Amphetamine Addiction and Treatment

Amphetamine addiction is common, as this category of drugs is used both as prescriptions and commonly abused as recreational drugs. These are very addictive substances. Anybody from college students to successful businesspeople to athletes and hardcore drug users can easily become an Adderall abuser or a methamphetamine addict, and treatment often involves a detox period followed by inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, with long-term mental health care and support.

What Are Amphetamines?

Amphetamines are drugs that stimulate the brain and the central nervous system, often prescribed for people with medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. These drugs speed up the metabolism and enhance the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing alertness and helping people stay awake. They have a high potential for abuse and are therefore classified as Schedule II substances by the DEA.

There are several types of amphetamines that vary in chemical structure, and they can come in liquid, pill, tablet, powder, and paste form. Some of the most commonly used amphetamines are:

• Amphetamine – street names include gooey, louee, speed, uppers, and whiz
• Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine or Adderall) or Dextromethylphenidate (Ritalin) – street names include kiddie speed, pep pills, or uppers
• Methamphetamine (crystal meth) – street names include base, crystal, ice, meth, speed, pure, wax or fast, or in liquid form it is called leopard’s blood, liquid red, ox blood, or red speed
• MDMA – street names include Molly or ecstasy

Whether it is a prescription drug, an illegal drug, or a club drug, these substances have a high risk of creating dependence when abused. They may be swallowed, snorted, injected, smoked, or the powder or paste may be dabbed on the gums.

Amphetamine Effects

Some common effects of amphetamines include:

• A rush of activity
• Euphoric effects
• Mental alertness
• Focus
• Improved short-term performance
• Rapid heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased blood sugar
• Decreased blood flow to organs

There is also a risk when taking the drug of serious health issues and harmful effects like developing a severely high body temperature, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

Signs of Amphetamine Abuse and Addiction

Some common warning signs of amphetamine abuse and addiction include:

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to cut back on using the drug
• Continuing to use the drug even when it causes problems in your life
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Digestive issues
• Insomnia
• An inability to keep up with responsibilities at work, home, and school
• Having difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships
• Spending a lot of time using the drug or trying to find more
• Having cravings for the drug or feeling like you can’t get through a long period of time without it

Amphetamine addiction can also cause aggression and mood swings, as well as paranoia and anxiety, or you may experience hallucinations and other serious mental health issues that can be exacerbated by substance abuse and using amphetamine drugs.

Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms

Common withdrawal symptoms when it comes to amphetamine drugs include:

• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating and memory loss
• Increased appetite
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation

Severe amphetamine and Adderall withdrawal signs and symptoms may include:

• Cardiac problems and chest pain
• Seizures
• Serious headaches

If you are addicted to Adderall or other amphetamine drugs, you may wish to enter a medical detox program to help you through these difficult Adderall withdrawal symptoms in a safe and effective way. This type of detox plan can help you avoid medical issues, pain, and distress through a combination of prescription medications, medical care, therapy, counseling, and holistic treatments so you do not suffer needlessly as your body cleanses itself of toxins and rebalances your brain chemistry.

Long-Term Side Effects of Amphetamine Abuse

Long-term side effects of amphetamine drug abuse and addiction include:

• Damage to blood vessels and the heart
• Organ and tissue damage due to high body temperatures
• Unhealthy eating habits and malnutrition
• Dental diseases
• Skin damage

Amphetamine Addiction Treatment

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we offer addiction treatments for amphetamine abuse and substance use disorders with integrated treatments throughout the full continuum of care, from detox and inpatient rehab (residential treatment) in our recovery center to outpatient rehab that includes a comprehensive intensive outpatient program, partial hospitalization programs, and customized outpatient rehab programs, preventing relapse through individual and group therapy, behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis programs, high-quality patient care, and family therapy. We also offer peer support, 12-step group participation, education, and alumni group support. Amphetamine addiction is not a life sentence, and with Resurgence, we can help you overcome your addiction and start down the road to recovery, one step at a time.

Our Amphetamine addiction treatment center provides comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment through a multitude of Amphetamine addiction treatment programs and addiction therapy services. Upon your admission into a Amphetamine addiction treatment center, our addiction treatment professionals will determine the unique underlying mental health conditions that cause your addiction to Amphetamines. Our addiction therapy services and addiction treatment programs in California include:

• Medication Assisted Treatment
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
• 12 Step Recovery Program
• Smart recovery
• Virtual Therapy