Amphetamine addiction continues to be a problem in the U.S., and it will as long as people abuse these drugs. So many do so without any thought to the consequences, and detox and rehab are often needed before they can stop. In the midst of our country’s opioid epidemic, the misuse of amphetamine has been allowed to continue mostly unchecked. Drugs like Adderall and Dexedrine are often over-prescribed, which leaves a lot of people at risk for abuse and addiction.
Amphetamines are very effective when they are used for their intended purpose. But when they are not, it is very easy for people to become dependent upon them. The reality is that these drugs can be very dangerous when they are abused, but there is hope for anyone struggling with amphetamine addiction through professional treatment. Contact Northpoint Washington at 888.450.2153 for more information about substance abuse treatment programs in Edmonds, WA.
What Is Amphetamine?
Amphetamines are a type of synthetic stimulant. They’re often found in prescription medications.
Like most stimulants, their primary purpose is to treat mood disorders and improve focus. They’re most commonly prescribed for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. This is why they’re occasionally described as “the opposite of sleeping pills.”
Some of the most commonly prescribed and abused amphetamines are:
- Adderall/Adderall XR
- Ritalin/Ritalin SR
- Concerta
- Dexstrostat/Dexadrine/Zenzedi/
- ProCentra
- Vyvanse
- Focalin
- Strattera
- Desoxyn
Before starting any new medication, it is important to discuss any potential risk of dependence or addiction with your prescribing doctor. Many prescription medications carry a risk of addiction even when used correctly, and amphetamines are especially addictive.
6 Key Signs of Stimulant Abuse
Worried that you or a loved one is abusing their prescription? These six behaviors are signs that a person is using irresponsibly.
1. Using Amphetamines Without a Prescription
Dexedrine, Adderall, and other meds are prescription drugs. No one should take them without a doctor’s permission. Even if the user is taking drugs to enhance their performance at school or work, this is still a dangerous behavior. It is considered drug abuse, no matter how little the user takes.
2. Taking Too Much
There is a reason why these drugs are prescribed in specific doses. If a user takes too much, they can experience many adverse side effects. Any user, even someone with a prescription, who takes too much is abusing amphetamines.
3. Snorting, Smoking, or Injecting
Once a user builds a tolerance for these drugs, they may resort to other consumption methods. For example, many users crush Adderall and snort it. This allows them to feel heightened effects. Snorting, along with smoking and injecting, is all considered drug abuse. These drugs should only be taken in their intended form.
4. Mixing with Other Substances
Someone might mix stimulants and alcohol, or mix them with marijuana, to get high. This is dangerous. These drug cocktails can have disastrous effects on the nervous system. They also increase the risk of overdose.
5. Recreational Use
Any type of recreational use is bad. Users should only take these drugs for medical purposes. Even if a user takes a tiny amount to get high, they are abusing amphetamines.
6. Substituting Cocaine or Crystal Meth
In extreme cases, a user might transition from Adderall, Dexedrine, or a similar drug to cocaine or meth. Cocaine and amphetamines are both stimulants, after all. Crystal meth is, too. So, a user who no longer has access to prescription drugs might substitute illicit drugs in order to get high. This is a sign that their habit has gotten out of hand.
Tapering Off Amphetamine Drugs and Withdrawal
When a person who has become dependent on or addicted to amphetamines tries to stop or restrict their use, they experience withdrawal symptoms. These unpleasant symptoms can include body aches and pains, major fatigue, confusion, delayed reactions and slow movement, uncontrollable body twitches, emotional outbursts, and depression. It’s understandable why an individual struggling to quit amphetamines might just give up.
Sometimes people assume they can quit amphetamines on their own if they taper their dosage. A medical taper can be a very effective way to come off amphetamine. It can help to minimize the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, and it can also help you avoid complications. The problem is that it’s not something that just anyone can do.
When you begin at your drug detox center, your doctor may want to start tapering right away. You’ll receive tapered doses of your medication, but your dosage will be lowered gradually. If you were to attempt this on your own, you might come off the drug too quickly. This could throw you into extreme withdrawal, cause severely unpleasant side effects and symptoms, and even potentially lead to some dangerous complications.
Tapering is an excellent form of treatment, but please take our word of caution to heart. It’s not something you should try on your own. The best and safest option for breaking amphetamine addiction is with help and support from a professional addiction treatment facility.
How to Choose the Best Addiction Treatment Center
It’s not always easy to know how to look for the best option for rehab. When you search online, you may find that there are hundreds of possibilities near you. Still, there are a few characteristics that indicate one facility might be better than another.
Before you commit to a rehab program, look for the following features:
- A smaller patient population with many staff members.
- A detoxification program.
- Accreditation through The Joint Commission.
- A better-than-average long-term success rate.
- Staff members who are committed to seeing you recover successfully.
- Utilization of the most modern addiction treatment methods available.
Discover Effective Amphetamine Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Washington
More than anything, we want people to know that there is hope if they are addicted to amphetamines. Many people do not realize they are addicted until they try to stop and withdrawal sets in, or they fear getting in trouble. That can keep them from getting the help they need.
At Northpoint Washington, we want you to know that we are not here to judge you based on your addiction. It can happen to anyone, and what matters most is that you get the help you need to recover.
Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They’ll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free. All you have to do is take the first step and reach out. Call 888.450.2153 or fill out Northpoint Washington’s online form, and we’ll get back to you.