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
• side effects from some medicines.

Examples of prescription amphetamines are Dexedrine, Desoxyn, and Adderall. Some nonprescription cold medicines or diet pills contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.

Amphetamines can be prescribed in time release forms that last longer and cause fewer side effects. Doses are adjusted to offer the most benefit with the fewest side effects. When prescription amphetamines are taken by mouth and in low doses, 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 amphetamines prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat a medical problem is proper use. Taking any drug to get high is 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. 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.

How does it occur?

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:

• a mental illness such as 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 (convulsions)
• 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
• antipsychotics to treat paranoia
• medicines that may help cravings.

You can join a self-help group (for example, Narcotics Anonymous), a support group, or a therapy group, or you might be treated in a supervised clinic program. The healthcare providers and counselors in any treatment program will work with you to help you have a life free from amphetamines.

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. Make the following a regular part of your life:

• Exercise 30 minutes 3 times a week.
• Participate in relaxing recreation activities at least once or twice a week.
• Do relaxation exercises daily.
• Think of good things about your life often.
• Eat healthy meals.
• Get 7 to 9 hours of rest each night.
• Practice deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
• Talk and spend time with friends.
• Listen to music to help you relax.
• Get help at home and at work when the load is too great to handle.
• Seek professional help to talk through anxiety-producing life events. Ask for help in developing positive ways to cope.

For more information, contact:

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