Amphetamine Addiction and Abuse

You may have heard the term “amphetamine salts” and wondered if that differs from regular amphetamine drugs. The former refers to the amphetamine mixture that makes up generic Adderall. This is because the combination of substances used to create medical-grade Adderall is chemically considered salt.

Due to amphetamines’ ability to boost levels of certain “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, they are frequently misused. Although college students are known to misuse Adderall, an amphetamine, to increase their ability to focus, they are far from the only demographic that misuses the drug. People of all ages can misuse amphetamine and develop an amphetamine addiction.

• Speed
• Bennies
• Uppers
• Wake Ups
• Dexies
• Pep pills
• Chalk
• Zip
• Crank

• Adderall – Available as an oral tablet
• Adderall XR – Available as an oral extended-release capsule
• Desoxyn – Available as an oral tablet
• Dexedrine – Available as an oral tablet
• Dexedrine Spansule – Available as an oral extended-release capsule
• DextroStat – Available as an oral tablet
• Ritalin – Available as an oral capsule and a chewable tablet
• ProCentra – Available as an oral solution
• Vyvanse – Available as an oral capsule
• Zenzedi – Available as an oral tablet

Despite these barriers to obtaining illicit amphetamines, people still manage to acquire the drugs. It is very easy to become dependent and develop an amphetamine addiction — even if they are used under a doctor’s supervision. Studies have found that people with ADHD are just as likely than those without the condition to develop an amphetamine addiction. Whether amphetamines are taken medically or illicitly, regular use puts an individual at a greater risk for developing an amphetamine addiction. This increased likelihood is because amphetamine addiction is a brain disease, and these drugs can change the brain’s structure. Over time, the changes in the brain’s chemical makeup can cause lasting effects.

Amphetamines are made to speed up the central nervous system. Combining these disparate substances can result in dangerous consequences such as extremely high blood pressure and body temperature. Among the most distressing results of drug mixing is the risk of overdose. This occurs because the amphetamine or “upper” camouflages the fact that a person has taken too much of the “downer” drug, which may be alcohol or Xanax. By the time a user recognizes that they have taken too much of the downer and are in trouble, it may be too late to get help. In too many tragic cases, the user dies before they even recognize that they were in grave danger.

• Personality changes
• Decreased appetite and/or weight loss
• Bouts of unexplained euphoria followed by a “crash” in energy
• Frequent discussion of amphetamines
• Prematurely aged appearance
• Insomnia

Individuals misusing amphetamines may also experience more serious effects when the drug is used long term. Vertigo, ulcers, malnutrition, kidney complications, lung problems and an increased risk of cardiovascular symptoms are a few symptoms that can be experienced.

Members of the treatment team can help patients determine the best way for them to detox from amphetamines and administer medication to help with the withdrawal symptoms. Doctors and therapists can also help the patient learn the skills needed to continue their lives following treatment. The Recovery Village offers different types of recovery programs that cater to the specific needs of patients. Some of these programs include:

• Inpatient Treatment
• Outpatient Treatment
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment
• Intensive Inpatient Treatment
• Partial Hospitalization Treatment
• Aftercare Programs

• Amphetamines are the second-most commonly used drugs in the world, after cannabis.
• About 13 million Americans have abused amphetamines.
• People who abuse Adderall are more likely to abuse other drugs as well.
• One study found that almost 90 percent of college students who abuse Adderall also practice regular binge drinking.
• Among high schoolers in grades 10-12, approximately 15 percent have abused an amphetamine at least once.
• Adderall and other Amphetamines can stay in your system for between 1-3 days after the last use.

The Recovery Village has treatment centers in Florida, Colorado, Ohio, Washington and Maryland to help individuals looking to confront their addictions and begin living a life without amphetamines. For information regarding our facilities and programs, call us. Each call is completely free and confidential. Start your journey to recovery today.