Although amphetamine drugs are prescription medications, they have the potential to be just as addictive as street drugs like methamphetamine and ecstasy. If you or a loved one have become addicted to ADHD/ADD medication, it’s urgent that you seek specialized, professional addiction treatment. At Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Agoura Hills, CA, we create individualized, whole-person treatment plans to help clients get clean and maintain lifelong sobriety.
The Dangers of Amphetamine Abuse
Amphetamines are synthetic central nervous system stimulant drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat things like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, which now includes ADD) and narcolepsy. When taken by a medically diagnosed patient at an appropriate dose, amphetamine medications can be safe and beneficial. When taken in excess, or by someone who does not have an ADHD or narcoleptic brain, these stimulants can be highly addictive and extremely dangerous.
How Stimulants Affect the Brain
Amphetamine stimulants increase central nervous system activity, increasing overall energy and focus. When abused, the high is intense and energetic, making drugs like Adderall popular among students and workers who want to boost their productivity. These drugs quickly interrupt brain chemistry, making the body dependent upon it to function normally. Tolerance also builds quickly, causing the body to need more and more over time.
It’s important to note that these drugs are not the same as methamphetamine. Meth is made from amphetamines, but is a distinctly different substance.
Examples of common amphetamine drugs include:
- Adderall
- Dexedrine
- Concerta
- Focalin
- Ritalin
- Methylin
- Vyvanse
Symptoms of Amphetamine Abuse
Amphetamine abuse has a variety of signs and symptoms, such as:
- High alertness
- Hyperactivity
- Periods of extreme focus and productivity
- Agitation, irritability
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms
- Dilated pupils
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Lack of appetite
- Muscle tremors, increased movement
- Doctor shopping (seeing multiple doctors for prescriptions)
- Problems meeting responsibilities at work, school or home
- New or worsening physical issues
Dangers of Amphetamine Abuse
Amphetamine abuse has major long-term mental and physical health risks. In addition to potential death by overdose, long-time amphetamine addiction may cause:
- Cardiovascular problems (heart arrhythmias, high blood pressure, etc.)
- Breathing problems
- Psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, etc.)
- Poor coordination
- Repetitive motor tics
- Chronic fatigue
- Convulsions
- Gastric ulcers
- Psychosis
Our Holistic Approach to Amphetamine Addiction Treatment
Medically monitored detox: Clinical care to ease withdrawal symptoms and keep patients safe
- Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational enhancement, family therapy, and more
- Dual diagnosis care: Treatment for both addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders
- 12-step treatment: Regular 12-step meetings with programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- Skills education: Development of helpful life skills and healthy coping strategies
At our Los Angeles area addiction treatment center, we help clients escape dependence, heal the roots of their addiction, and develop powerful new coping strategies and life skills. Inpatient and outpatient program clients receive a customized treatment plan based on their unique physical and mental health needs.
We use a variety of evidence-based methods for amphetamine addiction treatment at our Los Angeles rehab, such as:
Get Help for Amphetamine Abuse at Our Los Angeles Area Rehab
At Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Agoura Hills, Southern California, we help people addicted to amphetamines create new lives. If you or a loved one are struggling with amphetamine addiction, contact us today to discuss your needs and enroll in the addiction treatment program you deserve.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapists in Agoura Hills, CA
Contact us today to learn more about our Los Angeles-area individualized addiction treatment programs and explore your options.