Amphetamine Dependence

What is amphetamine dependence?

Amphetamine is a stimulant – a sort of stimulant to be precise. It is used for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In some cases, they may be used for the treatment of other disorders.

There are two types of amphetamines namely: METHAMPHETAMINE & DEXTROAMPHETAMINE. They are sold illegally in some places. Both street and prescribed amphetamines can be misused and can cause use disorder. The type of amphetamine most commonly misused is methamphetamine. A person is said is said to suffer from amphetamine dependence when he or she requires the drug to function on a daily basis. If you are dependent on the drug, and suddenly stop using it, you will certainly experience withdrawal symptoms.

What causes amphetamine dependence?

Dependence arises when a person uses amphetamine frequently and for a long time. Dependence occurs faster in some persons than in others. Dependence also occurs if one uses the drug without a prescription. Dependence may also arise if the drug is taken more than prescribed. A use disorder is possible even if you take the drug according to your doctor’s directions.

Dependence arises when a person uses amphetamine frequently and for a long time. Dependence occurs faster in some persons than in others. Dependence also occurs if one uses the drug without a prescription. Dependence may also arise if the drug is taken more than prescribed. A use disorder is possible even if you take the drug according to your doctor’s directions.

Who is at risk for amphetamine dependence?

People who have a higher risk of developing amphetamine use disorder include:

• Those who have easy access to the drug
• People with bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia or anxiety disorders.
• People who have a stressful lifestyle.

The symptoms of amphetamine dependence

People who are dependent on amphetamines may:

• Stay back from work or school
• Perform poorly or may not complete their tasks
• Lose appetite and a lot of weight
• Suffer from severe dental disorders
• Find it difficult to stop using amphetamines
• Have episodes of mood disturbances or violence
• Experience withdrawal symptoms if they fail to use the drug
• Have feelings of confusion
• Have insomnia, paranoia or anxiety
• Have auditory or visual hallucinations
• Have delusions, such as the sensation that something is crawling beneath the skin.

Diagnosing amphetamine dependence

Your physician will take some steps to diagnose amphetamine dependence. These include:

• Asking questions about the duration of time you’ve been using the drug, and how much of the drug you’ve been taking
• Taking blood tests to check for the level of amphetamines in your body
• Carrying out a physical examination and other tests to detect health problems caused by use of amphetamine.

Experiencing three or more of the symptoms outlined below is an indication that you may have amphetamine use disorder:

Buildup of tolerance: If you require very large doses of amphetamine to achieve the effect that a smaller dose would give, then you’ve built up tolerance to the drug.

You have mental defects: Mental problems that characterize amphetamine dependence include

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Paranoia
• Intense cravings and
• Depression

There may be need for you to use a similar medication to avoid or relief amphetamine withdrawal symptoms

Inability to stop using the drug or cut down on the dosage: You may find it difficult to stop using the drug, or even cutting down on the quantity used. You may continue to crave the stimulant even while being aware of the psychological or physical problems.

Lifestyle changes: You stay away from social, work or recreational activities because of your amphetamine use.

Treatment for amphetamine dependence

Amphetamine use disorder may be treated by:

Hospitalization: Going through an amphetamine withdrawal is easier in a clinical setting, especially for those who experience strong drug cravings. Hospitalization is also ok for those with aggression, suicidal behavior and negative mood changes.

Therapy: Family therapy, individual counselling and group therapy can help the patient to:

• Develop different mechanisms to cope
• Identify the feelings associated with amphetamine use
• Develop strategies to avoid usage
• Heal relationships with one’s family
• Discover more enjoyable activities in place of amphetamine use
• Gain support from former abusers

Medication: Several medications may be prescribed by your physician to help you combat the symptoms of withdrawal. Naltrexone is an example of a drug that can help with cravings. Other medications may also be prescribed to help with anxiety, aggression, and depression.

Complications of amphetamine dependence

Dependence on amphetamine and use disorder can result in:

• Brain damage
• Overdose
• Death

Can I prevent amphetamine dependence?

Drug education programs may reduce the odds for new amphetamine use or a relapse, but study results are mixed. Counseling for emotional and family support can also help. However, none of these are proven to prevent amphetamine use in everyone.

What is the long-term outlook?

Treating amphetamine use disorder may be difficult. A relapse after treatment is possible. Chances of a relapse may be reduced by getting individual counselling or participating in a 12-step treatment program.