Amphetamines are well known for their ability to increase alertness, energy, and elevate moods, and they are most desirable for producing a “high”, but, the serious complications that they can cause are really quite dangerous.
Amphetamine Abuse
People have been abusing amphetamines since the Benzedrine inhalers were introduced in the 1930’s. According to a 2008 report by the Center for Substance Abuse Research “Friends and family members are the most common source of attention deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) medications diverted for nonmedical use.” In addition, illicit manufacturing of amphetamine drugs, especially, methamphetamine, has led to a massive number of amphetamine addictions.
Amphetamine Addiction
When someone becomes addicted to amphetamines, they tend to lose their true identity and develop a false sense of reality. They might think they are ok, but, behind the scenes, their minds and bodies are being impaired by the drugs. Many amphetamine addicts suffer physical health issues including brain damage, malnutrition, CNS and other organ damage. Because these drugs are so harsh on the person’s brain, they often have psychiatric issues, are multiple drug users, and their addiction behaviors can be very complicated. Inpatient amphetamine addiction treatment is the best chance an amphetamine addict has of restoring their life.
Benefits of Inpatient Amphetamine Addiction Treatment
Inpatient treatment can provide the care and support that you need.
Because these drugs affect the addict both physically and psychologically, withdrawals can be dangerous and intensified treatment is necessary. The benefits of inpatient amphetamine addiction treatment include:
- Safe detox is managed under the careful monitoring and protection of professionals, doctors, and nurses. The patient’s stability is supported throughout the withdrawal process with needed interventions and necessary counseling or medications to reduce adverse symptoms and manage health issues.
- Physical health improves with nutrition, rest, hydration, and medical treatments for co-existing physical health impairments.
- Psychological health improves along with the physical health, although ongoing psychological issues are a main concern for amphetamine addicts. It takes a while for the brain to restore normal function and some effects, such as depression or suicide ideation, may not immediately appear. Psychotic medications may be necessary for hallucinations or psychosis and professional psychiatric evaluations will determine those needs as they are presented.
- Behavioral therapies are an important element of addiction treatment for helping the addict cope with their addiction, remain abstinent, and live productively. Some are based on the premise that what we think, we react to, and others are based on motivational rewards for remaining abstinent.
- Intensified therapies are needed for amphetamine addictions because there are usually many aspects that need to be addressed.
- Individual, group, and family counseling help the addict to face their addiction issues, find alternatives to using and prevent relapse.
- Time is the greatest benefit for healing and adjusting to remaining free from amphetamines.