Amphetamine Use Disorder Definition, Symptoms, and Causes

Recovery from amphetamine addiction is a lifelong process that requires ongoing support. After completing formal treatment programs, individuals can benefit from aftercare services, such as continued counseling, relapse prevention strategies, and community support groups. Young adults, particularly those in their late teens and early twenties, are more likely to experiment with amphetamines. The allure of increased energy, enhanced focus, and heightened euphoria can be enticing to individuals in this age group. However, what starts as experimentation can quickly spiral into addiction, leading to devastating consequences for their physical and mental well-being.

• He called it beta-phenylisopropylamine which to this day is still used for amphetamine.
• However, using amphetamines without a prescription, or using them for reasons other than prescribed, such as to enhance mood or performance, can lead to addiction.
• The half-life of a drug refers to the time it takes for the drug’s concentration in the bloodstream to reduce by half of its original amount.
• This may result in a clinician misinterpreting symptoms that may also be present from a comorbid disorder.

Amphetamines, which are a class of stimulant-based drugs including methamphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methylphenidate, have a long history and wide array of applications. These substances, which can be illicit or prescription-based, were first discovered in 1887 and induce a range of physical and psychological effects. In addition, prolonged meth use can have severe physical and psychological effects, so it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Medical Professionals

Detoxification typically lasts a week, while comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery take several months to years. Amphetamine abuse has severe long-term effects on both physical and mental health. Physically, it leads to cardiovascular issues, malnutrition, and brain damage, affecting overall cognitive function and well-being. Furthermore, long-term amphetamine use may contribute to mental health disorders, such as depression and psychosis.

Recognizing these signs can be the first step toward seeking help and recovery for oneself or a loved one grappling with amphetamine addiction. Dexedrine contains dextroamphetamine, one of amphetamine’s two primary active ingredients, the other being levoamphetamine, as outlined by the Food and Drug Administration. Dextroamphetamine is considered more potent than its counterpart levoamphetamine and even amphetamine itself. Methamphetamine, another compound structurally similar to amphetamine, is known for its stronger and more euphoric effects, though it is illicit and carries a Amphetamine Addiction high risk of addiction and severe harm.

What is amphetamine addiction?

Amphetamine toxicity occurs when the drug accumulates in the body to dangerous levels, overwhelming the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms. Immediate medical attention is required in cases of suspected amphetamine toxicity or overdose. In terms of its effects on the brain, amphetamine primarily acts by increasing the activity of certain neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. This leads to heightened alertness, increased focus, and elevated mood. However, chronic use can disrupt the natural balance of these neurotransmitters, leading to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

Amphetamine Addiction & Abuse

In addition to these symptoms, it is also likely that amphetamine use will cause a euphoric high, an increased sex drive, feelings of well-being and grandiosity, and feelings of increased focus. Amphetamine abuse symptoms are more far-reaching than many people may realize. Being able to identify specific symptoms is key to identifying addiction in yourself or a loved one. One cardinal sign of amphetamine abuse is the presence of paraphernalia for snorting or smoking amphetamines. Snorting paraphernalia may include straws, pen casings or rolled-up dollar bills and mirrors with powdery residue on them. Smoking paraphernalia may include tin foil, soda cans or light bulbs with yellowish residue, glass pipes and butane lighters or torches.

Withdrawal symptoms are a common consequence of discontinuing the use of any physically addictive drug, including amphetamines. When an individual stops taking amphetamines, their body, having grown accustomed to a certain dosage over time, finds its systems, especially the central nervous system, struggling to operate as usual. It is important to note that this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

• However, those close to the individual might observe subtle shifts that hint at abuse.
• 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.
• Amphetamines may be prescribed to treat conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy.
• It is important to tackle this problem as early as possible because recovery is possible and healthier life is just within reach for addicts.
• Individuals suffering from a substance abuse disorder like amphetamine addiction may try to discontinue their drug use but often fail due to the adverse withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings.

Many dealers or manufacturers cut it with other substances to stretch the supply. Cutting agents lower the quality of the drug and make it even more dangerous since you don’t know what’s in it. Common meth slang names include Speed, Ice, Crank, Cristina, Trash, and Chalk, to name a few. 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.

The Impact of Amphetamine Addiction on Health and Lifestyle

This is because Adderall works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the central nervous system. In addition, taking psychoactive drugs like Adderall and mixing them with alcohol poses a great risk. Whether an Adderall and alcohol overdose happens accidentally or on purpose, it can lead to death. They are legal when they are prescribed by a health care provider and used to treat health problems such as obesity, narcolepsy, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Polysubstance abuse involves the use of multiple substances that intensifies the effects of a single drug. The consequences of polysubstance abuse are often adverse with alcohol being commonly used in combination with other drugs.

A person’s age, body, gender, drug intake, and metabolism are all key factors. The first step is an assessment to evaluate the extent of the addiction and any underlying issues. This helps determine whether inpatient or outpatient care is the most suitable option and ensures the treatment plan meets individual needs. The causes of amphetamine addiction are intricate and multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological elements. At Compassion Behavioral Health, we’ll determine the best therapies for each patient’s specific lifestyle and needs.

The impact of stimulant abuse on the heart is particularly alarming, as years of overtaxing the heart muscle can compromise the cardiovascular function of even those who are otherwise healthy and robust. Individuals who are, or have been, addicted to amphetamine drugs face a significantly elevated risk of experiencing a heart attack compared to the general population. Amphetamine misuse often stems from a desire for super-human productivity or a greater sense of control. Illicit use has long been a problem on college campuses, where students abuse alcoholism symptoms the drugs to fuel late-night cram sessions and keep up with overly ambitious academic goals. For others, the high of amphetamines might simply offer a false sense of comfort.