Note if you feel sad or anxious a lot of the time, or if you have recently self-harmed or thought of suicide. If you have ongoing relationship or employment difficulties, these can also indicate the presence of a mental health condition. Amphetamine use, both acute and chronic, may lead to amphetamine toxicity.

Behavioral Symptoms

• The stronger the amphetamine and how regularly it is abused increases the risk of harmful side effects.
• Between 1996 and 2003 spending on direct-to-consumer advertising increased by 400%, from $791 million to $3.2 billion (43).
• Ardu’s comprehensive amphetamine rehab program combines medical expertise with evidence-based therapy to help you overcome addiction and rebuild your life.
• The physical examination should include assessments for hyperthermia, evidence of end-organ damage (eg, neurological deficits, respiratory compromise, or new cardiac murmurs), and skin ulcerations or abscesses.
• Amphetamine drugs are very likely to cause the following effects in addicts who abuse the drug in the long-term.

Additionally, there is a dangerous lack of studies on amphetamines centered around safety or their addiction potential specifically. ADHD as presented in adults has only recently become the focus of widespread clinical attention. This is made evident as it was not included in two major U.S. psychiatric epidemiological surveys within the past two decades, the Epidemiological Catchment Area Study and the National Comorbidity Survey (39). One review of controlled and naturalistic studies used a 24-week threshold, in which they reviewed the long-term efficacy and safety of amphetamine, methylphenidate, and atomoxetine (40).

• Prescription pills and capsules come in various shapes and colors according to brand.
• Amphetamines including methamphetamine (MA) are a global health problem and there is concern that amphetamines abuse will continue, despite awareness of multiple harms 1.
• These techniques promote self-awareness and emotional regulation, which are crucial for maintaining sobriety.
• The study systematically reviewed the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments alone or combined with brief cognitive-behavioural therapy (BCBT) for treating Iranian amphetamine abusers.
• This particular type of substance abuse disorder was virtually non-existent in African Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

What drugs are amphetamines?

Medical professionals often prescribe amphetamines like Adderall and Ritalin to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to increase alertness and concentration 1. Amphetamine use can start innocently enough—often with a prescription for ADHD or narcolepsy—but for some, it can quickly spiral into abuse and dependency. Knowing the signs of amphetamine addiction is critical, because early detection can save lives.

Co-Occurring Disorders and the Complexity of Amphetamine Addiction

Amphetamines alter brain chemistry to trigger an enormous release of dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters control pleasure, motivation, energy, and attention. Men were nearly three times more likely to die from stimulant overdose than women.

For people using amphetamines as prescribed, the risk exists because the brain may still begin to crave the heightened dopamine levels. This can create a cycle where the individual feels compelled to take the medication more frequently or in higher doses. These changes highlight the careful balance needed when using amphetamines to manage medical conditions. These stimulants are commonly prescribed for conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. For individuals with ADHD, amphetamines improve concentration and reduce impulsivity, making daily tasks more manageable.

Al. found evidence that long-term amphetamine abuse reduces gray matter volume in critical brain regions and impairs areas responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control. These changes disrupt cognitive functions including learning, memory formation, and motor skills. Each method carries progressively higher risks of addiction and health complications. The epidemic around amphetamines is a big problem yet it does not get as much attention as the opioid crisis.

Are Amphetamines Stimulants?

Amphetamines, which are a class of stimulant-based drugs including methamphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and amphetamine addiction methylphenidate, have a long history and wide array of applications. These substances, which can be illicit or prescription-based, were first discovered in 1887 and induce a range of physical and psychological effects. Furthermore, individuals with a history of mental health disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression, may be more vulnerable to developing an addiction. Amphetamines, when used without proper medical guidance, can provide temporary relief from symptoms, leading some individuals to self-medicate and inadvertently fall into the trap of addiction. Furthermore, amphetamine addiction is often accompanied by co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. The interplay between substance abuse and mental health can complicate treatment and recovery, requiring a comprehensive approach that addresses both issues simultaneously.

Long-Term Strategies for Recovery

The disadvantages of excessive amphetamine use may manifest in physical and psychological ways, including malnutrition, heart problems, seizures, mood swings, increased aggression, and psychosis. For less common medical uses, however, doctors do not consider amphetamines as the first line of treatment due to concerns over their side effects. When used for recreational purposes, amphetamines have several unwanted effects. The National Insititute on Drug Abuse further adds that a 16-week comprehensive behavioral treatment approach such as a Matrix Model may effectively manage methamphetamine and amphetamine abuse. The program involves a combination of behavioral therapy, family education, individual counseling, 12-step support, drug testing, and Oxford House encouragement for non-drug-related activities.