The overdiagnosis and overprescription of amphetamines have reached an unprecedented national level (9). Amphetamine use has increased by more than double the amount from 2006 to 2016 (9). Additionally, in 2018, “among illicit substance users in the past year (53.2 million), https://lawcorridor.org/end-stage-alcoholism-signs-symptom-timeline-4/ more than 5 million 12 years or older had misused prescription stimulants” (9).
Resources for Help and Support
Because withdrawal can be challenging, professional oversight is vital to ensure safety and provide the necessary support. For people using amphetamines as prescribed, the risk exists because the brain may still begin to crave the heightened dopamine levels. This can create a cycle where the individual feels compelled to take the medication more frequently or in higher doses. These changes highlight the careful balance needed when using amphetamines to manage medical conditions. They treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.
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To learn more about your coverage, The Recovery Village offers anonline insurance verificationto Sobriety help you determine your next steps. Family therapy sessions enable spouses, partners, parents, or children to join clients for counseling. These individuals may be invited to private family group sessions or to open group sessions held alongside other clients and their families.
- Misuse of prescription drugs, including amphetamines, can lead to addiction.
- If they’re continuously abusing the drug, they may start to struggle to keep up with responsibilities.
- Efficacy was measured as the proportion of individuals abstinent (assessed by urinalysis), and acceptability as the proportion of individuals who dropped out from the study due to any cause.
- The study systematically reviewed the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments alone or combined with brief cognitive-behavioural therapy (BCBT) for treating Iranian amphetamine abusers.
- These changes disrupt cognitive functions including learning, memory formation, and motor skills.
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The dopamine produced by amphetamines can lead to enjoyable effects like increased confidence, energy, and euphoria, making them highly addictive 2. Amphetamine addiction is a substance use disorder that occurs when someone is physically or Amphetamine Addiction psychologically dependent on amphetamines to function in their daily lives. Whether amphetamines are prescribed or illegally acquired, misuse and overuse of amphetamines can lead to addiction.
Computed tomography of the head is also useful to assess hemorrhagic stroke as a potential cause of neurologic deficits. Finally, obtaining serum creatine kinase and lactic acid levels may help identify muscle damage and tissue ischemia related to tonic-clonic seizures, myoclonus, or hyperthermia. Evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help modify negative thinking and behavior patterns. Aftercare initiatives, including structured aftercare plans, alumni programs, and sober living arrangements, provide ongoing support to prevent relapse and foster long-term sobriety. Efforts to combat amphetamine addiction must take into account the unique challenges faced by different demographics.
General Health
High doses of amphetamines may result in psychotic behavior that is similar to that observed in individuals with schizophrenia. Amphetamine-induced psychosis may involve delusions, hallucinations and unorganized speech. Amphetamines are psychostimulant drugs, and at low doses, they can lead to increased concentration, alertness and energy.
What amphetamines do people abuse?
In October 2022, the FDA announced shortages of some amphetamine medications, especially drugs containing amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine. Those shortages affect various dosages and formulations (immediate release vs. extended release) into 2025 and possibly beyond. That might affect the availability of some of these medications from your pharmacy. In general, your healthcare provider will recommend starting your dosage as low as possible.
Blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs should be taken immediately upon presentation. The physical examination should include assessments for hyperthermia, evidence of end-organ damage (eg, neurological deficits, respiratory compromise, or new cardiac murmurs), and skin ulcerations or abscesses. Understanding amphetamine addiction and its treatment is vital for addressing this widespread issue effectively.
How Does Amphetamine Affect the Brain?
Outpatient programs allow individuals to continue their daily responsibilities while receiving regular therapy sessions, medication management, and support group participation. The level of intensity can vary, with some programs offering more frequent or intensive treatment. If you’re finding it difficult to control your use of amphetamines, experiencing intense cravings, neglecting responsibilities, or continuing use despite negative consequences, you might be addicted.
Family group therapy is rarely easy because it often brings up troubling issues like relationship conflicts, other family members’ substance use problems, or past hurtful experiences within the family. Despite the discomfort, it is crucial to an individual’s healing that they and their family address these problems together. The difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab has to do with the amount of time a person spends at an amphetamine rehab center. While inpatient care requires that clients live on campus, outpatient rehab means they engage in therapy part-time and can return to their own home at night. Which is why evaluation and assessment is the first step in building a treatment plan.
Evidence acquisition
Here we look at the types of amphetamines, their effects, potential for addiction, and treatment options. Supporting someone through recovery from addiction can be highly challenging. Treatment for amphetamine addiction isn’t one size fits all; different treatment options may or may not work for different people. It’s important that anyone suffering from the disorder, or suspects that they might be, speaks with a medical professional to ensure they receive the proper support.