In this article, we will explore what amphetamine addiction is, its prevalence, signs and symptoms, the impact on health and lifestyle, as well as the process of addiction treatment. Given that amphetamines can be prescribed, it’s common for individuals to overlook the potential for addiction these potent stimulants hold. They accelerate heart rate, can cause a surge in blood pressure, and lead to rapid breathing. The intense euphoria they induce often prompts users to consume more to maintain the sensation. They can be prescribed as a medical treatment for issues such as hyperactivity disorders like ADHD, narcolepsy, and asthma.
Amphetamine Use Disorder Treatment
The classification answered part of why is cocaine illegal drug by defining cocaine as dangerous and widely misused. It provides a quick and intense high but it is considered “low tolerance” which means that more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effect. Amphetamines are commonly prescribed for ADHD because they can help increase attention span and focus. They do this by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine Amphetamine Addiction and norepinephrine.
Physical and cognitive signs
Once you’ve been addicted to a drug, you’re at high risk of falling back into a pattern of addiction. If you do start using the drug, it’s likely you’ll lose control over its use again — even if you’ve had treatment Alcoholics Anonymous and you haven’t used the drug for some time. The best way to prevent an addiction to a drug is not to take the drug at all.
Amphetamine Addiction: Symptoms, Signs and Side Effects
He obtained his medical degree from West Virginia University where he also completed his residency training, finishing as chief resident. Dr. Wakim co-founded and served as the CEO of Transformations leading to a successful merger with Shore Capital in May 2021. He is purpose driven towards improving the standard of and removing stigma related to behavioral healthcare. Dr. Wakim enjoys golf, traveling and time spent with his two dogs, Lulu and Rayna. Over time, chronic use of amphetamines causes neuroadaptive changes in the brain, resulting in tolerance, dependence, and difficulty experiencing pleasure without the drug.
It may be done by family and friends in consultation with a health care provider or mental health professional such as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, or directed by an intervention professional. It involves family and friends and sometimes co-workers, clergy or others who care about the person struggling with addiction. 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. Amphetamine abuse, like any addiction, often leads to a decline in the individual’s physical health over time. Unlike some other illicit drugs, amphetamines may not produce immediately noticeable changes in a person’s appearance.
- He called it beta-phenylisopropylamine which to this day is still used for amphetamine.
- Amphetamine addiction rehabilitation programs may involve individual counseling, group therapy, and participation in support groups.
- Europe registers similarly concerning trends, especially among club and party scenes, while parts of Asia and Australia face rising methamphetamine-related health emergencies.
- Psychological signs of amphetamine addiction can significantly impact an individual’s mental well-being and interpersonal relationships.
- These life-threatening reactions support federal decisions explaining why is cocaine illegal drug in the United States.
When use stops, the nervous system must reset — and that’s when withdrawal symptoms hit. The propensity to develop an addiction may be higher in individuals who have family members with a history of substance abuse. Studies indicate that genetics play a significant role, especially among immediate relatives, suggesting a hereditary component to susceptibility. If you’re not ready to approach a health care provider or mental health professional, help lines or hotlines may be a good place to learn about treatment.
When you call the number listed on this ad, your call will be answered by Treatment X, a licensed addiction treatment provider and paid advertiser on AddictionResource.net. Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. It is important to stay with the person who is overdosing until help arrives because the person may have to be resuscitated if they have a heart attack or their lungs stop working. Finally, pacing and other signs of agitation will become visible since the high dose of amphetamines will make it difficult to relax or sit still.
This addiction leads to strained relationships, social and financial instability, due to the high costs of obtaining the drug and engaging in risky activities. Neglecting responsibilities has a devastating impact on mental health and overall quality of life. As the Admissions Coordinator at Missouri Behavioral Health, I bring over five years of experience in the treatment field, helping individuals and families navigate the first steps toward recovery. I am passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment for those seeking help, understanding that reaching out can often be the hardest part of the journey. At Missouri Behavioral Health, James’s mission is to expand access to high-quality, person-centered mental health and substance use treatment across the state.
Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. Eventually, they may shift their focus from their previous priorities to focus on obtaining and using the drug. The individual may start doing anything they can to get more drugs, including stealing from other people or trying to visit different doctors to obtain a prescription. One of the most common signs someone is on amphetamines and possibly abusing them is talkativeness. When someone uses these drugs, their brain is stimulated, which can lead them to talk a lot, and quickly.
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