People should immediately call 911 if an amphetamine overdose is suspected. Long-term use can lead to the development of physical dependence on the drug with amphetamine intake necessary for the individual to function normally. Furthermore, larger amounts of amphetamines are required to produce the desired effects of the drug, resulting in drug tolerance developing.

• This approach can be particularly effective when used in conjunction with behavioral therapy.
• Around the same time, some Japanese researchers also synthesized amphetamine, but Alles was the first to receive a patent for its medical use in 1932 and the first to realize its commercial value.
• Additionally, individuals may experience weight loss, sleep disturbances, dental problems, and skin issues.

Short-Term Effects of Amphetamines

Relapsing returns a person to the risk of having their health deteriorate significantly. Amphetamines also damage the brain by greatly increasing the blood flow to the brain. These drugs can also result in the death of muscle tissue, which adds to the effects of weight loss. Having high levels of dopamine in the brain gives a feeling of pleasure and reward. Of course, this is the reason why amphetamine drugs are very addictive, and quitting is such a tough task. Amphetamine salts differ slightly from one another, though their chemical structure shares a lot of similarities.

Amphetamine Addiction Signs, Effects and Causes

Common acute side effects of amphetamine abuse involve mood and emotional disturbances. Other side effects generally include gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects. Long-term effects of amphetamine abuse can be addiction and physiological, cognitive and behavioral deficits — some of which may be permanent.

Tips for helping a loved one struggling with an amphetamine addiction

An intervention presents a loved one with a structured opportunity to make changes before things get even worse and can motivate someone to seek or accept help. Opioids are narcotic, painkilling drugs produced from opium or made synthetically. This class of drugs includes, among others, heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl and oxycodone. Synthetic cannabinoids, also called K2 or Spice, are sprayed on dried herbs and then smoked, but can be prepared as an herbal tea. Despite manufacturer claims, these are chemical compounds rather than “natural” or harmless products. These drugs can produce a “high” similar to marijuana and have become a popular but dangerous alternative.

• However, some addicts may not be flexible enough to stay in the center for long periods of time, so will require outpatient care.
• Amphetamines can be used to effectively treat certain conditions, but may pose health risks when abused.
• Tolerance indicates that someone will need higher doses to get the same effects they once did with the drug.
• Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for the treatment of amphetamine addiction.
• Prescription amphetamines are generally available in the form of pills (or liquid) and taken orally when abused by college students attempting to improve their academic performance.

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, it may be time to consider seeking professional support to assess your situation further. Taking action now can make a significant difference in your well-being and future. There are many reasons a person may fall into a pattern of amphetamine misuse or develop SUD. It is important that a person does not feel ashamed about seeking help Oxford House or following a program to support their recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Amphetamine Addiction

• Amphetamines are commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
• An amphetamine overdose can occur regardless of dose, frequency of use or how the drug was taken and can have life-threatening consequences.
• The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience.

Amphetamine addiction is not without severe effects on an addict’s overall health and well-being. It’s often devastating, affecting different areas of an addicted individual’s life. These cravings can become all-consuming, leading individuals to prioritize obtaining and using amphetamines over other aspects of their lives. Amphetamine addiction can lead to a preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug, causing you to neglect important responsibilities in your personal and professional life. This can result in deteriorating relationships, poor work or academic performance, and financial difficulties.

This process varies based on the individual, the degree of the addiction, and other medical concerns. Nevertheless, the primary goal of detox is to cleanse all traces of amphetamines from the addict’s system, so they have the best chance toward a life of long-term sobriety. Withdrawal is common during this stage of care, and is often times, the most difficult part of this process. It is imperative to undergo detox in a medical setting, so physicians and nursing staff can oversee each patient’s experience and mitigate withdrawal symptoms and other potential medical concerns. Amphetamine withdrawal is usually uncomfortable and not something most people enjoy going through.

Reset Your Mind: Benefits of Inpatient Mental Health Care

One cardinal sign of amphetamine abuse is the presence of paraphernalia for snorting or smoking amphetamines. Snorting paraphernalia may include straws, pen casings or rolled-up dollar bills and mirrors with powdery residue on them. Smoking paraphernalia may include tin foil, soda cans or light bulbs with yellowish residue, glass pipes and butane lighters or torches.

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The drug can cause obvious side effects, but some of the most intense occur after the individual has been abusing dextroamphetamine regularly which can become very dangerous. An intervention is a carefully organized event to make the individual with the substance abuse disorder realize that their addiction is affecting both their own life and that of people close to them. The purpose of the intervention is to make the subject aware of how their actions have affected their loved ones with actual examples. Care must be taken not to blame or accuse the individual of their destructive behavior and instead, efforts should be directed at making them aware that the addiction is at the root of such behaviors.

If you think someone has overdosed on amphetamines, Amphetamine Addiction it is important to seek medical help immediately. It’s important to track their blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs right away. In fact, it’s a central nervous system stimulant, meaning it generally increases alertness, energy, and wakefulness.