Amphetamine drugs produce the types of effects that most people would find favorable. Increased energy levels, feelings of confidence and improved concentration levels can make the hustle and bustle of everyday life seem a little less stressful. Unfortunately, these effects only last for a short period of time.
Amphetamine abuse leaves users worse off than before, creating effects that are the complete opposite of the favorable effects experienced when first starting out on the drug. With continued use, amphetamines take over normal brain processes making it impossible for a person to function without the drug’s effects.
After a certain point, getting help for amphetamine abuse becomes the only way a person can regain control of his or her life. As amphetamines tend to have a cumulative effect in terms of the degree of damage caused, the type of treatment a person needs can vary.
Amphetamine’s Effects
Both prescription and illegal amphetamine drugs produce the same types of effects on the body. Some of the more commonly abused amphetamine drugs include:
- Ecstasy
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Desoxyn
- Strattera
- Crystal meth
According to the University of Maryland, amphetamine effects result from the drug’s interactions with brain and central nervous system chemical processes. By stimulating certain cell receptor sites, amphetamines produce the “high” effects that come with amphetamine abuse.
Affected cell sites eventually weaken from overuse, which in turn makes them less sensitive to the drug’s effects. As a result, users must keep taking larger dosage amounts to experience the drug’s “high” effects.
The severity of any one person’s addiction depends on:
- How long they’ve using
- Dosage amounts used
- How often they use
In effect, the most severe addictions result from long-term drug use, large dosage amounts and frequent, everyday usage patterns. Considering the degree of damage amphetamine abuse can cause, the sooner a person gets needed treatment help the better.
Treatment Needs
Support groups are very helpful in drug abuse and addiction recovery.
Physical dependency and addiction are inevitable when amphetamines abuse takes place on an ongoing basis, according to Dartmouth College. Addiction rehab programs treat addiction’s effects in stages starting with the body’s physical dependency.
Detox rehab programs provide 24-hour supervision, medical care and support to help addicts break the body’s dependence on amphetamines. People with severe addiction conditions may require ongoing inpatient or residential care to maintain ongoing abstinence.
As the potential for relapse and continued amphetamine abuse remain high throughout the first year of recovery, many people continue receiving needed treatment help through outpatient programs. Ultimately, anyone battling a long-term amphetamine addiction requires some form of ongoing treatment during the first year in recovery.
Long-Term Aftercare Supports
Addiction stems from a person’s psychological dependency on amphetamines rather than the physical dependency. Over time, amphetamine abuse alters a person’s belief system and overall motivations and drive to the point where drugs become the sole motivation for everything he or she does.
Long-term aftercare supports focus on helping recovering addicts replace drug-based belief systems with a constructive, healthy mindset. Psychotherapy, group therapy and regular 12-Step support group attendance provide a person with the support and guidance needed to develop a lifestyle that doesn’t center around drugs.
