Amphetamine Addiction and Abuse
Amphetamines are drugs that make people feel awake and alert and can create euphoria. They are often prescribed to people with ADHD. Just as with many other drugs, they can be misused and an addiction can form. Learning about these drugs can aid people in finding help.
The phrase “amphetamine salts” refers to the mixture that makes up generic Adderall. The combination used to create Adderall is chemically considered salt.
Due to their ability to boost levels of a few “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, amphetamines are often misused. Although college students may try to misuse Adderall to increase focus levels, people of all ages can abuse these drugs and develop an addiction to them.
- Speed
- Bennies
- Uppers
- Wake Ups
- Dexies
- Pep pills
- Chalk
- Zip
- Crank
- Adderall – an oral tablet
- Adderall XR – an oral extended-release capsule
- Desoxyn – an oral tablet
- Dexedrine – an oral tablet
- Dexedrine Spansule – an oral extended-release capsule
- DextroStat – an oral tablet
- Ritalin – an oral capsule or chewable tablet
- ProCentra – an oral solution
- Vyvanse – an oral capsule
- Zenzedi – an oral tablet
Despite these barriers to illegal drug use, people still manage to get them. It is easy to become dependent and develop an addiction. Studies show that people with ADHD are just as likely as those without it to develop an addiction. Regular use puts people at a greater risk for addiction. These drugs can warp the brain. Over time, such changes in the brain can cause lasting effects. Mixing amphetamines and alcohol is unsafe, as is mixing Xanax and Adderall. Both alcohol and Xanax are depressants, which means that they slow down the central nervous system. Mixing them can increase the chance of an overdose. Even mixing drugs from different groups can have dangerous results. The risk of overdose is one of the major issues with mixing different drug types. The risk is due to the “upper” (stimulant) hiding the fact that a person has taken too much of the “downer” (e.g., alcohol or Xanax). By the time a person realizes they are overdosing, it may be too late to get help. In many tragic cases, a person dies before they know that they were in danger. Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help. Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7. People who misuse these drugs may also experience serious effects when the drug is used long term. Vertigo, ulcers, poor diet, kidney problems, lung issues and a risk of heart symptoms may all be experienced. Doctors and therapists can help people figure out the best way to detox and give medicine to help with any side effects of the process. At rehab, the person can learn the skills needed to continue living without drugs after rehab. Some rehab programs include: Contact The Recovery Village to learn how professional treatment can help. Call now, you deserve a healthier future. Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Alcohol & Drug Foundation. “Amphetamines.” ADF, adf.org.au/drug-facts/amphetamines/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2017.
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Gillman, Ken. “MAOIs & CNS Stimulants.” Psychotropical, Psychotropical Research, 9 Aug. 2016, www.psychotropical.com/maois-cns-stimulants. Accessed 27 Feb. 2017.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Stimulant ADHD Medications: Methylphenidate and Amphetamines.” NIDA, National Institutes of Health, Jan. 2014, www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/stimulant-adhd-medications-methylphenidate-amphetamines. Accessed 27 Feb. 2017.
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The Recovery Village. “Teen Study Drug Abuse: A Parent’s Guide to This Rising Epidemic.” The Recovery Village, Advanced Recovery Systems, 14 Oct. 2016, www.TheRecoveryVillage.com/resources/study-drugs-epidemic/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2017.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. “Drug Fact Sheet: Amphetamines.” DEA, www.dea.gov/druginfo/drug_data_sheets/Amphetamines.pdf. Accessed 27 Feb. 2017.
World Health Organization. “Other Psychoactive Substances.” WHO, www.who.int/substance_abuse/facts/psychoactives/en/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2017.
