Amphetamine Dependence

What are amphetamines?

Amphetamines are stimulants. Used properly, they increase alertness and physical ability. They might be prescribed to treat:

• narcolepsy (overwhelming sleepiness)
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD)
• obesity
• certain forms of depression
• certain medical conditions (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome)
• side effects from some medicines.

Examples of prescription amphetamines are Dexedrine, Desoxyn, and Adderall.

Amphetamines can be prescribed in time release forms that last longer and cause fewer side effects. Dosages are adjusted to offer the most benefit with the fewest side effects. When prescription amphetamines are taken properly, dependence and withdrawal symptoms are not a high risk.

One of the differences between use and abuse is the reason why you take the drug. Taking medicine for reasons other than why they were prescribed is abuse. Taking more than the prescribed dose is also abuse. Drug addiction is a risk when these medicines are taken at doses higher than those needed for medical treatment.

Amphetamine pills are sold on the street as "speed" or "uppers." They are often used in amounts that are much higher than medical doses.

Methamphetamine (also called meth or ice) is a street drug that is smoked. Its effects are very strong and last longer than prescription medicines. Some nonprescription cold medicines or diet pills contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which can be used in the manufacture of meth. Street drugs are often mixed with other drugs and cause unpredictable effects.

What is amphetamine dependence?

If you are dependent on a drug, you feel a need for the drug when it is stopped. If you crave the drug, or feel distressed without it, you are psychologically dependent. If you have bodily changes such as hot and cold flashes or tremors when the drug is stopped, you are physically dependent.

What is the cause?

Amphetamines change body chemistry, especially in the brain. At first you use the drug because it makes you feel good. As you become dependent, you use the drug to avoid the psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms.

Using illegal forms of a drug or taking too much of a prescribed drug can cause dependence.

You have a higher risk of becoming dependent on drugs if you have:

• depression, bipolar disorder, or antisocial personality disorder
• a family history of drug abuse.

What are the symptoms of dependence?

People who use amphetamines for a long time:

• feel overexcited and nervous
• are irritable and depressed
• can't sleep.

They may also:

• lose their appetite
• lose their sex drive
• feel disoriented
• have learning problems
• take stimulants in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended
• use the drug throughout the day
• start acting odd, suspicious, dramatic, erratic, or antisocial or become paranoid
• have problems in social activities and work, such as missing work, fighting, losing friends
• engage in risky behavior, such as reckless buying sprees or unsafe sexual practices
• not be able to reduce or stop the use of amphetamines even though they know the drugs are harmful.

Physical signs of amphetamine use include:

• dilated pupils
• dry mouth and nose
• bad breath
• frequent lip licking.

When people stop taking the drug and the level of it in the blood drops, there may be withdrawal symptoms such as:

• sweating or rapid pulse
• increased shakiness
• trouble sleeping
• nausea or vomiting
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
• jumpiness
• anxiety
• seizures
• increased craving for amphetamines.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and drug use and examine you. A sample of your urine may be tested for drug use.

How is it treated?

For any treatment to be successful, you must want to give up amphetamines. Most amphetamine users who want to quit need to avoid all stimulants, including caffeine and tobacco.

Withdrawal from long-term amphetamine use causes depression. Withdrawal is usually not life threatening and does not cause physically painful symptoms.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to help you get through withdrawal, such as:

• antidepressants to help with both depression and drug craving
• sedatives to treat anxiety or trouble sleeping
• medicines to treat paranoia, mood changes, agitation, or aggressive behavior
• medicines that may help cravings.

Self-help groups (for example, Narcotics Anonymous), support groups, and therapy groups may be helpful. You might be treated in a substance abuse treatment program. Your healthcare providers and counselors will work with you to develop a treatment program.

How long do the effects last?

Recovery from amphetamine dependence can be a long-term process, but your symptoms will generally improve in 1 to 3 months.

How can I take care of myself?

The best way to help yourself is to see your healthcare provider and stop taking amphetamines.

Changing your lifestyle can also help you to stop using amphetamines.

• Get support. Talk with family and friends. Consider joining a support group in your area.
• Learn to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Find ways to relax, for example take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, take walks. Try deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
• Take care of your physical health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine. If you smoke, quit. Don’t use alcohol or drugs. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
• Check your medicines. To help prevent problems, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and other supplements that you take.
• Contact your healthcare provider or therapist if you have any questions or your symptoms seem to be getting worse.

For more information, contact:

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
PO Box 9999
Van Nuys, California 91409 USA
(818) 773-9999
Web site: http://www.na.org/