By the time a person realizes they are overdosing, it may be too late to get help. In many tragic cases, a person dies before they know that they were in danger. The epidemic around amphetamines is a big problem yet it does not get as much attention as the opioid crisis. Wider groups of the population are becoming susceptible to dependence on these drugs, particularly younger people, who the addiction may stay with through the most important years of their life. For instance, they will cause tachycardia by Amphetamine Addiction stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
The Prevalence of Amphetamine Addiction
Amphetamines are one of the most addictive drugs available, and especially risky when taken without following a careful prescription. Breaking away from an amphetamine addiction is a daunting task, but with the right help it is possible. In medical instances, amphetamines are used to treat conditions such as ADHD and narcolepsy, although they are taken for illicit recreational reasons. At one point, it was used to treat depression, but this changed when physicians realized that if not taken properly, this class of drug presents a high chance of being abused. Psychological symptoms involve drug-induced psychosis, agitation, excited delirium, anxiety and panic.
Adderall
Treatment may be long-term and may involve periods of difficulty as a person adjusts to their life without substance use. Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support. Amphetamines come in several different forms and under many names, some of which will also include their brand names.
- Many providers offer insurance coverage for several levels of treatment — depending on an individual’s needs — but they may limit the duration of rehab.
- Amphetamine drug addiction brings with it a number of dangers and health risks.
- Edmund has an extensive background in SUD research and medical writing, working collaboratively with doctors, substance use disorder specialists, and clinical experts across all content on Recovered.
There is currently a high volume of regular amphetamine usage within the United States adult population (4). In 2022, an additional 1 million U.S. children aged 3-17 years received an ADHD diagnosis compared to 2016. The U.S. alone accounts for less than 5% of the world’s population, however, it represents 83.1% of the global volume of ADHD medications (4, 5).
- Each person has a unique recovery journey, and treatment plans should be tailored to meet their specific needs and circumstances.
- This may cause collapsed veins, tetanus, abscesses, and damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and brain.
- The dopamine release triggered by amphetamines leads to euphoric effects that many people seek to recreate.
- Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that are used to treat certain medical conditions but are also subject to abuse.
- For more detailed information on amphetamine addiction and rehabilitation, please refer to our existing page on Amphetamine Addiction & Rehab.
Addiction: stimulant use disorder
Amphetamine toxicity occurs when the drug accumulates in the body to dangerous levels, overwhelming the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms. Immediate medical attention is required in cases of suspected amphetamine toxicity or overdose. Methamphetamine is more likely to be illegally consumed, has more dangerous side effects, and increases dopamine levels in the brain at a drastically greater rate compared to other stimulant drugs. The difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine addiction is that meth addiction has far more harmful and longer-lasting consequences than amphetamine abuse. Although methamphetamine is technically a type of amphetamine due to its similar chemical structure, meth is more potent than amphetamines. The mechanism of amphetamine addiction involves the release of excess dopamine into the synaptic clefts of dopaminergic neurons, primarily occurring through reverse transport through the dopamine transporter.
Exposure to substance abuse within one’s social circle or community contributes to the initiation and progression of amphetamine addiction. Eventually, they may shift their focus from their previous priorities to focus on obtaining and using the drug. The individual may Substance abuse start doing anything they can to get more drugs, including stealing from other people or trying to visit different doctors to obtain a prescription. One of the most common signs someone is on amphetamines and possibly abusing them is talkativeness.
Amphetamine Use in Ohio
McKetin, Rebecca; et al. “The prevalence of psychotic symptoms among methamphetamine users.” Addiction, October 2006. Addiction caused by chronic use can also result in negligence toward one’s social and professional obligations and cause irreparable damage to personal and professional relationships. Some people are extremely anxious and restless, and some, especially those with a tendency toward depression, become depressed when they stop. They may become suicidal but may lack the energy to attempt suicide for several days. Amphetamines may produce a feeling of well-being, euphoria, and loss of inhibitions.
The program involves a combination of behavioral therapy, family education, individual counseling, 12-step support, drug testing, and encouragement for non-drug-related activities. Too many stimulants can lead to severe health consequences or overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), dangerous symptoms include dangerously high heart rate, severe hypertension, and potential heart failure. Other harmful effects include extreme anxiety, paranoia, seizures, and hyperthermia.
The detoxification period typically lasts between 1 and 2 weeks, depending on the extent of the dependence that the patient has. Bramness, Jorgen G; et al. “Amphetamine-induced psychosis – a s…n the vulnerable? Exact dosage depends on whether the patient is an adult or a child, the condition the medication is being used to treat and other health considerations. The type of amphetamine used also influences how long the effects last. An amphetamine high from illegal crystal meth can last four to 16 hours. Pure amphetamines are white or brownish crystalline powders that can contain traces of gray or pink impurities.
We cannot guarantee payment or verification eligibility as conveyed by your health insurance provider will be accurate and complete. Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service. This aims to repair the social and psychological damage that addiction has caused and to address risk factors. Many treatment centers will want to follow up with the patient for up to a year.
Each person has a unique recovery journey, and treatment plans should be tailored to meet their specific needs and circumstances. With the right support and treatment, recovery from amphetamine addiction is achievable. In addition to traditional treatment methods, holistic approaches can complement recovery efforts. These strategies focus on the whole person, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By integrating various modalities, individuals can find a more comprehensive path to healing that resonates with their unique experiences and challenges.