Amphetamine is a synthetic drug that activates the central nervous system (CNS). Amphetamine is a potent psychotropic substance. The individual develops an addiction to this substance quite easily and quickly. Symptoms of amphetamine addiction vary from person to person. A person cannot self-administer amphetamine treatment. It is impossible to get rid of this addictive drug without expert help.
What is Amphetamine?
Amphetamine is one of the most effective drugs currently used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This active substance can be abused by adults due to its stimulant-pleasurable effects. Amphetamine derivatives have been closely monitored in recent years due to their addictive potential, and in Turkey they are prescribed on red prescription. Amphetamines (amphetamine, methamphetamine), ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) and its derivatives and other synthetic stimulants (methcathinone, phenethylline) constitute amphetamine-type stimulants (ATU).
What is Amphetamine Addiction? What are the Symptoms?
Amphetamine addiction causes physical and psychological dependence. Not all of these are signs of addiction. Users first show hyperactivity and mood disorder behaviors. They have problems focusing. Amphetamine has a performance enhancing effect. It causes a surge of energy and a feeling of joy. It creates the false emotional state of mind that all is good in life and that everything is on your shoulders.
This potent substance stimulates the senses, increases muscle tone, and produces high levels of energy. The person wants to experience the feeling of increased strength again, so he or she becomes psychologically dependent on amphetamine. Physical dependence develops when amphetamine becomes a fixed part of the metabolism.
The use of amphetamine makes a person more productive, he or she does not feel fatigue, his or her mood is greatly improved. Under the influence of this drug, a person's body reacts to it. The person feels much more energized and happier and the change in mood is noticeable.
In chronic use, psychological disorders can be more pronounced. Not everyone reacts to amphetamine use in the same way, but there are signs of addiction;
- a craving for the substance when amphetamines are not available or when they are low
- Worrying about amphetamine use
- The person wants to quit the substance but is unable to do so
- Increase the frequency and quantity of the substance for greater effect
- Taking amphetamines to combat withdrawal symptoms
- Using amphetamines against depression
- Difficulty performing daily tasks or giving up other enjoyable activities, creating new opportunities for substance use
- Forging prescriptions for prescription amphetamines in order to obtain more of the substance
Substance abuse continues to negatively affect people's lives. Individuals can become open targets by sacrificing their health and environment in order to obtain substances. While addicts may refuse to acknowledge this and continue to deny the problem, the problem can mobilize others. It is quickly recognized that the addict's behavior is not normal. Many people want to get rid of this addiction because they realize that substance abuse can have serious consequences.
What are the harms of amphetamine addiction?
Amphetamine addiction negatively affects both the physical, psychological and social environment of the person. We can list the harms of amphetamine addiction as follows;
- Lack of appetite occurs in the individual.
- Sexual reluctance occurs.
- An increase in the person's body temperature is observed.
- Permanent brain damage occurs.
- Memory loss, loss of motivation, hallucinations may occur.
- Wounds occur inside and outside the mouth.
- Bad odor in the mouth and inflammation of the skin are observed.
- The individual has attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.
How is amphetamine addiction treated?
Amphetamine addiction can be overcome with a three-step treatment program. The first step, which is important throughout the entire treatment, is to make the addict realize how bad the problem has gotten. The following are some of the treatment methods for amphetamine use disorder;
Hospitalization: Amphetamine addicts experience strong drug cravings, and it may be easier to recover from amphetamine addiction in a hospital setting. Hospitalization helps to control negative mood behaviors such as self-harm and aggression.
Therapy: Individual counseling, family therapy and group therapy can help a person recover from addiction. The positive effects of therapy are as follows;
- Making sense of the feelings associated with amphetamine use.
- Develop coping mechanisms in different ways.
- Repairing relationships with one's family.
- Develop programs to prevent amphetamine use.
- Allows the person to explore activities that interest them instead of amphetamine use.
Drug treatment: The specialist may initiate medication to reduce the severe amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. The specialist may also prescribe different medications to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and aggression.
What are the Complications of Amphetamine Addiction?
Amphetamine overuse can have negative effects on the individual.
Consistent amphetamine addiction and use disorder can lead to the following causes
- Amphetamine overdose can cause brain damage, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy or stroke-like symptoms.
- It causes fatigue, vivid and bad dreams, insomnia or oversleeping.
- The person's eating and drinking becomes more frequent.
- Mood disorders such as psychomotor retardation and agitation are observed.
- Amphetamine, which is effective in the body, causes death when used in excess.
