Amphetamines are dangerous, addictive substances that, when abused, can lead to a number of serious issues for which treatment will be required. Below are 6 ways to recognize you have an amphetamine problem and you need to seek rehab. Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) today to find rehab centers that will accommodate to your needs.
1. You’re Binging on the Drug
According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, the binge-crash cycle, “when users attempt to maintain their high by overindulging on [amphetamines],” is a definite sign of amphetamine abuse. This type of misuse can quickly lead to addiction. It is extremely dangerous because it can also cause overdose, which can be deadly, and often ends in withdrawal.
2. You’re Hearing or Seeing Things That Aren’t There
Auditory and visual hallucinations are two of the strongest signs that a person is experiencing toxic psychosis, a side effect of severe amphetamine abuse. If you have noticed feelings of paranoia and hostility, violent thoughts, homicidal and suicidal contemplation, or severe anxiety, you are likely experiencing this issue, and you will require treatment immediately.
3. You Are Losing Weight Rapidly
Amphetamine abuse can lead to rapid weight loss and malnutrition.
As stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “When they are abused, [prescription stimulants and other amphetamines] can lead to malnutrition and its consequences.” People often lose considerable weight because the drug decreases one’s appetite, increases their activity, and causes them to require very little sleep. These effects can lead to malnutrition and make a person very underweight, which can be dangerous.
4. You Have Severe Skin Problems
It is common for individuals who have been abusing amphetamines regularly to have vitamin deficiency because of their poor diets. This can lead to dry skin. Many amphetamine users also constantly pick or scratch their skin. When you begin to notice yourself participating in this habit––especially when it creates skin disorders, infections, and sores, it is time to seek help.
5. You Notice You Have a Pounding Heartbeat
Every time you take a large dose of an amphetamine, it raises your blood pressure, your heart rate, and your body temperature. A consistently pounding heartbeat could be a sign that your heart is in trouble and your excessive amphetamine use is to blame. Without treatment, sudden death is a possibility. It is important to seek help immediately and to find out how much damage your heart has sustained.
6. You Experience Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
If you notice that you become depressed, irritable, fatigued, or anxious every time you stop using amphetamines––and especially if you experience severe cravings as well––you are suffering from withdrawal associated with your amphetamine abuse. This means your body and mind are already dependent on the drug and that addiction is likely to follow. Without treatment at this point, it can be almost impossible to quit.
Finding Help for Amphetamine Abuse
Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) to find a treatment program that can help you recover from amphetamine misuse and addiction. It is never too early to seek help, but if you are experiencing any of the issues listed above, it is important to call as soon as you can and to make a change in your life.
