Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulants that speed up the brain and other systems in the body. Because they are relatively easy to obtain through family, friends, and frequently, prescription diversions of medications used in the treatment of attention deficit disorders (ADD and ADHD), they are increasingly, becoming popular drugs to abuse. According to a report from the Center for Substance Abuse Research, “After alcohol and marijuana, the prescription stimulants Adderall® and Ritalin® are perceived to be the most easily available drugs misused” among undergraduates.
Like cocaine and methamphetamine, if you enjoy the effects of euphoria and energy that adequate doses of amphetamine produces, you may begin to use them regularly. Addiction takes over when the cravings and compulsive use becomes uncontrollable and despite the negative consequences, your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors no longer belong to just you, but, revolve around use of the drugs. If you continue on this path, amphetamine addiction can ruin your life in any one or many of the following ways.
We can help you overcome amphetamine addiction. Call 800-895-1695 to find treatment today.
Physical Health Problems
An addiction to amphetamines can negatively impact your life in many, many ways.
Amphetamine users are at risk of many physical health problems that can become life altering conditions if left untreated and use continues. Some of the most dangerous physical health problems include:
- Cardiovascular problems – high blood pressure, increased heart rate, tachycardia, palpitations, heart attack, heart disease, cerebral hemorrhage, circulatory collapse, and stroke
- Seizures
- Coma
- Overdose
- Death
- Renal Failure
- Respiratory problems
- Infections and immunology problems
- Neurological disorders including muscle weakness, sensation loss, confusion, and pain
Psychological Health Problems
Amphetamine addiction can ruin your life through long term and possibly, permanent psychological health problems. The use of amphetamine not only alters brain functioning, but, can damage the brain’s structure. Over time, the good feelings and empowerment of amphetamine use tends to develop into cognitive impairments, emotional instabilities, and possible psychosis.
Inabilities to manage depression, anxiety, stress, anger, guilt, and loss of confidence can lead to isolation, suicidal or violent tendencies, and neglect of those you care about the most.
Amphetamine psychosis involves paranoia, extreme panic, hallucinations, schizophrenic-like, or psychotic behaviors that for most, goes away as the intoxication fades, but, for some, can be long term or indefinite, requiring inpatient care in a psychiatric hospital or treatment center. For help finding an amphetamine addiction treatment center call 800-895-1695 toll free today.
Social Problems
Extreme anxiety, panic disorders, depression, suicidal ideations, violent or hostile tendencies, and social withdrawal can reduce the quality of life and interfere with relationships and the ability to work, go to school, or engage in productive and healthy activities.
In addition to the impaired social functioning listed before, amphetamine addiction can ruin your life if you engage in criminal activities or cause harm to obtain or use the drugs. Your behaviors can lead to legal implications and the loss of freedom, financial destruction, divorce, homelessness, unemployment, and the avoidance or general mistrust of others.