Amphetamines can a beneficial part of an overall treatment plan for ADHD, narcolepsy, or other disorders. However, the abuse of these substances is currently very high and always very dangerous. Those who use amphetamines for purposes other than that which they were prescribed have the potential of encountering many consequences including stimulant-induced psychosis, physical and psychological dependence, tolerance, addiction, and possibly even death.
Are Amphetamines Dangerous?
When amphetamines such as Adderall or similar drugs are used incorrectly, they can be extremely dangerous. There are many different types of amphetamine drugs, including methamphetamine which is a harmful, illegal substance. Not all amphetamine containing drugs are illegal, amphetamine containing substances can also include those which are prescribed by a doctor to treat certain disorders such as ADD, ADHD or narcolepsy. One of the most common of these is Adderall, a combination of two types of amphetamine substances (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine).
When used in any way other than as prescribed by a doctor, amphetamines are very dangerous.
Because these drugs can cause the same issues as other, illegal amphetamines when abused, the NLM states they are “habit-forming” and urges users not to “take a larger dose, take the medication more often, or take it for a longer time than prescribed.” Any of these actions can be extremely dangerous; the abuse of these drugs can lead to intense addiction which is why anyone on an amphetamine prescription should be extremely cautious in dosing and should fully understand the potential repercussions of taking these medications in any way other than prescribed.
If you can’t control your use of amphetamines you may need professional help. Get help today 800-816-1059(Who Answers?).
What are the Effects of Amphetamines?
Amphetamines can have many effects on an individual including appetite suppression, “increased wakefulness, and increased focus and attention” (NIDA). While these effects may seem desirable, amphetamine drugs (especially in high doses) can also cause hallucinations, paranoia, mania, and in some cases stroke and heart attack leading to the user’s death.
People become addicted to amphetamines very quickly, whether they snort them, ingest them orally, or take them through another method. Many people start taking amphetamines desiring the effects they cause and end up with extremely dangerous side effects. And, because they become addicted so rapidly, they will often not be able to stop and will take more of the drug each time as a product of their tolerance to it.
The Abuse of Amphetamines
The highest population of individuals currently abusing amphetamines are full-time college students (MIT). These individuals begin taking them as study aids or as recreational drugs and end up becoming addicted as well. MIT states, “Surveys conducted at more than a hundred campuses reveal that speed is illicitly used by approximately 6.9% of college students; 2.1% have used it in the last month.” While college students are the highest population of amphetamine abusers, many other individuals take these drugs for the same reasons.
If you or a loved one is suffering from amphetamine addiction, get help today at 800-816-1059(Who Answers?)and take your first steps toward recovery.
What Can I Do?
Amphetamine abuse is dangerous and harmful, both to those who take the drug and those in the lives of the abuser. And because amphetamines can cause intense physical and psychological effects the higher the dose is and the longer the individual has been taking the drug, those who abuse amphetamines should be treated as quickly as possible.
If you have a loved one or know someone who is abusing amphetamines, or if you have been abusing them yourself, seek treatment immediately. It is extremely important that an individual who has been abusing amphetamines for a long period of time is able to receive the proper treatment in order to recover.
