Amphetamine Addiction: A Comprehensive Guide to Help You Stop It

The need for amphetamine addiction treatment is more rampant than most people in Canada know. The dependence on stimulants such as Dexedrine, Adderall and other illegal amphetamines is a widespread situation. If you or a loved one is addicted to amphetamines, the best recourse is to get addiction treatment in Vancouver ASAP.

However, understanding what amphetamine addiction is can be vital to the treatment process. Furthermore, knowledge of how amphetamines work can help recognize the symptoms of addictions and dependence. Finally, an extensive knowledge base comes with the tools to take on amphetamines addiction with a positive mindset.

In this blog, we will discuss the best addiction treatment techniques for amphetamine dependence, how it happens and what to expect during recovery.

What are Amphetamines?

The best description of amphetamines is that of a central nervous stimulant. Popular as a recreational drug, its use elicits feelings of confidence, increased energy and focus. Some experts describe the overall feeling as euphoric. 

Amphetamine was first produced in the late 1800s. However, the stimulant nature of its properties didn’t come into prominence until the later thirties. Since then, it has been used to treat hyperactivity disorders and narcolepsy.

However, the stimulating properties of amphetamine is the reason why there is a need for addiction treatment. This euphoric feeling is sought after by users, leading to a body dependence that is difficult to break. 

The popular versions of amphetamines that most people in Canada are addicted to include:

  • Adderall 
  • Dexedrine
  • Vyvanse 
  • Molly (a street name for an amphetamine)
  • Ecstasy (another street name)

Dexedrine is synthesized from dextroamphetamine. This is one of the key active components found in amphetamine. Dextroamphetamine is stronger than the other component (levoamphetamine) and has strong addictive properties. 

When it comes to how to recover from amphetamine addiction, Molly is a street (club) drug to be aware of. Dependence on it can lead to vivid mind-altering effects that can cause serious mental issues if left unchecked.

Amphetamines

How People Use Amphetamines

Amphetamine addiction comes about in different ways. Most people crush the pills before snorting them. Others just take the pills like they would pain-relief medication. Cases of intense addictions are experienced for people that dissolve the pills in water before injecting it into the bloodstream.

A high percentage of people that need amphetamine addiction treatment are college students and young teens. This stat is due to a myth that the drug can enhance academic performances. However, a TIME article has debunked these conclusions. Conclusively, part of recovering from amphetamine addiction is understanding that it won’t help with academic performances. Any effects you or a loved one may be feeling is just the famous placebo effect.

Related article: How to Recognize Amphetamine Addiction

The Top Signs of Amphetamine Abuse

A guide to beating amphetamine addiction is not possible without proper recognition of the signs. There are different ways to know if you have an amphetamine abuse problem. Various mental as well as physical indicators include:

  • Faster heart rate 
  • Increased blood pressure 
  • Mood swings 
  • Digestive upset 
  • Anxiety and paranoia 
  • Auditory and visual hallucinations 
  • Failure to fulfill home, school or social responsibilities due to the drug. 
  • Loss of interest in abilities except amphetamines are involved

The Dangers of Amphetamine Addiction 

The need for quick intervention when it comes to amphetamines cannot be understated. Some of the health risks that come with an abuse of the drug include:

  • Cardiovascular issues 
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure 
  • Extreme weight loss 
  • Health problems due to malnutrition 
  • Sleep-related issues. 

With high blood pressure comes damage to vital blood vessels as well as the heart. It also leads to elevated body temperatures that can affect tissues and certain organs.

In more detail, addiction to amphetamines can cause structural changes in the brain. This is why knowledge of how to recover from amphetamine addiction is important. A study has shown that it can destroy important grey matter present in the brain. Similarly, dopamine receptors can be damaged by amphetamines. This can affect how long addiction treatment will take. 

Treatment for Amphetamine Abuse and Addiction

Treating amphetamine abuse and addiction is a challenging prospect. The way it alters brain chemistry and severe withdrawal that follows the sudden loss of “pleasure” can be tough. However, thanks to advances in addiction treatment, experts in Vancouver can help people adjust this addictive behaviour for the better.

Some of the best treatment techniques for amphetamine addiction include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This covers the step-by-step review of the addictive behaviour. This method of amphetamine addiction treatment helps recovering addicts register the damaging effects of the drug. Also, it helps to develop personal coping techniques and emotional regulation prowess. 

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational techniques are designed to help addicts see that there is another path to take. Usually, it involves participation from recovered amphetamine addicts who have been sober for a long time. 

Motivational Interviewing

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Useful for treating mood disorders and personality issues that come with this kind of addiction.

Family Counseling

This usually starts with an intervention. Sometimes a supportive family may be the catalyst that helps an addict get treatment. However, it is important that family counselling is paired with professional addiction treatment.

Family Counseling

Peer support or 12-Step Group Participation

Support groups are an important part of amphetamine addiction treatment. Through this group, recovering addicts can share inspiring stories, get questions to vital answers and build relationships that can help prevent a relapse.

Amphetamine Addiction Treatment in Vancouver

The best recovery plan from Amphetamine Addiction is to work with a professional addiction treatment service near you. With the combination of the treatments described above, it is very possible to recover from amphetamine addiction.

Call Inspire Change Addiction Rehab in Vancouver for addiction treatment programs. We offer top notch addiction treatment facilities coupled with expertise from the best in Vancouver. Let’s help you chart a recovery plan for amphetamine addiction. Call 8885089802 to speak with a friendly rep today!

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