Amphetamines are any type of psychostimulant that produce a sense of increased focus and promote wakefulness. Some can still be acquired by prescription means however, the majority of them are available as street drugs, hence the DEA placing them on their primary drug threat list. Additionally, health organizations and medical professionals see these substances as being a serious public health threat.

Amphetamines are powerfully addictive and can be very dangerous when taken recreationally. Whether they are crushed and inhaled, injected, or taken orally, tolerances can build up rapidly and dependencies are quick to develop. Amphetamine dependency exhibits several types of side effects, both long-term and short-term in nature.

Long-term effects (a.k.a. chronic effects) – major organs such as the heart and lungs can be damaged, the brain’s and nervous system’s functions can be altered (sometimes radically), and drastic weight loss typically results. You could develop dental problems, memory loss, or severe mental disorders in the process.

Short-term effects – these typically include:

• changes in appetite
• decreased fatigue
• heightened attention and focus
• hyperactive behavior
• increased blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory functions

These side effects can intensify over time with continued use and may eventually result in cardiac or respiratory failure. In other words, if the use of amphetamines continues, it could eventually be fatal.

There are certain symptoms or warning signs that indicate when an addiction is present and when you should consider seeking medical attention here at the Gulf Coast Addiction Treatment center. Be aware of the following:

• feeling the need to take amphetamines on a daily basis in order to function
• wanting to stop using amphetamines but feeling powerless to do so
• doing everything possible to keep a steady supply of the drug on hand
• doing whatever it takes to obtain more of the drug including buying it off the street or shopping different doctors in order to get a prescription filled for amphetamines or other psychostimulant
• doing dangerous things that you normally wouldn’t do (e.g. taking risks such as driving your vehicle or a piece of heavy duty equipment

Being the powerfully addictive substance that amphetamines are, trying to stop using on your own may not be possible. Remember that the drug is controlling your life, not you. The bottom line is that amphetamine abuse can eventually be fatal if you do not get help for your dependency on the substance.

If you or a loved one is suffering with this type of substance dependency, the Gulf Coast Addiction Treatment can help you with their amphetamine drug rehab program.