How Does Amphetamine Abuse Lead to Addiction?

Key Takeaways

• Amphetamines can lead to addiction and have serious side effects - Jump to Section
• Amphetamines are highly addictive with potential for abuse - Jump to Section
• Addiction symptoms include uncontrollable drug use and neglect of personal responsibilities - Jump to Section
• Treatment for addiction includes therapy but no FDA-approved medications - Jump to Section

Amphetamines are powerful stimulant drugs that affect the central nervous system. They’re effective in helping manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, but they’re also prone to misuse and abuse.

Recreational use of amphetamines can lead to addiction. It’s a chronic brain disorder involving compulsive drug seeking and use despite negative consequences.

This article discusses the signs of amphetamine addiction. It also explores prevention tips and available treatment options.

Are Amphetamines Addictive?

Yes, amphetamines have a high potential for abuse and addiction despite medical uses. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) categorized amphetamines as a Schedule II Substance. 

Those who use it recreationally take much higher doses. This leads to increased tolerance, dependence, and overdose. Stopping consumption after long-term use results also causes amphetamine withdrawal symptoms.

What Are Amphetamine’s Risk Factors for Addiction?

These factors can predispose you to substance abuse disorders:

• Genetics
• Stability of family environment
• Drug use by family members
• History of psychiatric problems or trauma at a young age
• Peer use of amphetamines
• Lower education levels
• A desire to engage in risky behaviors
• Use of other drugs or alcohol
• Age when amphetamine use began
• Social isolation or interpersonal difficulties
• Lower socioeconomic status

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What Are the Symptoms of Amphetamine Addiction?

Addiction is an inability to control drug use despite its negative consequences. Symptoms of addiction include:

• Persisting drug use, despite repeated efforts to reduce intake
• Inability to limit the frequency or dose of amphetamine intake
• Neglecting social, recreational, and work-related activities in favor of drug use
• Intense cravings for amphetamines
• Mental disorders like depression and anxiety
• Spending time obtaining drugs, using them, or recovering from drug use
• Having financial difficulties due to drug-related expenses
• Fatigue
• Increased tolerance to the drug
• Neglect of personal hygiene
• Tooth decay
• Skin sores
• Susceptibility to infections
• Elevated blood pressure

What Are Amphetamine Overdose Symptoms?

An amphetamine overdose can be fatal. Overdose symptoms include:

• Cardiovascular problems, including irregular heartbeat, stroke, and heart attack
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Restlessness
• Stomach issues like nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Psychosis

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What Are the Treatment Options for Amphetamine Addiction?

The FDA hasn’t approved any medications to treat amphetamine addiction. Treating stimulant use disorders involves different forms of therapies, which include:

• Medical detox: Medically supervised detox avoids harmful withdrawal effects
• Inpatient treatment: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision
• Outpatient treatment: A treatment program where you can leave the rehab facility
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps people identify thoughts and behaviors that lead to drug use
• Contingency management: Uses rewards to promote positive reinforcement for maintaining sobriety
• Matrix Model: Involves the use of multiple approaches according to the needs of the patient, such as individual and group therapy, family therapy, 12-step programs, and urine testing

Amphetamine addiction has devastating social, physical, and mental consequences. As such, overcoming it without professional help can be difficult. 

Guidance for Caregivers and Family Members

Here are some ways to provide support and help those struggling with amphetamine abuse overcome their addiction:

• Educate yourself about the drug: Research and learn more about amphetamine addiction, its signs, symptoms, and effects on the body. The more knowledge you have, the better you understand your loved one’s struggles.
• Encourage them to seek treatment: Offer your support and encouragement to seek professional help. Let them know you’re always by their side, and you can accompany them to appointments or even help them find a treatment facility.
• Be patient and understanding: Recovery from addiction is a long process, and there will be setbacks along the way. It’s essential to be patient and understanding with your loved one as they work towards sobriety.
• Avoid enabling behaviors: It can be tempting to try and protect your loved one from the consequences of their addiction, but this can actually hinder their recovery. Avoid giving them money or making excuses for their behavior.
• Take care of yourself: Supporting a loved one through addiction can be emotionally and physically draining. Take care of your well-being, and seek support from others if necessary.

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How Can You Prevent Amphetamine Addiction?

To help prevent amphetamine addiction, it’s essential to follow these steps:

• Only take amphetamine as prescribed: Don’t take more than the necessary dose or for a longer period than your doctor prescribed.
• Avoid sharing prescriptions: Never share your prescription with someone else or use someone else’s medication. This can lead to dependency and other health risks.
• Keep track of your medication: Keep them safe and secure, and monitor how many you have left. This can help prevent accidental overdose or misuse.

• Educate yourself and others: Share information about the dangers of amphetamine use, its potential for addiction, and ways to seek help with friends and family members.
• Seek alternative forms of recreation: If you or someone you know is using amphetamine as a form of recreation, try to find alternative activities that are enjoyable and don’t involve drug use.
• Seek help for mental health conditions: Many people turn to drugs as a way to self-medicate underlying mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, seek proper treatment and support. 

Resources for Help and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with amphetamine addiction, there are resources available to help. Consider reaching out to:

• National Helpline: 1-800-237-TALK (8255)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) treatment locator
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
• Your primary care provider or a mental health professional: Consult them for personalized guidance and treatment options

Summary

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that increase alertness and wakefulness. As a Schedule II Substance, it has a high potential for abuse and addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with amphetamine addiction, seek professional help. As a caregiver or family member, offer support and encourage your loved one to seek treatment. 

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