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Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms And Detox

It is easy to get hooked on amphetamines because of their addictive properties when they are misused. Even using amphetamines for a short period of time can trigger amphetamine withdrawal symptoms as soon as the drug begins to wear off. 

What Are Amphetamines?

Amphetamines are used to stimulate the central nervous system and are synthetically manufactured. One of the most popular prescription amphetamines is Adderall. They are used to help treat several medical conditions, including:

  • Narcolepsy
  • Obesity
  • Depression
  • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

However, amphetamines are also abused by people who do not need them. One of the more common illicit forms of street amphetamines is meth. 

Types of Amphetamines

Aside from Adderall and meth, other types of amphetamines that have the potential for misuse are:

  • Concerta/Ritalin/Methylphenidate
  • Ephedrine
  • Crystal Meth
  • Glass
  • Ice
  • Black Beauty
  • Dexies
  • Uppers
  • Wax

Prescription amphetamines usually come in pill, tablet, or capsule formulations in varying strengths. On the other hand, street amphetamines can include these formulations, as well as come in many other forms, such as:

  • Liquids
  • Crystals
  • Pastes
  • Powders

Effects of Amphetamines 

When taken as a prescription, the effects of amphetamines stimulate and regulate different medical conditions. For example, for someone with ADHD, amphetamines help increase their ability to focus and concentrate on tasks for longer periods. They can also make them feel calmer and in control of their thoughts.

When amphetamines are abused, they also cause elevated stimulation in the body. One of the more common effects is a rush of euphoria and happiness. Other effects experienced when abusing amphetamines can include:

  • Lowered Inhibitions
  • Increased Energy Levels 
  • Heightened Concentration
  • Heightened Focus
  • Extremely Clear Thinking 
  • Increased Self Confidence
  • Feeling One Is Has Better Control Over Themself
  • Talkativeness
  • Increased Sociability
  • Reduced Appetite
  • Elevated Alertness
  • Increase Endurance

It is these initial effects that entices people to misuse amphetamines to enhance physical and cognitive performance. For example, an athlete may abuse amphetamines for better endurance, focus, energy levels, and performance. 

Furthermore, many students misuse amphetamines for “all night” cram sessions before major tests and improve their concentration and focus to do well on academic subjects. Unfortunately, in both examples, dependence on amphetamines can eventually begin to have negative consequences and effects that any initial gain is quickly lost. 

Long-Term Amphetamine Misuse Effects

The longer amphetamines are misused, the effects become less enjoyable. Instead, the effects can increase risks of medication conditions and have other impacts on the mind and body, including:

  • Extreme Weight Loss
  • Itchy Skin
  • Memory Loss
  • Hallucinations
  • Loss of Attachment to Reality
  • Skin Sores
  • Tremors
  • Aggressive/Violent Behavior
  • Heart Attack
  • Stroke
  • Death

Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms

Amphetamine withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on how long the drug has been misused. Short-term users often notice headaches, sleepiness, fatigue, and feeling hungover. Long-term users tend to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms, such as:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Mood Swings
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle Cramping
  • Stomach Pain
  • Uncontrolled Shaking
  • Increased Appetite

Dangers of Amphetamines

When amphetamines are taken as prescribed, people are less likely to develop an addiction to the drug. However, when they are abused and used for enhancing performance or to get high, the risks of developing stimulant use disorder and addiction are much higher.

The body will develop a tolerance to the drugs, which means their effects will not be as powerful as they were before. As a result, large doses of amphetamines are required to achieve the desired effects. Sadly, as tolerance continues to increase, this can lead to accidental overdoses and death. 

Furthermore, unfortunately, people can lose control of their ability to regulate the amount they use. As addiction takes hold, they will need to use amphetamines just to function and get through the day. The drug eventually becomes their primary focus, and nothing else matters. 

How to Safely Cope With Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms

The best approach to safely withdraw from amphetamines and reduce amphetamine withdrawal symptoms is with clinically supervised detox treatment. Supervised detox programs help manage withdrawal symptoms and can incorporate using certain medications to help alleviate some of the more severe withdrawal symptoms. 

The initial period of withdrawal and detox can take several weeks. Even then, people can still experience cravings for amphetamines. So, detox can take longer in situations where people have misused amphetamines for an extended period. 

Yet, once detox is achieved, the body will start to heal itself and the damage caused by the drug. So, over time, one can recover and have long-term success in recovery when they are committed to getting help for their amphetamine addiction. 

Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms and Detox Treatment in Nashville

When you are ready to take the first steps to recovery and get help for your amphetamine addiction, supervised amphetamine detox treatment is available at Detox Nashville. Our goal is to help reduce the severity of amphetamine withdrawal symptoms while providing a safe, secure, and supportive environment to begin your recovery.

After your detox is complete, we work with you to help you determine the your aftercare plan which could include, referring you to inpatient or outpatient rehab programs, and sober living facilities. 

To learn more about our supervised detox treatment in Nashville for amphetamine addiction and assistance in obtaining addiction treatment, please feel free to contact us to speak with an intake specialist today!

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