What are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines addiction is a very serious problem. Amphetamines are a group of drugs classified in the stimulant category, meaning that they work to “increase alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevating blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Commonly known Amphetamines are Adderall, Ritalin, ProCentra, Dexedrine, and much more.
Amphetamines act on the central nervous system (CNS) to produce feelings of motivation, attentiveness, and euphoria. These drugs work by affecting the particular chemicals in the brain and nerves that cause hyperactivity in individuals. Amphetamines are prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Narcolepsy (a sleep disorder), and even obesity.
Amphetamine salts (also known as Adderall or amphetamine salt combo) is a common Amphetamine prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. For example, Adderall may be prescribed to a student to help him or her concentrate and focus better in class.
How Does Amphetamines Addiction Affect the Body?
- Side effects — Common side effects of Amphetamines may include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, changes in eating patterns, dry mouth, restlessness, nosebleeds, dizziness, or headaches. More serious side effects of Amphetamines may include trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, usual behavior, changes in skin color, altered vision, or muscle weakness. Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, as well as hives and difficulty breathing, may be a sign of an allergic reaction to the drug. If symptoms are severe, call your doctor right away.
- Short-term effects — The short-term effects of Amphetamines may include an elevated body temperature, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, becoming talkative, feeling more self-confident, more energy, decrease in appetite, heart palpitations, feeling increasingly competent, and feeling better about the self.
- Long-term effects — There are many long-term effects of Amphetamines, making the drug dangerous to consumers when not used correctly and appropriately. These effects may include forming behavioral and psychological disorders, changes to the mental state, breathing problems, cardiac arrhythmias, ulcers, malnutrition and vitamin deficiency, skin problems, convulsions, loss of coordination, coma, and death.
Amphetamines Addiction
Amphetamines can become addictive when used for extended periods of time. The body may become dependent on the drug, meaning that it cannot function properly without it. When this happens, your body has formed an amphetamine dependence. You will know if you have developed an amphetamines addiction if you experience withdrawal symptoms; headaches, brain fog, shaking, or other unwanted symptoms in the absence of the drug.
You have developed an amphetamines addiction when your entire life begins to revolve around the drug. So, not only is your body dependent on the drug to function, but your mind is now involved, too. This may cause you to neglect personal obligations, form unhealthy relationships while breaking healthy ones, and miss out on important events. Addiction is a serious issue that consumes a person’s entire life and requires serious medical attention and help from other people to solve.
Treatment for Amphetamines Addiction
Amphetamines addiction can be treated in various ways. Addiction is something that an individual cannot handle on their own, so support from others is crucial to achieving long-term sobriety.
- Support groups — Group therapy is an effective way to help people suffering from Amphetamine addiction to be held accountable on their journey to recovery. A supportive network of individuals helps people stay on track while forming healthy relationships along the way.
- Counseling — Individual counseling and family counseling sessions help the suffering individual come to terms with their addiction. They learn to be honest with themselves and other people, allowing them to mend their broken relationships.
- Outpatient programs — These programs are for people who want to maintain their daily life while still going through addiction treatment. Individuals in outpatient programs may meet with a counselor once a week, meet for group therapy over a period, and do other activities to hold them accountable during the recovery process.
- Inpatient programs — Inpatient programs are ideal for individuals who want to escape from all temptations, distractions, and triggers that lead to their drug or alcohol addiction.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an amphetamines addiction, call A Forever Recovery at our toll-free number to see the many different treatment options that they have available for you. A Forever Recovery wants to help you on your way to long-term sobriety!