Amphetamine Dependence: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Methamphetamine was developed early in the 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Methamphetamine causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a general sense of well-being. It starts working quickly, and its effects can last six to eight hours. After the initial rush, there is typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals may lead to violent behavior. Amphetamine dependence, a type of stimulant use disorder, occurs when you need the drug to function on a daily basis. You’ll experience symptoms of withdrawal if you’re dependent and you abruptly stop using the drug.

Effects of amphetamine withdrawal and overdose

Usually, people who use crystal meth smoke it with a small glass pipe, but they may also swallow it, snort it, or inject it into a vein. People say they have a quick rush of euphoria shortly after using crystal meth, but it’s dangerous. It can damage your body and cause severe psychological problems.

Medical Professionals

In general, people use it a little less often than other stimulants such as cocaine. Most of the crystal meth and other meth products used in this country are made by transactional criminal organizations (TCOs)in Mexico. In addition to these Mexican “superlabs,” there are many small home labs in the U. S. Making meth is a dangerous process because of the chemicals involved. Meth is typically a white pill or powder that doesn’t have a smell but tastes bitter.

What Are the Treatment Options for Amphetamine Addiction?

If you’re not ready to approach a health care provider or mental health professional, help lines or hotlines may be a good place to learn about treatment. You can find these lines listed on the internet or in the phone book. Approved by the FDA in the early 2000s, Adderall https://ecosoberhouse.com/ is an amphetamine and dextroamphetamine combined. This stimulant curbs impulsivity and improves attention and focus. While the effects of amphetamines are almost immediate, tolerance builds quickly, which frequently increases the amount needed to produce the desired effect.

However, these programs have been more successful in some states than others. It is also important to give a healthcare professional all the facts so that they can work with a person to develop the best possible treatment plan for them as an individual. Researchers have also studied amphetamines for use in people with obesity, narcolepsy, cocaine dependence, and other conditions. An individual’s brain chemistry changes during regular misuse of a substance or activity. The brain’s reward circuit changes, reducing a person’s ability to exercise self-control and leading to strong urges to continue.

• Your withdrawal symptoms will be strongest during the first 24 hours or so and typically last about 7-10 days.
• Generally, patient demonstrating only mild symptoms will not require extensive lab work or imaging and often respond to sedation and improve promptly under close observation.
• This first step can appear daunting at first, although you can be assured that you’ll be in the best place for getting your addiction under control and continuing your recovery journey.
• When they stop using amphetamine, they experience the symptoms of the damage that was created.
• Signs and symptoms of drug use or intoxication may vary, depending on the type of drug.

Obtaining a detailed history is of utmost importance as with any other type of overdose. Signs and symptoms of amphetamine toxicity include dry mouth, hyperthermia, dilated pupils, tachypnea, with increased alertness and energy. The physical exam findings may include altered mental Amphetamine Addiction status, hyperactivity, agitation, confusion, and gross psychosis with paranoia requiring chemical and physical restraints. Some very severe findings may include increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, tachycardia, dysrhythmias, hypertensive emergencies, and stroke.

• People who use these drugs, especially methamphetamine, have a high chance of getting HIV and hepatitis B and C.
• They’re often used and misused in search for a sense of relaxation or a desire to “switch off” or forget stress-related thoughts or feelings.
• Most of the crystal meth and other meth products used in this country are made by transactional criminal organizations (TCOs)in Mexico.
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse, on the other hand, reports that about 1.2 million people use methamphetamine; this is about 0.4 percent of the population.

Amphetamine Toxicity