Don’t let your amphetamine dependence get any worse.
The result of using amphetamines regularly or repeatedly is often physical or psychological amphetamine dependence which is both difficult to cope with, difficult to fuel and equally difficult to treat. Amphetamine dependence refers to the state of dependence that a user will have on any drug that is a member of the amphetamine class including methamphetamine, Adderall or other prescription or over-the-counter amphetamine containing drugs.
Dependence is a physical or psychological “necessity” as perceived by the user. Amphetamine dependence may cause the user to feel as though he or she must take amphetamine or amphetamine containing drugs to feel good, to feel alert, to be happy or to otherwise function in normal, daily routines. Dependence can be both physical and psychological in scope meaning that the user may actually have a physical reaction to not using the drug or that the perceived need for the drug may be psychological only.
While there is little research backing amphetamine dependence in humans or the resulting possibility of amphetamine reverse tolerance such as that which has been found in rodent studies, there are still many risks associated with amphetamine dependence. Lack of proper medical education and a prescribing discipline may be to blame for many cases of those who attempt to overcome amphetamine addiction or dependence on their own without proper medical direction.
Signs of Amphetamine Dependence
Dependence is another way to say, “addiction.” This means that anyone who is dependent on amphetamines will show the same signs as someone who is addicted to amphetamines. The most common signs of amphetamine dependence include:
- Perceived need to use amphetamines to feel good or to get through the day
- Using amphetamine despite the known problems that the use of amphetamine has already caused in the past and the potential for similar problems in the future
- Using amphetamine even when you can’t afford to or shouldn’t be under the influence
- Using amphetamine to control emotions or to mask emotions
- Compulsively using amphetamine despite the known dangers or consequences of using the drug
- Ill desire to take care of one’s self or one’s personal appearance
- Using amphetamines to forgo withdrawal symptoms
Any of the above signs could signify amphetamine dependence which should be immediately treated. While it may be easy to become addicted to amphetamines, it is not always so easy to become clean and sober. Help and treatment options are available but it will take time, commitment and a general desire to stay sober in order for the user to become clean and to abstain from future amphetamine abuse.