It is important for addicts to seek help before too much damage is done. Continued overuse of the drug can result in permanently reduced mental functioning. The paranoia and psychosis caused by heavy amphetamine use can lead addicts to either accidentally or purposefully harm themselves or others. In addition to the symptoms above, people who use these drugs also have an increased risk of getting HIV and hepatitis B and C, either through sharing used needles with someone who has an infection, or because drug use can lead to unsafe behaviors such as having unprotected sex. Dangers of Amphetamine AbuseĪbuse of amphetamines can be dangerous in a variety of ways. Long-term users of amphetamines also experience dysthymia, an affective disorder which features a chronically depressed or irritable mood. Mood and emotional problems such as aggressive or violent behavior.Memory loss and problems thinking clearly.
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Heart problems such as fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure.National Library of Medicine lists a number of much less pleasant effects caused by amphetamines, such as: In addition to the effects above, the U.S. Wanting to be with and talk to people (more sociable).Feeling more in control, self-confident.Feeling as if your thinking is extremely clear.Joy (euphoria, or “flash” or “rush”) and less inhibition, similar to being drunk.National Library of Medicine, using amphetamines may cause pleasurable effects such as: People use them to stay awake, increase focus, or improve physical performance.Īmphetamines also causes the brain to release dopamine, which is commonly known as the feel-good brain chemical. They work to speed up the messages between your brain and your body to make you feel more alert and energetic. Whatever form they take, amphetamines are stimulant drugs. They come in a variety of different forms, and can be swallowed, injected or smoked. Understanding Amphetamine AbuseĪmphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine go by many names when used illegally-speed, uppers, dexies, crystal, glass, meth, liquid red and more. However, many people use amphetamines illegally, or use illegal forms of the drug, which can lead to addiction and death. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications to help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and aggression.When legally prescribed by a doctor, amphetamines can be safely used to treat conditions such as obesity, narcolepsy, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some doctors may prescribe naltrexone to help with your cravings. Your doctor may prescribe medication to ease severe symptoms of withdrawal. get support from others with use disorder as they understand what you’re going through, sometimes in a 12-step treatment program.
discover activities you enjoy in place of amphetamine use.develop strategies to avoid amphetamine use.identify the feelings associated with amphetamine use.Individual counseling, family therapy, and group therapy can help you: Hospitalization may also help if you have negative mood changes, including aggression and suicidal behavior. If you experience strong drug cravings, you may find it easier to go through amphetamine withdrawal in a hospital setting. Treatments for amphetamine use disorder may include a combination of the following: Hospitalization You miss out on or don’t go to as many recreational, social, or work activities because of your amphetamine use. You may continue to crave the stimulant even though you know they’re causing persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems. You may be unsuccessful at cutting down or stopping your use of amphetamines. You may need to use a similar drug to relieve or avoid amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. You’ve built up a tolerance if you need larger doses of amphetamines to achieve the same effect that lower doses once created. You may have amphetamine use disorder if you’ve experienced three or more of the following symptoms within the same 12-month period: Buildup of tolerance perform a physical exam and order tests to detect health problems caused by amphetamine use.take blood tests to detect amphetamines in your system.ask you questions about how much and how long you’ve been using amphetamines.To diagnose amphetamine use disorder, your doctor may: