Prescription drug abuse is a problem on the rise, with more people abusing prescriptions every year, including amphetamine drugs. Abuse can cause both short- and long-term health effects, and to avoid some of the staggering long-term effects, treatment should be sought for victims of abuse.
If you or a loved one is struggling with amphetamine misuse, Vertava Health offers amphetamine addiction treatment. Contact 844.470.0410 for more information on treatment options.
What Are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines are a class of drugs that are prescribed to treat conditions such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity. These drugs are popularly abused due to their ability to increase energy and focus, as well as their ability to induce euphoria. Unfortunately, amphetamines can also cause a number of serious side effects, including difficulty breathing, anxiety, confusion, and seizures.
Amphetamine drugs include methamphetamine, Adderall, and Desoxyn. While they may have some therapeutic uses when taken as prescribed by a doctor, they can be highly addictive and pose serious health risks if abused.
Risk Factors Of Prescription Amphetamine Abuse
When taken as prescribed, amphetamines are not necessarily harmful (though all medications have side effects). When taken in ways other than prescribed that amphetamines can become harmful.
One of the most significant sources of prescription amphetamine abuse witnessed today is due to people taking these drugs to increase their cognitive performance. This is common amongst teenagers and young adults, as some use these drugs as a study aid. This behavior has also been observed in adults that use amphetamines to boost their focus and performance within the professional realm.
Like so many prescriptions, people do not always recognize the risk associated with amphetamines simply because they are prescribed by a doctor. Often people abusing prescription drugs, especially kids and teens, get the medication from a person close to them, either by stealing it or receiving it from them directly.
There are some identifying factors for prescription drug abuse. If someone takes a medication more frequently or in a dose larger than prescribed by their doctor, they are abusing it. Also, if someone takes a prescription medication that does not belong to them, that is defined as abuse.
Other identifying factors include taking prescriptions by methods other than prescribed, like crushing and snorting pills to produce faster effects, or contributing to abuse by giving prescriptions to others for whom they are not prescribed.
Long-Term Effects of Amphetamines
When a person illicitly uses an amphetamine, they are commonly seeking the drug’s euphoric effects. But the long-term effects of amphetamine abuse are quite shocking. They may include:
- Breathing troubles
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Convulsions
- Collapsing physically
- Dizziness
- Extreme and atypical fatigue
- Loss of coordination
- Mood changes
- Psychosis
- Changes in mentality, which can lead to mental disorders
- Physiological and behavioral disorders
- Skin disorders
- Skin pallor
- Tics (repetitive motor activities)
- Ulcers
Amphetamine use and abuse need to be taken very seriously. Prolonged and excessive use can result in a person developing an addiction. In extreme cases, these drugs may cause coma, overdose, or even death.
Discover Treatment for Amphetamine Abuse at Vertava Health
There are many kinds of treatments for prescription drug abuse. Treatment may help a person through the detoxification process, during which the body rids itself of any toxic chemicals. Recovery can also include cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches a person to change everyday habits and build a lifestyle free from the risks of substance abuse or addiction. Counseling may help people suffering from addiction to cope through positive outlets.
Whenever a person seeks treatment for substance abuse, there are many things to consider. For instance, depending on the severity of the abuse, a person may need inpatient care in a hospital or rehabilitation center, which can be costly. The selection of a facility should also take into account support; some facilities allow for the family to be present, while others do not.
Some other factors may include any preexisting health conditions or co-occurring disorders which also need appropriate care. To properly weigh such an important decision, it is important to have resources and information, as well as professional guidance. Contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 today for more insight.
