Amphetamine Addiction: Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

Amphetamines are a stimulant-type medication. They are a synthetic product that excites the central nervous system and lead to the user experiencing higher focus, energy, confidence, as well as euphoria. Over time, a variety of uses were developed for amphetamine, such as for the treatment of obesity or hangovers.

In the present day, there are two medical applications for which amphetamines are still used for – narcolepsy and the treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). In certain settings, the drug is also approved for the treatment of depression.

On the streets, where the drug is sold illegally for recreational purposes, it can be found under slang terms such as sulphate, speed, uppers, wake-ups, whites, base, billy whizz, and whizz. If you or a loved one are addicted to amphetamines and are unable to stop using the drug, this means that you have developed physical dependence and/or addiction.

Call us now on 0203 553 9263 and start your journey to recovery!

Amphetamine Abuse: Key Facts

In the 1990s, amphetamine was popularly used by young people as a party drug. The drug was abused for its ability to keep people energised and excited at all-night parties and dance events.

The Home Office released figures in 2016 which stated that at least 1 in 10 (10.3%) adults in England and Wales between the ages of 16 and 59 had used amphetamine at some point in their lives. Among the 59-year olds, 0.6% admitted that within the previous year they had used amphetamines without a prescription. Going by the figures, amphetamines, as of 2016, were the fourth most abused illegal drug in England and Wales.

Effects of Amphetamine Addiction

The pleasurable effects of amphetamine are short-lived, but the continued abuse of the drug can lead to long term and even possibly terminal health complications. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, amphetamine addiction can lead to the following:

• Loss of muscle control
• Depression and fatigue when not using the drugs
• Low appetite
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings
• High body temperature

Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

• Paranoia
• Aggression
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Anxiety
• Inability to keep up with work, school, or home responsibilities
• Spending more time and money trying to acquire more amphetamine
• Changes in groups of friends and difficulties with relationships
• Loss of interest in previous activities

Treating Amphetamine Addiction

Making the decision and committing to overcoming your amphetamine addiction is a crucial first step towards becoming healthy again. The best treatment for amphetamine addiction will vary from individual to individual based on factors such as severity of addiction and duration of abuse.

If Rehab is your primary choice, treatment will start with an evaluation of your overall health. The results of the evaluation will then be used to develop a personalised detox and rehabilitation programme to heal you physically, spiritually, and mentally. You will be provided with a medically-assisted detox, and therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Family Counselling, Motivational Interviewing, Nutrition Management, and Peer support or 12-Step group participation to aid your recovery and lead you to an amphetamine-free future.

Withdrawal and the Detoxification Process

During detox, you will experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms as your body rids itself of amphetamine-related toxins. These withdrawal symptoms can make the detoxification process difficult to deal with. To minimise your discomfort and guarantee your detoxification is a success, we can provide you with a medically-assisted detox.

A medically-assisted detox from our clinical medical team utilises a variety of medications to minimise your withdrawal symptoms and make your detoxification an easier experience. With our medical detoxification, you are guaranteed not only a comfortable experience but also a safer one. We will provide you with 24/7 care and therapeutic support for the entire duration of your medical detox.

In Summary

If you or a loved one have an amphetamine addiction and would like to beat it, we can help. Call our confidential helpline today by dialling 0203 553 9263 to get started on the safe and effective path to recovery.