How Are Amphetamines Abused?
As previously mentioned, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of persons taking prescription stimulants, such as amphetamines that are generally prescribed for patients with ADHD. Because of the “positive” psychological side effects of these drugs, many young people (college students in particular) are obtaining the drugs second-hand, and taking them recreationally – either to induce euphoric, energetic behaviors or to increase the ability to stay awake for lengthy periods (or “pull all-nighters”).
Dangers of Unprescribed Amphetamine Use
College students find these drugs especially helpful when attempting to cram for an exam or stay up all night to finish a paper at the last minute. Others just enjoy the energy and temporary boost in self-esteem that these drugs can produce. And still, others take amphetamines for weight loss purposes, since these drugs are known to decrease one’s appetite. Regardless of the reason people are taking these drugs, the bottom line is that they can be highly dangerous and addictive.
If you were not personally prescribed the drug and were closely followed by a physician, then you should not be taking it. Even if you have been prescribed an amphetamine, you should take it as directed by your doctor. Crushing, snorting, and injecting amphetamines as a means to get them into your system quicker or to produce a euphoric “high” are not advisable, and can be very dangerous. When the body receives that much of a drug so quickly, it can go into a state of shock due to the small blood vessels becoming blocked and a rapid increase in heart rate. Therefore, if you are taking this type of drug without any physical need for it, you can quickly become dependent on it and addicted to the “positive” feelings it provides.
The Complications of Amphetamine Abuse and Addiction:
Amphetamines increase one’s heart rate and blood pressure while simultaneously decreasing one’s appetite and ability to sleep soundly. These side effects alone could lead to a plethora of physical complications, namely malnutrition, a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, and even a heart attack or a stroke. Some psychological consequences of frequent stimulant abuse can include feeling irritable and hostile toward others, as well as anxiety attacks and paranoia.
It is recommended that if you were prescribed amphetamines by a doctor, you follow up with him/her regularly and you do not share your medication with others. It is very possible to become addicted to stimulants such as ADHD medications. When taken frequently and in large doses, your brain becomes used to the increase in dopamine levels. This means that when and if you stop taking the drug, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms, such as feeling lethargic, depressed, and having trouble sleeping.
Am I Abusing Prescription Amphetamines?
If you suspect that you may be addicted to prescription amphetamines, ask yourself some of the following questions:
- Do you use amphetamines to get “high” or as a performance enhancer (i.e. to “pull an all-nighter”)
- Have your friends and/or family members made comments about your amphetamine usage?
- Do you try to hide your amphetamine usage or use it in secrecy?
- Do you go for long periods without eating and/or sleeping?
- Have you noticed that you are hypersensitive and/or hyper-attentive to your surroundings?
- Do you feel “on edge” or are you easily irritated when you’re on amphetamines?
- Has your overall behavior changed significantly since you began using amphetamines (i.e. change in school or work habits, change in social life, etc.)?
- Have you ever felt like you should stop using amphetamines, but can’t seem to?
Chances are, if you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, you may have an addiction to amphetamines.
Treatment for Amphetamine Addictions:
Any addiction is serious and can have detrimental effects on a person’s physical and mental health. Therefore, if you think you may be addicted to prescription stimulants, please contact my San Diego office today for a free consultation about Addiction Counseling. You must receive the help you require to live a life free of addiction. Recovery is possible, but you have to want to change your habits for therapy to work. If you’re ready to make a positive and healthy change in your life today, give my San Diego office a call so that I can better get to know you and your specific situation.
Addictions are real problems, and while you may be ashamed or embarrassed to talk about your struggles with drugs, you must do so with a qualified addiction counselor. Together, we can devise a treatment plan for you that meets your specific needs, and together we will embark upon the pathway to a healthier, drug-free lifestyle.