About Amphetamines
According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, amphetamines are a group of psychoactive drugs called central nervous system stimulants. The collective group of amphetamines includes methamphetamine, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Although amphetamines can be used to help with certain medical conditions, there is controversy as to whether or not their benefits outweigh their risks.
Amphetamines have become a popular class of drugs to abuse because when taken in high doses they create a euphoric feeling. Amphetamines are stimulant drugs because they speed up a person’s body functioning, including their heart rate, their respiratory system and their nervous system.
Many people abuse amphetamines because they enjoy the feelings of happiness, attentiveness, strength and confidence that the drugs produce, but some people take them to help them stay awake and focused for school, while others take them to increase their performance in sports. However, no matter the reason for amphetamine abuse, a person can develop an addiction to amphetamines, and long term abuse of amphetamines can be life threatening.
5 Signs Your Loved One is Using Amphetamines
When people abuse amphetamines they often do not have a big appetite and do not need much sleep.
If you feel as though your loved one is using amphetamines, you may be correct, and they may need help. Amphetamine abuse is not easy for people to hide since the effects of the drugs last for hours. Below is a list of five signs that your loved is using amphetamines…
- They are far more talkative: People using amphetamines are constantly on the go and they tend to speak much quicker since their brain is stimulated from the drug. If your loved one is using, you will notice a difference in their levels of communication when you speak to them.
- They don’t sleep: Although pressures of school and work may cause sleeping problems, people on amphetamines cannot sleep since the drug will keep them awake. If your loved one is not sleeping because of too much energy on a frequent basis, this may be a sign of amphetamine use.
- Their pupils are dilated: Since the effects of amphetamines can last for hours, your loved one’s pupils will be dilated while on the drug.
- Loss of appetite: Amphetamines decrease appetite so if your loved one used to have a healthy appetite and now they are not hungry, this can be a sign of amphetamine use.
- Jitters: If your loved one is jittery or more fidgety, and cannot sit still, this could mean that they are using amphetamines.
Some short term effects of amphetamines may not be visible but a person using the drug will notice them.
According to Center for Substance Abuse Research, some common short term effects of amphetamines include, rapid heart rate, high body temperature, cardiac arrest, hostility, heightened sense of wellbeing, euphoria, and heart palpitations.
If you feel as though your loved one is taking amphetamines they may need help. There are numerous programs that are available to help with amphetamine addiction, you should conduct research and discuss with your loved one their different options for treatment.
