoamphetamine. These brand names carry with them slightly different effects and may also have their own list of nicknames in addition to the main amphetamine names.

The most popular brand names are:

• Adderall

• Desoxyn

• Dexedrine

• DextroStat

• Ritalin

• ProCentra

• Vyvanse

• Zenzedi

How Addictive are Amphetamines?

Classified as Schedule II drugs by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), amphetamines are one of the most addictive drugs in existence. Their placement in this category signify their potential for dependence and addiction, while simultaneously having some medical use. Legal use is intended to be closely monitored by doctors, and it can only be refilled through a new prescription entirely.  The prescription must also be printed on special watermarked paper and the doctor will need to make an additional call to the patient’s pharmacy for additional confirmation.

Of course, despite these precautions, amphetamines still find their way onto the black market. When taken for a medical condition, there is already a strong chance that an individual may develop an addiction. However, in the case of recreational use or the use without a prescription, the odds rise significantly.

With time and repeated use, amphetamines will rewire the brain’s structure until using feels like second nature to the abuser. This stage is called dependence and happens because the brain adapts to the increased amounts of chemicals like dopamine, learning to expect them. When the chemicals are not there in heightened doses (which at that stage the body understands as normal doses), the addict will lose their ability to function normally and will likely begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. During withdrawal, individuals can expect feelings such as high anxiety, nausea and irritability.

Amphetamine Abuse Symptoms

There are a number of signs that point to amphetamine abuse. When using the drug, common symptoms in the early stages are:

• Personality changes

• Decreased appetite

• Weight loss

• Euphoric energy bursts

• Fatigue

• Premature aging

• Insomnia

As use continues, the symptoms will grow more severe and new ones will appear that can significantly disrupt a person’s life. In many cases of addiction, long-term use will cause permanent damage or even death. The most common late stage symptoms include:

• Vertigo

• Ulcers

• Malnutrition

• Kidney problems

• Lung problems

• Heart failure

Combinations

While amphetamines have potent effects when taken on their own, some recreational users choose to mix them with other types of drugs to enhance or create new effects. In some cases, prescription users will also do the same, although in these cases the mixing is often accidental. Regardless of how it occurs, mixing amphetamines with other substances is an incredibly dangerous act that presents a far greater risk to a person’s well-being than either drug would on its own.

There is a wide selection of substances that can be mixed with amphetamines, but the most common of these are:

• Antidepressants

• Alcohol

• Marijuana

• Xanax

The primary risks of mixing amphetamines with these substances and other options is largely related to the type of substance it is. When combined with a “downer” drug such as alcohol or Xanax, amphetamines mask the signs that a user has had too much because the mood lifting symptoms of the amphetamines temporarily override the sedative properties of the depressant. This is extremely dangerous because by the time a person realizes that they have taken too much of the depressant, it may already be too late to receive help.

When paired with mood boosters such as antidepressants or another stimulant, the greatest risk stems from how both drugs speed up the central nervous system in a person’s body. This raises blood pressure levels and even the body’s core temperature, increasing the chance of heart attacks and other organ failures. If a person’s body temperature rises too high, the body may also lose its ability to function and shut down, leading to death.

All these common substances also increase the chance of developing an addiction for either substance, or in some cases, both. The state of being addicted to two drugs at once is referred to as dual addiction.

Statistics

Studies of amphetamine usage reveal that the drug has been growing in popularity and that in some cases amphetamines are a gateway drug to other addictions. The statistics are often troubling, but it is important to be aware of them to better understand the impact of amphetamines on society.

Some statistics include that:

• Roughly 13 million Americans have abused an amphetamine

• Only about six percent of users who have a prescription will use the brand name medications, others use generic variants that are harder to recognize

• 90% of college students that abuse amphetamine also engaged in binge drinking

• 15% of high schoolers in grades 10-12 abuse an amphetamine at least once

• Amphetamines can stay in a person’s system for 1-3 days after each use

Treatment

In some cases, an addict may recognize that they have an addiction and seek out help on their own. Other times, it may come down to a doctor or loved one spotting the signs and making the call for them. When it comes to an amphetamine addiction, safe treatment involves entering a treatment center for professional help.

At the treatment center, the abuser will first undergo a process called detoxification in a safe and controlled manner. This process varies based on the individual, the degree of the addiction, and other medical concerns. Nevertheless, the primary goal of detox is to cleanse all traces of amphetamines from the addict’s system, so they have the best chance toward a life of long-term sobriety. Withdrawal is common during this stage of care, and is often times, the most difficult part of this process. It is imperative to undergo detox in a medical setting, so physicians and nursing staff can oversee each patient’s experience and mitigate withdrawal symptoms and other potential medical concerns.

After a patient has been medically cleared and has successfully completed detox, they will then transition into residential treatment. During this phase of care, the individual will participate in a variety of therapeutic treatment modalities to aid in the recovery process. They will begin to address the underlying causes of their addiction and learn healthy coping mechanisms to combat future cravings and obstacles. The time that treatment takes will vary for each person, and with highly addictive substances like amphetamines, aftercare is extremely crucial for long-term recovery. This can include continued treatment, family therapy, and local support groups, such as AA or NA.

Get Help for your Amphetamine Addiction Today

With these points in mind, there is no time to waste. If you suspect yourself or a loved one of an addiction, do not wait to seek the help of professionals who specialize in the treatment of drug and alcohol abuse.

Brookdale will provide you with a comprehensive treatment experience that is customized to fit your needs. Addiction wants to keep you isolated, but here, you will realize that you are never alone. Our team understands your struggles, as many have been where you are, and we only hope to show what a life…recovered is all about.

Call us today at 855-575-1292 to find out more about our programs, services, and how we can help.