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 effects of amphetamine addiction can be devastating, impacting physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships. Long-term use often leads to cardiovascular problems, neurological damage, psychiatric disorders, and social isolation. Additionally, addiction impairs cognitive function, hinders academic or occupational performance, and increases the risk of legal and financial problems.
How to support someone with amphetamine addiction
This rise in amphetamine distribution may be due to addictive use, diversion, overdiagnosis, or other factors. As of 2020, roughly 1.5 million individuals ages Amphetamine Addiction 12 and older reported facing a meth use disorder, while roughly 758,000 reported misusing prescription stimulants. The appropriate medical treatment for amphetamine overdose depends on the type of amphetamine taken and the symptoms. Amphetamines are tightly controlled by pharmacies and hospitals in an effort to reduce improper access to these substances. Despite these protections, patients should be closely monitored when taking prescription amphetamines for ADHD and other conditions.
- Many people with amphetamine addiction also suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders.
- The causes include decreased salivation, corrosive substances in the smoke, and poor oral hygiene—called “meth mouth.”
- Families can play a supportive role by participating in family therapy sessions, which can help address underlying issues and improve communication.
Related MedlinePlus Health Topics
- Amphetamines stimulate the release of endorphins such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.
- We offer integrative, holistic, science-backed treatment plans to help you heal and restore your health.
- To support someone who is being treated for amphetamine addiction, you can first and foremost encourage them to keep up with their treatment.
Professional support ensures you’re not facing this journey alone, with tailored care to help you safely detox, address underlying causes and build a healthier future. Supporting someone through recovery from addiction can be highly challenging. Treatment for amphetamine addiction isn’t one size fits all; different treatment options may or may not work for different people. It’s important that anyone suffering from the disorder, or suspects that they might be, speaks with a medical professional to ensure they receive the proper support. Doing so will give them the best chance of recovery and avoiding relapse. Where possible, they will also ask questions about lifestyle, medical history, and substance abuse to understand the severity of the patient’s disorder.
What are the signs of amphetamine addiction?
The symptoms of amphetamine-induced psychosis generally subside over a period of less than one week, but there are cases where they persist for three weeks or longer. Doctors base the diagnosis on symptoms in people known to have taken amphetamines. If the diagnosis is unclear, urine tests may be done, but the test may not detect methamphetamine and methylphenidate (a what is Oxford House stimulant drug related to amphetamines). These symptoms illustrate the various ways stimulant use disorder can impact an individual’s life, affecting everything from personal health to social and occupational functioning. Recognizing these signs can help inform prompt intervention and could be the first step to helping someone seek the treatment and support they need to conquer amphetamine addiction.