Amphetamine addiction creates serious, damaging effects. With comprehensive treatment plans, the patient can recover ability to function as normal.
Trusted Hands That Guide You Off an Amphetamine Addiction
From television advertisements to roadside billboards, the tragedy of amphetamine addiction is displayed throughout the United States. Addiction affects people of all areas and walks of life from massive cities like New York, all the way to small towns in the central United States. Amphetamine use, which is often homegrown, tears lives and families apart. Luckily, there is help available through reputable treatment centers, such as the drug rehab program at Ocean Hills Recovery. To know if treatment is needed, it’s important to first know both the signs and effects of amphetamine use.
History of Amphetamine
Amphetamine use started with a medication for nasal congestion, known as Benzedrine. However, its stimulant effects allowed the drug to be used in other areas, from treatment for narcolepsy, to helping truckers and armed forces members stay awake during long hours of work and battle. As the drug became more common, so did amphetamine addiction and abuse. Today, the title “amphetamine” covers multiple drugs with similar properties, including dextroamphetamine and the wildly popular and dangerous methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “meth”. The addictive potential of these drugs led to greater regulation in the sixties, resulting in amphetamines being classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.
Symptoms of Amphetamine
The use of an amphetamine product creates similar symptoms to other stimulant drugs. Keep in mind that not everyone displays the same symptoms, and just because symptoms are present, does not necessarily mean a person is using amphetamines. Some symptoms of amphetamine use are more noticeable on the exterior, while others are more internal. Exterior side effects can include increased talkativeness and hyperactivity, irritability, paranoia, hostility, dilated pupils, abnormally fast breathing, tremors, loss of inhibitions and a change in risk-taking behavior, such as a change in sexual behavior. Interior symptoms include and increased heart rate, headaches, palpitations, euphoria, increased blood pressure and an increase in body temperature.
Effects and Dangers
The symptoms of amphetamine addiction contribute to the dangerous overall effects of using the drug. Those who regularly abuse amphetamines can develop ulcers, cardiac arrhythmia, mental illnesses (including anxiety disorders, psychotic delusions and hallucinations, bipolar disorder and sleep disorders), skin disorders, malnutrition, dental diseases, heart disease, convulsions, coma and eventually death. Overdose is also a common problem, especially when amphetamines are combined with other prescription or illicit drugs. A drug treatment program is designed to make this unfortunately reality never become a reality for you.
If you or a loved one is suspected of having a problem with addiction to amphetamines or other substances, contact Ocean Hills Recovery, your local Orange County drug rehab center, with additional questions, concerns, or to get help today.
About the author:
Greg opened his home and heart to alcoholics and addicts in 2003. He is a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATCI). Starting in 2009 Greg has fostered the growth of Ocean Hills Recovery into one of the most respected and effective treatment centers in the area and has been working with people with addictions since March of 2001. Greg believes in a holistic approach to recovery. His focus is on drug alcohol addiction treatment with a combination of 12 Step work, therapy and counseling, and the rejuvenation of the body through healthful eating and exercise. He has designed his program to foster a family-like atmosphere and believes that people in recovery are just beginning their lives. He encourages the people he works with to learn to enjoy life in sobriety. Greg is married to Nicole; they have two adorable sons together and an energetic yellow Labrador Retriever.
