Drugs within the amphetamine category are known as stimulants as they stimulate or excite the central nervous system (CNS). Methamphetamine, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine are all members of this group.

Often, doctors prescribe medications that contain amphetamine to patients who have been diagnosed with narcolepsy or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People may use amphetamine drugs in order to stay awake and alert or to curb their appetite.

Some common prescription drugs that contain amphetamine are Adderall, Focalin, Ritalin, and Dexedrine.

How Does Amphetamine Dependence Develop?

Although prescription amphetamine drugs seem to help those who are living with ADHD or narcolepsy, they sometimes lead to substance use disorder problems. The effects of amphetamine can be similar to those of cocaine, an illicit and extremely addictive substance.

Unfortunately, many people find themselves depending on amphetamine drugs after constant use. It can become hard to feel “normal” without using these substances. As a result, individuals may begin to misuse amphetamine drugs and, eventually, become addicted to them.

Thankfully, though, professional detox and treatment programs can help people who are struggling with amphetamine addiction! Education is one of the first steps toward recovery. So, it may help to learn more about amphetamine use and dependency as you begin your journey to a new life.

More On the Development of Amphetamine Addiction

Many individuals begin using amphetamines in order to treat various conditions in their bodies. But, in some cases, individuals misuse and become dependent on amphetamine drugs. Some even use the drugs illegally, using prescription amphetamines that don’t belong to them or buying illicit amphetamine drugs (i.e. methamphetamine).

After using these substances for a while, people often become dependent on the drugs’ effects. Amphetamines stimulate the central nervous system. They cause feelings of alertness and help to keep people awake.

These drugs also increase blood flow and speed up the heart rate. Amphetamine drugs tend to cause euphoria, a feeling of happiness, elation, or relaxation.

Amphetamines are often very quick at producing these results. But, once the pleasant effects wear off, individuals may experience a “crash”, causing them to feel depressed or extremely sad. In order to avoid this feeling, some people may use more of the drug that made them feel euphoric.

This can lead them to misuse the substance, using it more often than advised and even seeking amphetamine drugs from others. Eventually, this drug misuse may lead to addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Amphetamine Addiction

Some of the common symptoms and signs of amphetamine misuse include the following:

Fatigue

Paranoia

Dizziness

Exhaustion

Depression

Moodiness

Hallucinations

Lack of appetite

Breathing problems

Increased heart rate

High blood pressure

Imbalance or lack of coordination

Violent or inappropriate behavior

Sleeping problems, including insomnia

When a person is suffering from an amphetamine use disorder, he or she may show a variety of the signs mentioned above. Sometimes, excessive and continuous amphetamine use can cause major damage to various parts of the body. Brain damage is one possibility. Also, amphetamine dependency can sometimes lead to kidney and heart problems.

How Amphetamine Addiction Impacts Life

The misuse of these drugs can also cause problems in relationships. People who are addicted to these substances may struggle to interact with friends and loved ones. They may become emotionally and socially withdrawn.

Financial problems might also occur because individuals may use their money to purchase more drugs. Some people may have trouble performing well at school or work because of their amphetamine addiction.

Many people use amphetamines regularly in order to treat health concerns, including obesity and ADHD. But, even though these substances are usually prescribed by medical professionals, they often become very problematic for those who use them frequently.

As mentioned earlier, people who use amphetamine drugs may start to depend on them. This happens because the body tends to get used to the way substances affect it. As a result, the body will begin to feel “abnormal” without that drug in its system.

It can be difficult for individuals to function properly. Focusing, concentrating, and communicating with others may become extremely challenging. These are early signs of withdrawal, which is an uncomfortable period following a time of drug use.

In order to feel “normal” again, people may use larger doses of amphetamine drugs than their doctors have recommended. This can cause very negative and harmful results for those who misuse drugs.

Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms

Some of the symptoms a person might feel while in withdrawal from amphetamine use might include the following:

Insomnia

Depression

Irritability

Nausea

Nightmares

Mood swings

Panic attacks

Exhaustion or fatigue

Bodily aches and pains

Sleep disturbances

Social withdrawal

Extreme increase in appetite

It’s important for individuals who are suffering from amphetamine misuse to end the problem as soon as possible. This will help to treat or prevent any of the problems that could occur as a result of continued substance use.

But, it’s important to avoid trying to detox and end substance use without professional help. In other words, it’s best not to try quitting amphetamine “cold turkey”. Many people attempt to end substance use on their own. But, this can be harmful and even fatal because of how intense withdrawal symptoms can be.

The withdrawal process can be extremely uncomfortable for those who are going through it. This is actually one of the main reasons why some individuals relapse and resort back to amphetamine misuse. Sadly, this is the story for many people.

But, this doesn’t have to be the story of your life. You can overcome amphetamine misuse for good. Addiction can become a part of your past rather than your present and future!

Treating Amphetamine Addiction

When it comes to treating addiction, it’s important to understand the various approaches to treatment. Many people experience uncertainty and even fear when they begin to consider getting help for substance use disorders. But, gaining an understanding of what treatment entails and how it works to help end addiction can grant comfort and peace to those who are seeking and needing help.

Firstly, the treatment and recovery processes typically begin with detoxification. Also known as detox, this process often involves medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This means individuals work to end substance use with the help of medications and under the supervision of medical professionals. These medications can help to make the withdrawal process safer and more comfortable, enabling people to focus solely on their recovery rather than their discomfort.

After a medication-assisted detox, individuals may transition to an ambulatory detox program. This is an outpatient treatment that allows people to continue receiving the help they need without having to remain at the facility. However, there are also cases in which individuals may benefit more from a residential or inpatient treatment approach.

Often, those who are striving to recover from substance dependence need assistance from an intensive program. This is where residential programs can help. Sometimes called inpatient programs, residential programs enable people to have access to around-the-clock professional and medical care. Those who enroll in residential treatment for addiction live at their recovery center during the time when they’re receiving treatment.

While living at a treatment facility, individuals can gain the skills they need for recovery during group and individual therapy sessions. They can also work through the effects of trauma or other mental health disorders or disturbances. Residential treatment can also help to distance people from any harmful environments that may surround them at home or in their communities. This enables them to concentrate on their recovery without distractions or negative influences.

An outpatient treatment program for substance use disorder allows people to continue receiving treatment while living off-campus. This might mean that individuals live at home while getting addiction treatment. Or, those in an outpatient program may live in a sober living environment or other safe, drug-free environment.

While in an outpatient treatment program, individuals can continue to take advantage of group and individual therapy. They may also be able to continue getting the help they need for mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders.

Many people who complete an inpatient program continue their treatment through an outpatient program. Also, some complete detox and then proceed to get treatment through this type of program. The type of program a person enters depends on his or her needs and the severity of the addiction. So, it is important to seek professional guidance when deciding on which program is best for you.

Get the Help You Deserve Today!

Whether you’re suffering from alcohol dependence, illicit drug use, or prescription drug misuse, there is hope. Addiction can cause you to feel helpless and alone. But, please know that we are here to help you overcome this challenge in your life!

Here at Sana Lake Recovery Center, we believe. We believe that you deserve to live a life that is free from addiction. We believe that you deserve the peace that comes through recovery. And we believe that you can and will recover completely!

Our mission is to make these beliefs realities in your life. We want to help you break free from the bondage of substance use disorder and addiction. In order to begin walking on the road to recovery, all you need to do is give us a call.

We know that recovering from substance use disorder can be very challenging. That’s why we work to address every one of your needs along the way. Our compassionate faculty and team members are here to work with you. Let us walk with you as you pursue a new and healthier way of life. Start your detox and treatment process by contacting us today!