Amphetamine Addiction

Amphetamine AddictionAmphetamine Addiction

Amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.  Brand names include Adderall, Dexedrine, Desoxyn, Vyvanse, and Benzedrine.  Although amphetamine is used as a medication, it is also commonly used as a performance enhancer and as a recreational drug.  Amphetamine is often referred to on the streets as speed.

 

Amphetamine Effects

Common effects of amphetamine abuse include hyperactivity, insomnia, restlesness, diarrhea, itchy skin, and acne.  At higher doses, amphetamine abuse may result in seizure, strokes, coma, or a heart attack.  Amphetamine overdose can be fatal, especially as these symptoms occur.  As amphetamine is a stimulant, these physical effects make it appealing to athletes, students, and workers.  People take amphetamine to increase energy, reactivity, and productivity.

Psychological effects of amphetamine are euphoria, anxiety, increased libido, increased focus, heightened energy, talkativity, and possibile irritation.  With higher doses or prolonged abuse, amphetamine may produce paranoia, obsessive behaviors, agression, and amphetamine psychosis.

Amphetamine Withdrawal

Withdrawal effects of amphetamine use may occur even with therapeutic doses.  At recreational doses, amphetamine abuse results in much more serious withdrawal effects.  The most common effects of amphetamine withdrawal are fatigue, depression, increased appetite, anxiety, agitation, and suicidal thoughts.  The severity of amphetamine withdrawal depends upon the length of use, general dose, and frequency of use.

Amphetamine Addiction

As with any addiction, amphetamine becomes more addictive over time.  Speed is known for causing tolerance to grow rapidly, forcing the user to take higher doses to achieve desired effects.  Because of this, amphetamine dependence builds quickly.  Psychological dependence can build within a few weeks of abuse, and physical dependence within only a month.

Because amphetamine addicts must take more and more in order to get as high as they want, amphetamine quickly becomes an expensive habit.  Because of this, thievery is a common symptom of amphetamine addiction.  Other signs of amphetamine addiction in a loved one include weight loss, strange sleeping habits, anxiety, irritation, and paranoia.

Amphetamine Detox and Amphetamine Treatment

The first step of amphetamine treatment is a detoxification process. Amphetamine detox is best done with medical professionals.  Because of the effects of insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, and depression, users are vulnerable to relapse while detoxing.  As an amphetamine addict is going through detox, they often feel that the only thing that will make them feel better is more amphetamine.

At a detox facility, amphetamine abusers find the help they need to cleanse their minds and bodies of the dangerous chemical.  Experienced professionals provide the care needed for a healthy detox.  Medical detox centers supply the safest, most comfortable way for an amphetamine addict to detox.

Amphetamine treatment does not end with detox.  In order for addicts to stay sober, a treatment program is highly recommended.  Amphetamine produces a lasting effect on the human brain, and to overcome this serious addiction, serious action must be taken.  If you or someone you know is addicted to amphetamine, you may contact us confidentially for advice or placement.

 

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