Amphetamines were first synthesized in in 1887, by a German chemist named L. Edeleano. But, people at that time didn’t realize the stimulating effects of the drug. It took until the 1930s for the central nervous system effects and respiratory stimulant uses to be marketed. The first of such products was a nasal inhaler to be used to break up congestion. That’s a pretty innocent application of the drug.
And, amphetamines are still prescribed medically. The Center for Substance Abuse Research notifies readers that medications containing amphetamines are recommended for obesity, narcolepsy, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This also seems fairly innocent, although medical professionals do debate over whether or not the effectiveness of amphetamines prescribed for weight loss and ADHD outweigh the side effects of the drug.
If amphetamine is medically useful and prescribed, then what dangers can it pose? It wouldn’t be handed out if it didn’t help people, right?
Well, actually, amphetamine is considered a Schedule II drug, which means it is identified as having a high risk for abuse, which will lead to dependence. In addition, many users aren’t taking amphetamine in agreement with medical prescribing and those users face a variety of amphetamine-related risks. One of the largest risks is amphetamine psychosis, a mental illness marked by delusions and/or hallucinations.
If you worry that your amphetamine use is putting you at risk of amphetamine psychosis or you are concerned you have already developed it, you need medical attention and drug rehabilitation treatment for a qualified program. Amphetamines.com can help. Give us a call at 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) and speak to an expert who can answer questions and direct you to treatment.
The following lists includes undeniable symptoms of amphetamine psychosis. If you or a loved one are experiencing some of the items on the list, it is time to be concerned.
1. Auditory Hallucinations
Severe anxiety is common with amphetamine psychosis.
This symptom is marked by hearing sounds without an auditory stimulus, a cause. Often, these hallucinations take the form of voices. Some examples of auditory hallucinations listed in the Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry are:
- Command hallucination: a voice instructs you toward a specific action
- Running commentary: one or more voices narrates your actions
- Thought echo: a voice repeats your thoughts
- Disagreements: two or more voices argue
2. Visual Hallucinations
Like auditory hallucinations, visual ones manifest without a clear visual cause. You will see things when they are not present to be seen.
3. Delusions of Persecution
This symptom is what is called self-referential, which means that the delusions are all about you. If you are experiencing this type of delusion, you will believe that other people intend to harm, embarrass, or frustrate you.
4. Delusions of Reference
This symptom is also self-referential. If you experience this type of delusion, you believe that situations and events have been intentionally arranged in a way that should mean something to you. You may think that the news is trying to send you a message or that a book is about you directly.
5. Delusions of Thought Interference
This symptom is somewhat like a delusion of persecution in that you will think you are being targeted. However, with this type of delusion, you will believe that your thoughts are being controlled and managed—taken, added, changed, and reported—without your consent.
6. Anxiety
Amphetamine psychosis will make you severely nervous and edgy. Remaining calm will become incredibly difficult.
7. Trouble Concentrating
This symptom leaves your thought disorganized and makes it hard for you to focus. This symptom will be especially severe when you are experiencing delusions. You may not be able to express yourself verbally and others will have a very hard time making sense of what you say.
8. Aggressiveness
You may become violent and hostile without a cause. If you are experiencing a persecution delusion, you may act out to protect yourself.
9. Increased Motor Activity
This symptom takes the form of repetitive, purposeless movement. You may pace or cross and uncross your legs or arms. The movement will be compulsive and outside of your control.
10. Delusions of Control
This symptom leaves the sufferer feeling that they are not in control of their own body. If you are experiencing increased motor activity, this can trigger a control delusion. You will feel as if you are being forced by an outside entity to feel and do things.
Amphetamine psychosis will continue as long as you use amphetamines. Once you stop using, the symptoms may continue for as little as a few weeks or for months after your body goes through detox. The sooner you stop using, the better.
For help treating your amphetamine addiction, contact Amphetamines.com at 800-816-1059(Who Answers?). Call now.
