Building tolerance and developing dependence to amphetamine can be dangerous for some users. Some may become seriously addicted to the drug -which poses health risks for the user. With frequent use the effects of amphetamine abuse can lead to psychosis, coma, or possible death. If you or a loved is abusing this drug it is vital that you become aware of the negative impact it can have on your overall health and life.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, chronic abuse produces a psychosis that resembles schizophrenia and is characterized by: Paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with one’s own thoughts, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Violent and erratic behavior is frequently seen among chronic abusers of amphetamines and methamphetamine.
5 Long Term Effects of Amphetamine Abuse to Be Aware Of
The effects of the drug may differ from one user to the next, and not all will share the same experiences. However, amphetamine abuse is not to be taken lightly. The drug can be psychologically addictive, and all it takes is an overdose to cause permanent damage, or even a negative action of your behavior to change your life or that of someone you love -forever. Here are 5 long term effectsthat you or your loved one need to be aware of:
- Malnutrition: Since an effect of amphetamine is loss of appetite, this can lead to drastic weight loss and poor eating habits. When you do not eat enough nutritious meals, you can start to also feel more tired and often feel dizzy. When malnutrition is left untreated, it can cause mental or physical illness, including possible death.
- Sexual behavior changes: Can lead to decreased sexual activity, but more often increased sexual promiscuity. This can lead to risky behavior and unprotected sex. The chances for getting a sexually transmitted disease can increase.
- Hallucinations: Continued use of amphetamines can bring on hallucinations. You may start to see things that are not really there, or hear voices that are not real. It can also lead to amphetamine psychosis similar to schizophrenic behavior and symptoms.
Abusing amphetamines can lead to hallucinations down the line.
- Seizures: Some have experienced their body shaking uncontrollably and rapidly. It can also cause twitching of muscles and in some -loss of bladder control.
- Coma: Long term abuse of amphetamines can lead to coma, often from an overdose of amphetamine. A coma can cause permanent damage physically or psychologically. Fatal consequences are possible if a person does not recover from a coma.
These are some of the known long term effects of amphetamine abuse. Some users may never experience any of these. Everyone is different and depending on the amount of the drug taken, and the length of time using it -effects may vary and there may be other signs or symptoms not listed here.
Seeking Help to Stop Amphetamine Abuse
Due to the dangerous consequences of amphetamine addiction and abuse -which can lead to possible death – treatment should be sought as soon as possible. Call an addiction specialist and talk to them about the drug use. With help and guidance you can get the treatment needed to quit safely, and avoid the negative effects of amphetamine abuse. Treatment can save your life or that of a loved one. The sooner you take this step, the better the chances at living a healthier lifestyle.