Amphetamine Addiction

Although commonly referred to as amphetamines, in the plural, this is really just one compound called amphetamine. There are other drugs with amphetamine in their name, such as methamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These are related, and may be referred to collectively as amphetamines.

Amphetamine is used as a prescription medication and is also used illegally by those who choose to abuse it. It is addictive and has many potential side effects which can cause harm to the user. Abusing amphetamine is very serious. This is a drug that should be taken only under the direction of a prescribing doctor.

What is amphetamine?

The full, chemical name for amphetamine is alpha-methylphenethylamine. It is a small chemical compound that is part of a class of drugs called psychostimulants. These drugs produce focus and wakefulness and decrease fatigue and hunger. Amphetamine works in the brain by changing levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, specifically in areas of the brain associated with the reward system.

As with many other abused drugs, it is this action on the reward pathways that often leads to abuse and dependence. By activating the brain’s reward or pleasure centers, amphetamine gives the user a sense of euphoria or a high. Amphetamine was created in the late 1800s and was used in the early 1900s for medical purposes and to help people stay alert, awake, and focused. It became a controlled substance in 1971 because of the high possibility of abuse and addiction. Currently, it is most often prescribed for narcolepsy and ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Where does it come from?

Amphetamine is a synthesized drug, meaning it is created in a laboratory, although its origins go back to ephedrine, a compound derived from a plant. Today, amphetamine can only be legally obtained by a prescription from a doctor. It is often sold illegally on the street. Brand names of prescriptions that include amphetamine or that metabolize into amphetamine in the body are Adderall, Dextroamphet, Dextrostat, Dexedrine, ProCentra, Vyvanse, and Didrex. On the street amphetamine may be called speed, uppers, bennies, benzidrine, dexies, eye openers, pep pills, wake ups, truck drivers, snap, lightning, hearts, and many other names.

How is it used?

Amphetamine comes in pill or tablet form and the most common way to use it is to ingest the pills. Some abusers may also crush up the tablets and snort them through the nose. They may also be dissolved and injected intravenously. People who use by injection are sometimes referred to as speed freaks.

While many people benefit from the use of amphetamine when prescribed by a doctor and administered according to instructions, there are many who abuse this drug for a variety of reasons. Some just want to get the high, but many use amphetamine for performance purposes. Students may use amphetamine to stay awake and focused for several hours of studying or writing. Athletes may use the drug to be able to play longer and better, although this use is extremely dangerous and can result in death. One of the street names for amphetamine, truck drivers, refers to a practice among long-distance drivers of using the drug to stay awake.

What are the signs of amphetamine addiction?

Amphetamine use can quickly lead to addiction as the user develops a tolerance and needs to use more and more to achieve the desired effect. Look out for the following signs of abuse and amphetamine addiction:

• Using more and more of the drug each time to get high or to maintain focus and wakefulness
• Financial problems resulting from buying amphetamine for regular use
• Changes in behavior or relationships
• Depression or suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Weight loss and signs of malnutrition
• Severe anxiety, often combined with paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, and poor judgments
• Exhaustion

What are the consequences of amphetamine addiction and abuse?

Even before dependence sets in, amphetamine addiction can cause harmful side effects. An allergic reaction is rare, but possible, and can cause difficulty with breathing or swelling in the face. This is very serious and can lead to death if not treated.

Common but less severe side effects of amphetamine addiction and abuse may include:

• Tremors
• Restlessness
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Because amphetamine is habit-forming, those who abuse it run the risk of becoming addicted. If addicted, the user may stop using and experience withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, an increased appetite, agitation, excessive sleep, lucid dreams, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Overdose is also possible with amphetamine, although rarely fatal. Signs of overdose include high blood pressure, chest pains, and psychosis.

When to seek amphetamine addiction treatment

If you know someone who is using amphetamine without a prescription, he needs help. Any type of use that is not under the direction of a physician is considered abuse and can lead to health problems. Seek emergency medical assistance if you notice any signs of overdose or an allergic reaction. These include an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, severe headache, blurred vision, hallucinations, confusion, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the lips, tongue, or face.