Amphetamine Addiction Treatment

Amphetamine is a type of drug that consists of both legal and illegal substances. Medically, they can be used to treat various health problems including obesity, narcolepsy (involuntary sleep disorders), and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder). On the other hand, amphetamines are used illegally without a prescription to get high or improve performance for anything from school, work, and sports.

Adderall is the most popular and misused type of amphetamine today.

Amphetamines have many street names when used illegally and recreationally. Some of the most common names are speed, uppers, whiz, goey, and louee. Amphetamines also come in a variety of forms:

• Pills, tablets, and capsules
• Liquids
• Powders and pastes

Crystals

With all of these different forms of amphetamines, there are numerous ways they can be used. They can be swallowed, rubbed into gums, snorted, injected, and smoked. Whether a person is taking swallowing them or injecting them, abuse of amphetamines can be very addictive and dangerous for the user.

History

Amphetamine was first discovered over 100 years ago, but in 1927 it was first synthesized as a cheaper and easier-to-produce substitute for ephedrine (usually used for spinal anesthesia and to treat asthma and low blood pressure.). Since then, amphetamine has been used to treat numerous health conditions ranging from asthma and low blood pressure to narcolepsy and concentration problems.

Benzedrine, the first trademarked production of the drug, and Dexedrine are some of the most amphetamine prescription medications. In the 1970s, Benzedrine became the leading medication and drug to treat what we now call ADHD. Before the ‘70s, the distribution and use of amphetamines were almost completely unregulated, with the Smithsonian Magazine describing America’s amphetamine epidemic during the Vietnam war as “normalized during war, fueled by weight worries, and prescribed with almost reckless abandon until the 1970s.” While amphetamines are still considered to be the most effective medications to help treat ADHD, they are often used as an illegal and recreational drug.

Young People and Amphetamine

Recent studies and reports have been shedding new light on the increased use and possible epidemic for young people abusing Adderall. According to a study from NYU, many high school seniors underreport nonmedical use of the drug, with as many as 25% of high school students not realizing Adderall is an illegal drug if not taken under a doctor’s supervision and with a prescription.

Because Adderall and other amphetamines are prescribed at high rates, many young people don’t realize the addictive qualities of the drugs. John Eadie, the coordinator for the National Emerging Threat Initiative, warns that stimulants and amphetamines are at the front of a new drug crisis. Many drug experts are warning the public of the dangers of prescription stimulants like Adderall.

Experts explain that amphetamines, while not the overdose threat like opioids, can actually be harder on the body. Some of the long-term health risks from misuse of amphetamines include:

• Hypertension
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Brain disease
• Stroke
• Addiction
• Death

In 2016, over 2.3 million people used heroin or other opioids to get high. Meanwhile, over 2.6 million people used stimulants to get high in that same year. While the CDC doesn’t track overdoses specific to amphetamine, overdose deaths caused by stimulants including amphetamines rose 30%, with 5,992 deaths in 2016 up to 7,663 deaths in 2017.

Signs of Amphetamine Addiction

Recognizing the signs of amphetamine addiction is crucial for early intervention. Common indicators include increased energy, restlessness, and decreased appetite, often accompanied by mood swings, paranoia, or aggression. Over time, individuals may develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and weight loss are also prevalent. Social withdrawal, neglect of responsibilities, and risky behaviors may further signal a growing dependency.

There Is Hope

Boardwalk Recovery has the expert medical staff to help you determine if you or your loved one’s use of amphetamines are a problem. Amphetamines, when taken for the first medical conditions, can be very helpful in living a healthy life. However, the high rates of addiction and misuse can lead to dangerous health complications. Many people who abuse stimulants also have cross-addictions to other drugs like alcohol and/or opioids. Whether someone is battling a single addiction to amphetamines or addictions to many narcotics, Boardwalk Recovery is ready to answer any questions and help you formulate an effective and lasting treatment plan.

At Boardwalk Recovery Center, we understand the complex nature of amphetamine addiction and the toll it takes on your health and well-being. Our comprehensive treatment approach combines evidence-based therapies, individualized care plans, and supportive services like Dual Diagnosis treatment, EMDR therapy, and family programs. You don’t have to face addiction alone—lasting recovery is within reach.

Take the first courageous step toward reclaiming your life. Contact us today and let us help you rediscover a healthier, fulfilling future.