Amphetamine addiction can cause irregularities in heartbeat and lead to stroke or heart attack if prolonged. As a substance that often reduces or eradicates appetite, amphetamine addiction can also lead to dramatic weight loss which can lead to numerous other health complications.
What are amphetamines?
Amphetamines are a class of stimulant medications which are synthesized in a lab. By stimulating the central nervous system, amphetamines can create effects like sharpened focus, greater energy, and when abused, feelings of euphoria. Commonly abused amphetamines include “study drugs” like Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin. Amphetamines are prescribed mainly for two conditions: narcolepsy and ADD/ADHD. An old ADHD medication called Dexedrine is a different compound of amphetamine that was once used as a truth serum by investigatory government agencies. Similar to amphetamines are methamphetamines, which includes drugs like Crystal Meth, MDMA, and synthetic ‘designer’ drugs like Flakka or K2 also called “Spice”.
Why are amphetamines addictive?
Amphetamines are commonly abused for their stimulating properties. Young men in school settings or young professionals with demanding jobs might turn to amphetamine abuse in order to keep them awake and alert with high energy and high focus. Appetite control is another appeal for amphetamine abuse. There has been speculation that amphetamines aid in memory retention, however, studies have proven that to be false.
Abuse of amphetamines starts when someone takes an amphetamine medication that was not prescribed to them. Any substance being used out of its purpose and prescription is being abused. Men may use amphetamines sparingly at first and not see any issue. Most often, men start using amphetamines more regularly which causes a tolerance to develop. Needing more amphetamine substances to achieve the same or a greater result, the brain begins to build a dependence on the chemical. Central nervous stimulants like amphetamines move through the bloodstream more rapidly, charging the brain more rapidly than other drug substances. When amphetamines are snorted or injected, that effect is tenfold, making the effects immediate and impactful.
Many factors contribute to amphetamine addiction in addition to biochemical ones. Amphetamine addiction often has deep psychological ties to reward in performance and achievement. Men who abuse amphetamines become as addicted to the results of their addiction, regardless of how bad their addiction is, as they do the drug itself.
You can find freedom from amphetamine addiction. Through evidence based treatments, proven therapies, and a lifestyle inspired by fitness, adventure, and the great outdoors, you can recover. Call Tree House Recovery today for information on our men’s treatment programs: (855) 202-2138
