Amphetamine is an addictive drug which is a very potent CNS stimulant that causes increased heart rate and high blood pressure. It is also an appetite suppressant and was originally used to treat hyperactivity in patient with ADHD. It was initially given by physicians to patients with narcolepsy or out of control sleep. Since amphetamine is occasionally prescribed by doctors, this drug is prone to misuse.
Street names of Amphetamine: Black beauties, uppers, Bennies, co-pilots, bees, crank, crystal meth, cross tops, dexies, hearts footballs, hot ice, L.A. glass, ice, meth, pep pills, MDMA and speed. Brand names metaoblizing or containing Amphetamine include Adderall, Dexedrine, Dextrostat, ProCentra, and Vyvanse.
How is the Amphetamine administered?
Amphetamine is available in tablets and capsules. Therapeutically, it is often prescribed to be taken once a day. It must be swallowed as a whole and must never be crushed, chewed or opened.
Effects of Amphetamine consumption
Low dose of amphetamine can cause:
- Alertness
- Euphoria
- Increased motor performance and energy
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Panic
High doses may cause:
- Brief psychosis, increased aggressiveness, and antisocial behaviors
- Ready for "fight or flight
Impact on the mind/body and health risks
The following are the side effects of amphetamine:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Kidney failure
- Depression
- Seizures
- Overstimulation
- Stroke
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Euphoria
- Dysphoria
- Dyskinesia
- Tremor
- Exacerbation of tics
- Headache
- Psychotic episodes
- Tourette's Syndrome
Signs of abuse of Amphetamine
Chronic use of Amphetamine causes addiction resulting to tolerance. Higher dosage is required to attain the desired “high” feelings of the addict. When amphetamine use is discontinued, symptoms of withdrawal emerge.
Common Amphetamine treatment options
The first step in the treatment of amphetamine addiction is the confrontation process. The drug addicts are guided to recognize the severity of their problems so that they will agree to undergo treatment. In some cases, rehabilitation is ordered by the court. The second step is the treatment itself that may be in the form of medication for withdrawal symptoms and detoxification to remove the harmful toxins from the body and avoid relapse. The final step is psychotherapy and behavioral and cognitive intervention. This includes the 12-step program and other methods used by Narcotic Anonymous and other support groups.
Amphetamine withdrawal /detox symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can include the following:
- Restless sleep
- Confusion
- Hunger
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depressive symptoms
- Need for sleep
- Panic
- Increased appetite
- Over-sleeping
- Nightmares