Amphetamine Addiction: Everything You Need to Know

According to research, more than 35 million people suffer from addiction. Addictive components are chemicals impacting the functioning of the body. Individuals dealing with amphetamine addiction focus only on the high that they get from the substance. They are likely to avoid their professional and personal responsibility and focus on their drugs. It’s important to seek medical intervention to prevent the matter from getting worse, which could be fatal. At Cadabam’s, one of India’s largest and most trusted rehabilitation centers, we provide comprehensive amphetamine abuse treatment plans that include supported employment, vocational training, post-treatment support, rehabilitation psychotherapy, and medication management to fully address the issues from the core. We have a multi-specialty team that has extensive experience in helping patients with amphetamine addiction. Get in touch with us today and seek proper help. Call us at +91 96111 94949. You can even email us at info@cadabams.org.

What is Amphetamine?

Amphetamine is a form of synthetic stimulant type drug. It can provide a feeling of high competence to the individual’s central nervous system. In this period of time, the body might feel increased concentration and energy. Earlier, amphetamine was used to treat mental health conditions. It can treat conditions such as alcohol hangovers, weight loss, narcolepsy condition, and ADHD.

Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Desoxyn, Vyvanse. These are just some of the commonly known amphetamines that people consume for various problems. It can be used for hyperactivity, ADHD-related issues, to focus, and for narcolepsy. Even though Amphetamine is such a commonly used drug, a lot of people don’t realize that it is an addictive drug and can be easily abused.

As amphetamines are Central Nervous System stimulants, they help induce wakefulness and serve as diet aids, as well as amphetamine use causes weight loss. It is very common for college students to use amphetamine drugs like Adderall to stay awake during exams and to increase focus and concentration. But treatment for amphetamine addiction can help people get through this and live a quality life.

What is Amphetamine Dependence?

Before we understand what amphetamine dependence is, it is important to recognize the difference between dependence and addiction. When we diagnose a person with drug dependence, we are referring to a physical dependence on the substance. This is observed through symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal. 

Similarly, amphetamine dependence is a stimulant use disorder that occurs due to the persistent consumption of the drug to maintain daily functioning. On abruptly stopping the consumption of this drug, you may experience amphetamine withdrawal symptoms characteristic of amphetamine dependence. 

Now, although there is a possibility of being dependent and not addicted, in most cases, addiction is a probable consequence. This condition is characterized by biochemical changes in the brain resulting in marked behavioural changes. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective amphetamine addiction recovery strategies.

Watch this video to get a comprehensive overview of addiction:

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What Causes Amphetamine Dependence?

As with any other drug, using amphetamines for a long period can lead to dependence. It is important to keep in mind that the duration between drug use and dependence can be shorter for some people as compared to others. 

Further, amphetamine dependency can be caused by consuming the drug without a prescription, consuming more than the prescribed dosage, or even sticking to the dosage prescribed by the doctor. If you have easy access to the drug, lead a stressful life, or struggle with mental health conditions (depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, etc.), you are at a higher risk of developing amphetamine dependence.

How Are Amphetamines Abused?

Amphetamines are misused in various ways. Some individuals simply take the pills for a mild high, while others crush and snort them for a quicker, more intense effect. The most rapid method involves dissolving the powder in water and injecting it, which delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, producing an immediate and strong high.

Amphetamines are also commonly used off-label by students as a study aid, believing that the drug's ability to increase energy and focus will improve their academic performance. However, studies have shown that, despite users feeling more focused, their actual performance does not improve and may even worsen. This misuse can escalate into more severe, illicit use aimed at achieving high sensations.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Amphetamine Addiction?

While recognising addiction may not always be easy, learning about the symptoms can go a long way in acknowledging the condition and beginning the journey to recovery. Here are the main symptoms of amphetamine addiction-

• Taking the drug in higher and more frequent doses
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Insomnia
• Digestive upset
• Mood swings
• Aggression
• Paranoia and anxiety
• Visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Being unable to control or reduce drug use 
• Experiencing cravings to engage in substance use 
• Difficulties in meeting personal, social, and occupational obligations 
• Withdrawing from social and occupational activities
• Experiencing tolerance and amphetamine withdrawal symptoms
• Consuming the drug despite the physical and psychological consequences 

If you or a loved one are facing such symptoms, reaching out to a professional and seeking their expertise is essential.

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Side Effects Associated With Amphetamines

Amphetamines can cause a range of short-term and long-term side effects due to their impact on the body. Here's a summary of these effects:

Short-Term Effects of Amphetamine Addiction:

• Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: These changes can stress the cardiovascular system.
• High Body Temperature: Elevated temperatures can harm organs and tissues.
• Muscle Issues: Users may experience loss of muscle control, spasms, or tics.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping is common.
• Mood Swings: Emotional instability can occur.
• Low Appetite: This can lead to decreased food intake.

Long-Term Effects of Amphetamine Addiction:

• Cardiovascular Damage: Sustained high blood pressure may result in prolonged harm to the heart and blood vessels.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Chronic low appetite can result in malnutrition, affecting overall health and brain function.
• Dental Problems: Methamphetamine use is particularly known for causing severe dental issues, including major tooth loss and infections, due to poor diet and reduced saliva production.

Skin Damage: Users might experience hallucinations of something crawling under their skin, leading to skin picking and sores that do not heal easily due to compromised blood circulation.Risk Associated with Amphetamine Addiction?

As a type of stimulant, amphetamines can be highly addictive. There are several risks associated with it. Some of these include the following-

• Memory loss
• Lack of concentration 
• Hallucinations 
• Aggressive or violent behaviour 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Depression
• Suicidal tendencies
• Tremors 
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite 
• Insomnia 
• Tooth decay
• Risk of contracting HIV or other infectious diseases

In the long run, excessive use of amphetamines can also lead to overdose and death. 

Diagnosis of Amphetamine Dependence

To diagnose amphetamine dependence, doctors typically:

• Ask about your usage patterns, including how much and how long you've been using amphetamines.
• Conduct blood tests to check for amphetamines in your system.
• Conduct a physical exam and additional tests to look for health issues related to amphetamine use.

You might be diagnosed with amphetamine use disorder if you exhibit three or more of the following symptoms within a year:

• Increased Tolerance: More of the drug is needed to achieve the same effects.
• Mental Health Impact: Symptoms like depression, anxiety, fatigue.
• Use Despite Problems: Using the drug despite its negative effects.
• Inability to Stop: Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop usage.
• Social and Recreational Sacrifice: Less involvement in social or work activities.

Amphetamine Abuse Treatment and Addiction

Treating amphetamine abuse and addiction can be tough due to the brain changes that happen with long-term use. The intense depression and loss of pleasure when stopping the drug often make it hard to avoid relapsing. However, certain therapies can really help people manage their behavior and recognize what triggers their drug use, which is crucial for amphetamine addiction recovery. These therapies include:

• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medications like naltrexone and others to manage amphetamine withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, anxiety, depression, and aggression.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This psychotherapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns.
• Motivational Interviewing: Enhances motivation to resist drug use.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Helps manage emotions and reduce conflict in relationships.
• Family Counseling: Involves family members in the recovery process.
• Addiction Education: Provides information about drug effects and coping strategies.
• Peer Support or 12-Step Group Participation: Offers community support and shared experiences.
• Hospitalization: Hospitalization can be beneficial for managing strong drug cravings, mood changes, aggression, and suicidal behavior during amphetamine withdrawal.

By choosing a well-respected amphetamine abuse treatment program based on solid research, people who have battled with amphetamine addiction stand a better chance of recovering and building a life free from amphetamine drug abuse.

Enhancing Recovery Outcomes with Cadabams' Integrated Approach

An integrated approach to amphetamine addiction recovery boosts success by combining medical interventions, therapy, and community support. This holistic method tackles immediate withdrawal effects and cravings while fostering long-term health and relapse prevention, enhancing overall recovery outcomes.

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabams Anunitha’s De-Addiction Centre can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic amphetamine abuse treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage amphetamine drug addiction. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 96111 94949.