Amphetamine Use Disorder Definition, Symptoms, and Causes

AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. These prescription amphetamine drugs treat amphetamine addiction a wide array of conditions. Adderall and Evekeo are used in the treatment of ADHD in children older than 3, as well as narcolepsy in adults.

Amphetamine dependence

• Having high levels of dopamine in the brain gives a feeling of pleasure and reward.
• When one overdoses, the first set of symptoms is mainly excitatory in nature.
• Those shortages affect various dosages and formulations (immediate release vs. extended release) into 2025 and possibly beyond.
• Chemical changes in the brain help the cycle repeat until the person cannot escape the cycle.

While the effects of amphetamines are almost immediate, tolerance builds quickly, which frequently increases the amount needed to produce the desired effect. During periods of non-use, the user may recall the feeling of euphoria produced by the drug and desire to take it again. Of the amphetamines, methamphetamine likely has the largest potential for abuse. Abuse of methamphetamine can cause long-lasting brain damage along with other problems. The drug is typically made in clandestine laboratories with heroin addiction relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients.

Are Amphetamines Addictive?

• The need to abuse the drug takes precedence over relationships that previously held importance to them.
• Amphetamine drugs are very likely to cause the following effects in addicts who abuse the drug in the long-term.
• Amphetamine combination drugs such as Adderall are also widely prescribed to treat ADHD.
• This section will discuss those most likely to be seen with any of this group’s medication.

Amphetamines have a high potential for addiction, with some individuals becoming so reliant on the drug they feel they need it just to get through the day. Therefore, it is vital for those struggling to seek support in overcoming their addiction through amphetamine rehab. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one that is abusing amphetamines, this page will talk you through the signs, causes, and implications of amphetamine addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with amphetamine addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC) is here to help.

• For instance, chronic meth abuse causes rapid tooth decay (meth mouth) and skin damage from constant scratching.
• The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities.
• Misuse of prescription drugs, including amphetamines, can lead to addiction.
• With the right support, many people who have experienced SUD go on to live happy lives with strong relationships and positive health outcomes.

Strength and limitations of this study

It is important that a person does not feel ashamed about seeking help or following a program to support their recovery. Treatment may be long-term and may involve periods of difficulty as a person adjusts to their life without substance use. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/the-5-risks-of-drinking-after-work/ In just 2 minutes, you can speak with an admissions specialist, verify your insurance, and explore treatment options that work for you.

Dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine are two types of amphetamines. Both prescribed and street amphetamines can be misused and cause use disorder. It is also important to give a healthcare professional all the facts so that they can work with a person to develop the best possible treatment plan for them as an individual. This is not the same as substance dependency — the physical symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal. “Addiction” is the term for long-term behavioral, physical, and social changes a person may experience as a result of substance misuse. In 2020, about 5.1 million people in the United States reported misusing prescription stimulants, such as Adderall, within the past year.

Find out how amphetamine addiction develops, the signs to look for if a loved one has an addiction problem, and treatment options available for… It’s a chronic brain disorder involving compulsive drug seeking and use despite negative consequences. Participating in a 12-step treatment program and getting individual counseling may reduce your chances of relapse and improve your chances for recovery. Identifying addiction isn’t always easy and it’s best to leave diagnosis to healthcare professionals. However, it can be helpful to know the diagnostic criteria if you think that you or someone you care about has an addiction to amphetamines. A person should seek professional help if they have concerns about their mental health.

• The Recovery Village staff performs an evaluation on each individual seeking treatment, assess their personality and other factors in order to meet their unique clinical needs.
• In other words, it is not documented how BCBT is efficacious for treating amphetamine abuse/use disorder alone or in combination with pharmacological treatments in other countries.
• This amphetamine addiction crisis saw deaths related to its abuse rise 10-fold between 2009 and 2019.
• The effects that these amphetamine drugs have on a person’s neurochemistry will begin to manifest the longer they use the drug.
• Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service.

A person should make sure that they take their prescription drugs as their doctor instructs and read any leaflet information to check for potential interactions with alcohol and other drugs. A person should only take medication that a doctor prescribes for them and should store their medications safely. A combination of one-to-one psychotherapy and group therapy sessions work towards building your self-esteem and challenging any unhelpful thoughts and behaviours which lead to a cycle of drug abuse. We use problem-solving talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helping to instil a positive attitude going forward. The number of people dying from amphetamine addiction increased by 30 percent between the years 2016 and 2017. An addict may return to the drug even after a long period of abstinence.

Reports indicate that children as young as eighth grade have misused prescription medications for ADHD. Doctors prescribe amphetamines for conditions such as ADHD, obesity, narcolepsy, and depression. Misusing amphetamines, or taking them in a different way than a doctor prescribes, can lead to amphetamine addiction. Counselling for amphetamine addiction aims to support you to give up amphetamines completely, rather than simply reducing the amount you take. We’ll help you to manage stressful situations and problems in your life that may previously have led to you taking the drug.

Product Reviews

Medication is used many times in order to alleviate the discomfort that the patient feels. The frequency of heavy amphetamine use and the degree of severity of the dependence are two risk factors that increase the chance of stimulant psychosis occurring. The effects that these amphetamine drugs have on a person’s neurochemistry will begin to manifest the longer they use the drug. A person who consistently abuses the drug may develop tolerance, which means they need to increase the dose to achieve the same effect. This can be dangerous as larger amounts of the drug have more toxic effects on the body.