Amphetamine Addiction Treatment
What Are Amphetamines and How Do They Work?
Commonly prescribed to those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), amphetamines can increase an individual’s ability to focus and concentrate. They are also used to treat narcolepsy, a condition that causes people to fall asleep unintentionally.
As noted above, when amphetamines are administered, they enhance energy levels. It is this ‘energy boost’ that individuals seek out and become dependent on. Although people of all ages are at risk of abusing amphetamine and becoming addicted to the drug, it is common to find teenagers and young adults at school and college misusing amphetamines such as Adderall.
Amphetamines are usually found in tablet, powder, paste, crystal, and liquid form and are administered orally, via injection, snorting, or smoking.
There are many different names for amphetamines, some of the most common in the U.S. are:
Bennies
Crank
Chalk
Speed
Uppers
Zip
Why Are Amphetamines Addictive?
Amphetamines are among the most addictive drugs in the world. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes them as Schedule II controlled substances. This means they have limited medical use and carry a high risk of dependency. Due to this risk, the DEA restricts refills of amphetamine. Instead, a doctor must prescribe a new dose for them to be made available.
However, people are still able to access illegal and dangerous quantities of amphetamines. According to research by NCDAS, this results in 4.9 million people abusing prescription stimulants every year.
Regular use of amphetamines makes people more susceptible to addiction. An addiction develops when an individual begins using the drug to feel high or improve performance. Over time, the body and brain become addicted to the stimulant, leaving many reliant on it to cope with everyday life.
It should be noted that taking a prescribed amount of amphetamine drugs as advised by a medical professional does not usually lead to addiction.
Dangers of Amphetamine Abuse
Amphetamines can have harmful effects on the body, especially if they are abused. In addition to having a physical and psychological impact, they give way to many behavioral problems that impair a user’s work performance, education, and social life.
Some dangers of amphetamine abuse include:
- Strong cravings for the drug
- Irritability and mood swings
- Lack of impulse control
- Hyperactivity and restlessness
- Rapid speech and thought patterns
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- Anxiety, depression and agitation
- Difficulty falling/staying asleep
- Excessive risk-taking behaviors
- Paranoia and delusions
- Unexplained weight loss
- Dilated pupils
- Strange or unpredictable behavior
- Money troubles due to use
- Repetitive behaviors
- Abusing other drugs/alcohol
- Loss of interest in activities
- Spending large amounts of money
Using Amphetamines Contrary to Directions
Using an amphetamine in a different way from how it was prescribed may be a sign of addiction. When prescribed, amphetamines are swallowed, which can cause a mild high. However, when abused, many people will crush the pills into powder form before snorting them. Doing so provides a stronger and faster high.
In addition, many people will dissolve the powder of amphetamines to create a liquid form of the drug. From here, it is injected. This method creates an almost immediate, intense high. These illegal ways of using the drug are considered an indicator of drug abuse.
Changes in Metabolism
Amphetamines can have a suppressing effect on your appetite, making those who abuse the drug feel less hungry. They can also cause the body to burn calories at a faster rate than normal.
Increased Anxiety and Insomnia
Amphetamines create such a drastic spike in chemical activity in the brain that it becomes difficult for the mind and body to switch off. Therefore, insomnia and increased anxiety are among the most frequent side effects of addiction.
Under the influence of amphetamines, many appear energetic and jittery as the drug has a speeding effect on the body. However, when it is wearing off, it is not uncommon to feel lethargic and depressed.
Increased Heart Rate and Breathing
Amphetamines speed up processes within the body that the central nervous system controls. This means that normal bodily functions, such as breathing and heart rate, may increase with drug use.
Amphetamine Detox
The first step in the recovery process is detox. When detox takes place, harmful toxins associated with amphetamine use are removed from the body.
It is entirely normal for changes in an individual’s behavior and psychological state throughout the detox process to occur. This is because brain chemistry is forced to adapt. As amphetamine use reduces and an individual stops using drugs, the brain can go into shock. Leaving many people feeling that their brain isn’t functioning correctly, this side effect can be extremely challenging. For many people, this is the hardest part of recovery.
Various therapies can be used during this initial detox phase to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The detoxification process generally lasts between one and two weeks and typically takes place under professional medical supervision.
At NP Addiction Clinic, we guide all our clients through the detox process in the most compassionate way possible. Our team is available twenty-four hours a day to monitor health and well-being. They can also prescribe any medication that may be required.
Amphetamine Addiction Treatment
At NP Addiction Clinic, we recognize that every person is unique, and their experience with addiction is too. However deep into addiction you are, support is available.
Unbeknown to many, detox is just the first step in the recovery journey. A full recovery requires those progressing through treatment to identify the root of the addictive behavior and develop coping mechanisms to manage them.
The most successful healing is holistic healing, which considers an individual’s well-being and provides necessary treatment for mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or stress. As these underlying disorders often perpetuate addiction, treating them leaves many able to make a long-term recovery.
Providing personalized treatment programs tailored entirely to each person’s needs, we aim to give everyone the best chance of achieving their recovery goals. Focusing on personal growth, we help our clients by incorporating 12-step groups and creative therapies to help them reconnect with themselves physically and emotionally.
Our evidence-based treatment approaches include:
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Support groups
Art therapy
Music therapy
Recreational therapy
Medication
When you choose to embark on your recovery journey, you must remind yourself that you are not alone. Some of us at NPAC have also experienced recovery.
With our medical excellence, compassionate care, extensive knowledge and understanding, and unyielding respect, you can find an alternative to addiction.
Contact us today to discuss your needs with us. In doing so, our team can provide you with the support you need.
Why Choose NP Addiction Clinic?
Why our St. Lucie County rehab and mental health center is right for you and your loved ones.
24-Hour Support
We are dedicated to helping people heal, recover and live better lives, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Count on us to be there when you need us most.
On-Site Detox
Mental Health Treatment Pros
Aftercare and Alumni Support
Our aftercare, alumni support and MAT programs are second to none. We’re invested in your recovery and wellness for the long haul.
Let’s Talk Today
The Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic is committed to delivering the best amphetamine addiction treatment available. We can help you or the one you love too, but you need to make the first move. Call us now at (888) 574-3506 or send us a message using this form.
