Amphetamines were originally marketed as anover-the-counter treatment for nasal congestion. Over time, it also started to be used as a treatment for obesity and depression. Eventually, it became clear that the risks of addiction and long-term effects outweighed any medical benefit. Amphetamine is now a highly controlled substance. Apart from variations that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), amphetamines are illegal to produce and distribute.
What Is Amphetamine?
Amphetamines are stimulants designed to speed up the central nervous system. They produce a feeling of wakefulness and energy that makes them a popular drug among people who have to stay awake for extended periods of time. They can also give the user a sense of confidence and superiority. Those who are usually quiet may become talkative and excitable.
Non-medicinal amphetamines are highly addictive. The rapid-onset euphoria is followed by a “crash” characterized by insomnia, intense hunger, violent episodes, depression, and suicidal thoughts or actions. People who experience this will often seek out more amphetamine drugs, and they find that they have to take more in order to achieve the same euphoric high they got the first time.
The post-euphoria crash can be overwhelming, and many amphetamine users cope with this by using depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. Not only can this create a situation of polysubstance addiction, it can lead to dangerous interactions between drugs.
What Are The Harmful Effects Of Amphetamines?
Amphetamine can produce uncomfortable and dangerousside effects, even after one use. There are also potential long-term risks to physical and mental health.
Short-Term Effects
The short-term effects of amphetamine drugs include the following:
Anxiety, irritability and mood swings
Obsessive behaviours
Abdominal cramping, nausea, and loss of appetite
Profuse sweating
Rapid heart rate, and fast, shallow breathing
Nasal congestion and nosebleeds
Blurred vision
Increased risk of seizures for those already at risk
Erectile dysfunction
Erratic blood pressure
Long-Term-Effects
Prolonged regular use can lead to the following long-term effects:
Cardiovascular problems, including cardiac arrest and stroke
A decline in cognitive functioning
Muscle atrophy
Malnutrition resulting from sustained loss of appetite
Psychosis, delusions and paranoia
Blood clots, especially in those who crush tablets to inject them
Like any drug that affects the rhythm of the heart, amphetamines come with a risk of fatal overdose. Signs that someone may be experiencing the symptoms of amphetamine toxicity include the following:
Chest pain
Elevated blood pressure and erratic heart rate
Increased body temperature
Seizures
Auditory and tactile hallucinations
In severe cases, amphetamine overdose can lead to heart failure and death.
What Are The Signs That I Need Help For Amphetamine Addiction?
If you can answer “yes” to any of the following statements, it may be time for you toseek help for yourself or a loved one.
I have daily cravings to use amphetamines that get in the way of other thoughts
I keep having to increase the dosage or frequency of use to get the same effects
I am anxious when I do not have access to amphetamines
I want to stop using drugs, but I am not able to
I continue using drugs in spite of it being harmful to my health, my finances, or my relationships
I spend large amounts of time finding or using the drug, or recovering from its effects
I experience withdrawal symptoms when I stop using the drugs
What Are The Phases Of Amphetamine Addiction Treatment?
Addiction rehab happens in several phases, and the first step is always the acknowledgement that you need help. In most cases, this is a voluntary admission on the part of the addicted person, but from time to time, people enter rehab programs as a result of court orders or ultimatums from loved ones.
Detox
The first stage of amphetamine addiction recovery is medically supervised detox. Amphetaminewithdrawal can be uncomfortable and lead to potentially harmful symptoms, such as depression, mood swings, cravings and insomnia. Some people experience symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and confusion. By undergoing supervised detox, you can go through this process safely, with medical professionals on hand to treat and manage symptoms as they arise.
Rehab
Like most substance use disorders, amphetamine addiction looks different in everyone. Addictions usually have an underlying cause, like a coexisting mental illness, trauma, stress, or troubled relationships. Because everyone’s path to and through addiction is so unique, everyone needs their own customized addiction treatment plan.
The rehab phase of treatment starts with an assessment to determine what your needs and circumstances are, and what kind of program would benefit you the most. Generally, you will have access to a combination of therapies, such as:
Individual, group and family therapy
Fitness and nutrition counselling
Creative therapies that use art, drama, music or dance as forms of expression
Mindfulness, meditation and yoga
Life coaching
Training in skills like communication, time management, and stress management
Over the course of your treatment, your needs will be reassessed, and your goals adjusted as appropriate.
Aftercare
Aftercare is one of the most important parts of recovery. The transition from rehab to the real world can be a time of intense vulnerability for people in addiction recovery, and it is essential that you have the support you need during this time. Your aftercare program may include a 24-hour support line for times of crisis, training on relapse prevention strategies, referrals to programs and professionals in your area, and check-in appointments to monitor the success of your return to real life.
How Can I Get Help For Amphetamine Addiction?
If you are ready to start your journey to recovery,1000 Islands Rehab Centre is ready to help you. We are located in a beautiful setting far away from the stresses of life, where you can take the time to focus on your healing. To get started, give us a call today.
It’s not easy to know if your loved one is addicted to Amphetamine. There are several factors responsible for this. The first is you have a blind spot for your loved one. Most times, you end up believing what you want about them. This is especially true when you can’t put a finger on any drastic changes.
Another factor to consider is they know you very well. Hence, it’ll be easier for them to keep their Amphetamine use hidden from you. However, one thing common to drug usage is that the user can’t hide it forever. Even if they hide the substance from you, there are symptoms of Amphetamine abuse and dependence that can paint a credible picture.
Beyond this, Amphetamine is dangerous to the health. If your loved one does not stop the abuse, it can lead to death. Hence, it should be a real concern for you if your loved one is dealing with Amphetamine abuse.
Not to worry, we’ll highlight all the indicators you need to know if a loved one is addicted to Amphetamine. This way, you can help them get the help they need.
But first, let’s take a closer look at the disease that is Amphetamine addiction.
What is Amphetamine and its Addiction?
Amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. The drug is known to alter the mood of the user, and in the long run, is highly addictive. However, unlike most other substances, amphetamine is synthetic.
Amphetamine abuse has become a major challenge in Canada. Now, more than ever, it’s important to be able to tell if your loved one is addicted to amphetamine.
After taking amphetamine, the user experiences an increase in brain activity. They may also feel an incredible surge in energy. Other symptoms that follow immediately after each amphetamine use are; focus, euphoria, and confidence. These are all common symptoms and reasons users continue to indulge in Amphetamine abuse. It is this continuous use that opens your loved one to the risk of addiction.
Amphetamine was first created in Germany during the late 1800s. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that its characteristics as a stimulant came to fore. This discovery came after scientists started prescribing it for nasal congestion.
Soon, the usage of amphetamine spun to other things. Among others, it was useful in dealing with weight loss, hangovers from alcohol and depression symptoms.
Types of Amphetamine
Amphetamine, as a drug component, is a stimulant. It is made available in combination with different other substances. This accounts for the different types of amphetamines available in Toronto. The shortlist includes Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, and generic ADHD medications.
Another type of amphetamine is methamphetamine. This is similar in structure to basic amphetamine but has a stronger effect on the body. Due to its strong effects on the user, this substance is declared illicit. Some of its effects include intense euphoria — a highly addictive state that can be very dangerous.
There is another type of amphetamine drug referred to as ecstasy. It is a drug that can alter the mind of the user. If any medical situation will warrant its use, it has to be under the strict supervision of a doctor.
Amphetamine abuse requires vigilance
If you suspect amphetamine abuse in your loved one, you should act swiftly. Amphetamine addiction comes with a host of negative effects that can drastically change a life. And as customary of most addicts, admission of substance dependence is almost impossible.
Most addicts always tell themselves — and others — they are not addicted. They’ll swear to you they can get off the substance whenever they want. This is not true. While amphetamines are mostly administered to treat ADHD, you can get dependent on these small, dark tablets almost subconsciously. Amphetamines are amongst the most addictive substances in the world.
It’s for this reason you can’t get a refill of the substance over the counter. You’ll need to get a new prescription from your doctor. The need for control with this substance is vital. Continuous use can warp the brain, resulting in lasting effects.
Common Amphetamine abuse scenarios
A common amphetamine abuse scenario is mixing it with other substances. This can be dangerous, especially if your loved one is already addicted. For the average person, it’s hard to tell which drug will react badly with amphetamine. A wrong combination can open up your loved one to the risk of nerve-damaging toxins.
The same sentiment goes for mixing amphetamines and alcohol. This also applies to using Xanax and Adderall. These substances are both depressants. Hence, they normally result, individually, in a slowdown of the central nervous system. If your loved one mixes them, it can result in an overdose.
Now, are we saying amphetamine isn’t any good for your loved one? No. However, if you know your loved one has a medical condition that warrants them to use Amphetamines, you need to be vigilant.
There is a very thin line between sticking to the recommended prescription/usage of this substance and addiction. Amphetamine is crucial to treating medical issues like ADHD. But don’t just leave your loved ones to themselves. If it gets too late before you notice the indicators of amphetamine abuse, things can get pretty bad.
The ease with which users can pop Amphetamines into their mouth should leave you worried about your loved one. The side effects and health complications resulting from amphetamine abuse and addiction are extensive.
In this section, we’ll explore all of them. Ample knowledge of them will motivate you to pay attention to whether your loved one is addicted to Amphetamines.
Risk of heart problems or death
If you take Amphetamines incorrectly, you may be exposing yourself to a heart attack. Worst case scenario, this can lead to death. Wrong use can cause blood pressure to increase. This can be followed by an increase in heart rate, then stroke, and a heart attack.
Slowed growth in children
Amphetamine is a depressant. The presence of it in the body of a child can lead to a reduction in growth rate. In the case your loved one, a child, has to use the drug, make sure the doctor duly measures their height and weight. If during the treatment, there is a drop in these variables, there may be a need to stop Amphetamine treatments.
However, it goes without telling that once the child has developed dependence, stopping will be very difficult. A stoppage can see the child suffer painful withdrawal symptoms.
Judgment impediment
Addiction to amphetamine ends up clouding the judgment of your loved one. They may make terrible mistakes they wouldn’t make normally. Hence, during the period of amphetamine addiction and treatment for your loved one, limit the precision-demanding activities they engage in. They shouldn’t drive or use heavy machinery.
Insomnia
This is a common effect of addiction to amphetamines and their related substances. It becomes very difficult to sleep, and if this continues for a long time, it can lead to a breakdown. Before breaking down, you may start to function below optimum efficiency
Loss of Muscle control
Amphetamine addiction can result in you losing the functioning and control of your muscles. You may also experience muscle spasms.
Muscle spasms are a scenario where your muscles contract without your control. They are quick, sudden, and most often very painful. This sudden surge of pain can put the user at risk of injury.
Mental Health Problems
Addiction to any substance can make you a shadow of yourself. You’ll most likely lose your mental wellness as well as your normal thought process. With Amphetamine abuse, there’s also the possibility of bipolar illnesses.
A regular Amphetamine user will start to get aggressive for no reason and act hostile on flimsy grounds. This is one of the tells to know if your loved one is addicted to amphetamine.
What causes Amphetamine Addiction?
The factors resulting in amphetamine abuse differ from person to person. For some, it is ADHD, for others it is anxiety. The primary cause of amphetamine addiction is when you use it, uncontrolled, repeatedly. Your body begins to build a tolerance to it as you depend on it. This causes you to abuse it more.
More often than not, amphetamine dependence only develops when you use it outside of the normal prescription. When you use more than prescribed, addiction can. The same happens when you use it without a prescription.
On rare occasions, even when you adhere to prescriptions, you can still end up with a use disorder. Amphetamines have powerful addictive effects. Therefore, you and your loved ones need to exercise extreme care with its usage.
The people most susceptible to falling victim to amphetamine are:
Those with easy access to the substance
Those with depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
Those with stressful lifestyles can also fall victim.
Watching out for the signs that a loved one is addicted to amphetamine becomes even more important if any of these is the case.
How to Know if a Loved One is Addicted to Amphetamine
With deliberate observation, you can tell when your loved one is addicted to amphetamine. The symptoms are easily noticeable, even to outsiders.
Most times, the consumption of amphetamine is oral. It is mainly in tablet form. However, to achieve a faster and higher level, many users snort or inject the substance. As a result of these different usage methods, several behaviours and cues serve as warning signs of amphetamine abuse. Some of these are:
Snorting signs: If your loved one snorts amphetamine, then you can look out for some common tools. Some of them are straws, mirrors, and tightly-rolled cash bills. Some other times, users may get a bloody nose. Hence, if you’ve ever had suspicions about your loved one abusing Amphetamines, a bloody nose makes it more possible.
Signs of injection: Most addicts hide the injection signs in their long-sleeved clothes. Hence, it may not be easy to detect. If you can get a good view of the inside of their elbows, injection sites are an indication your loved one may be abusing amphetamines.
Signs of smokers: Those who smoke amphetamines mainly use a glass pipe. There are other cases when the user works with a metal spoon. For such a spoon, you’ll probably find burn marks on it. This is another indicator your loved one may be indulging in Amphetamine abuse.
Physical Signs of Amphetamine abuse to look out for
Amphetamine is so powerful to the extent that it can drastically influence the user’s body and mind. Some of the visible signs you’ll notice include:
Changes in energy level
There is always a burst of energy in the moments immediately after using amphetamine. Though the different modes of usage afford varying times for the effects to kick in. The important part is that once the effect wears off, your loved one will seem highly fatigued and lethargic.
Increase in the heart rate of the user
Many of the processes controlled by the nervous system speed up with the introduction of amphetamine to the body. Mostly, you’ll see the effects in the breathing and heart rate of the user.
Insomnia
Thanks to the heightened brain activity, it becomes nearly impossible for the body and mind to be at peace. Hence, insomnia crawls in.
Withdrawal symptoms of Amphetamine
Withdrawal symptoms are another way to tell if a loved one is addicted to Amphetamine. When a loved one is addicted to amphetamine, it can be hard to stop. Mostly, this isn’t due to the absence of a willingness to stop.
It’s due to painful withdrawal symptoms they have when they aren’t using the substance. The common symptoms include:
Fatigue and heavy sleep
A voraciously increased appetite
Sudden twitches, jerks, and uncontrolled movements of the body
Reaction rate slows down
Severe aches and body pains
Irritation
Depression
Agitation
All these may not happen to your loved ones at once, upon withdrawal. However, when any of them happen, the only cure they can immediately think of is to go back to the substance.
This is why the best place to begin withdrawal – and recovery treatment – is with a trained specialist. Seeking professional help is the first step towards recovery.
The Long-term effects of Amphetamine addiction
One of the most difficult things with amphetamine is to stop after first use. It is highly addictive and can lead to several chronic diseases.
Physical long-term effects of using amphetamine include the following;
Tooth decay and loss
Several diseases attack the immune system
Numerous kidney complications
Lung damages
Suffering cardiac issues like stroke and heart attack
Slurred speech
Convulsion, extreme shakiness, and tremors.
There is an increased risk of contracting diseases via needles
Vertigo
Ulcer development
Chronic vitamin deficiency
User experiences very high temperatures
Inability to enjoy other activities
The psychology aspects of the problem include;
A loss of cognitive functions and abilities
Inability to concentrate
Extreme paranoia
Depressive disorder is also a common scenario
Psychosis
Behavioural disorders.
As regards amphetamine addiction, you don’t have to witness all these to be convinced that your loved one is suffering from amphetamine addiction. A few of these should put you on notice.
However, you need the expertise to approach a loved one to discuss amphetamine abuse. As said earlier in this guide, addicts exhibit denial of their situation. Hence, it may be difficult to talk about getting help, the same way it will be difficult to stop.
How to Help A Loved One with Amphetamine Addiction?
There is one thing to do when you notice that your loved one suffers from amphetamine addiction. They need to get professional help. You can’t help them by keeping quiet. Neither can you help them by agreeing they aren’t addicted.
There is so much that will be required of you if your loved one is to get back to normalcy. The very first of these is to talk. How you approach a loved one to discuss amphetamine abuse is critical.
Talking: How to talk to an amphetamine addict
Insecurity and shame are the two major reasons why every addict exhibits the denial that comes when they are confronted with statements regarding their addictions.
They all claim they aren’t addicts, which will be a good thing to believe. Even when they say that they can stop the substance whenever they feel like it, you should help them understand they can’t.
When addicts try to withdraw from amphetamine, they experience the symptoms above. The presence of withdrawal symptoms is further confirmation your loved one is addicted to amphetamine. When you want to talk to them about it, here is how you should go about it.
Don’t judge
This is a fundamental fact you need to understand. You are not engaging them in a conversation to judge them. If you do this, that’s the end. They’ll recoil and do their best to avoid you. You need to let them know you understand why they are in that situation in the first place. Be as calm as you can.
Help them understand the problem
In the most subtle of ways, you need to help them see what they are doing wrong and how it’s affecting them. It’s when you can convince them about the problem and its effects that they will be motivated to seek help.
Make sure to have a solution already
One major reason why many addicts don’t seek help is because of the drastic transition it brings to their lives. For chronic addicts, in-house treatments that leverage therapy and medications are the way to go. However, this will require that they move out of their primary environment. This can be scary. Hence, you must have come up with a plan of how you can help them navigate and mitigate the effects of addiction recovery.
Letting them know you are ready to support them in whatever way required is a big boost. This will go a long way in helping them survive the arduous journey to recovery that lies ahead.
Get them to a specialist
Specialists come at varying prices, but they all have one goal, helping your loved one recover. You should ensure you do everything possible to get them to consult with a specialist. When treatment finally starts, you should make sure they attend their sessions (if they signed up for outpatient treatment).
Support
Support is incredibly valuable. Either they are your friends or your family member, being there for them in times like this can change the trajectory of their addiction recovery process.
Gather positive friends, make their environment better by removing triggers, and make sure they don’t have to worry about money during recovery. As much as you can, reduce their stressors so they can focus on amphetamine addiction treatment.
If your loved one is addicted to amphetamine, you have a lot of work to do. From talking to them to making sure they see a specialist and focus on their addiction recovery programs.
There will be a need to buy medications, amongst other bills. Beyond financial support, moral support is also critical.
All of this can be too much for one person to bear. Thankfully, 1000 Islands Rehab Centre is here to help. Whether you need help talking to your loved one or deciding on a treatment plan, we’re your reliable partner. Contact us today to discuss an amphetamine rehab plan for your loved one!
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs known for their addictive nature. If you abuse the drug and become dependent on it, it can lead to devastating consequences. However, all hope is not lost as you can escape from the drug’s grip via amphetamine addiction treatment. The good news is there are different amphetamine addiction treatment options available at different costs.
In this blog, you’ll learn more about the cost of Amphetamine addiction rehab. More importantly, we’ll discuss how to get the best out of the price of Amphetamine addiction rehab.
Come on! Let’s take a step on the first journey to Amphetamine addiction recovery.
What are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines are classified as stimulant drugs. In the medical field, they are used for treating narcolepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, breathing disorders, and deficit disorder. Despite the drugs’ medical benefits, it is very addictive. Hence, many people end up abusing it.
Amphetamines are easily accessible and affordable. If you continue to take the drug without a prescription, your body eventually becomes tolerant of its effects.
When this happens, you’ll start to increase your intake of the drug and become addicted to it. If you or a loved one is addicted to amphetamines, you must find help immediately. This is where discussions about the cost of Amphetamine addiction rehab become relevant.
Side effects of amphetamines use
If you take amphetamines, you may experience the following side effects:
High blood pressure
Elevated heartbeat rate
High body temperature
Reduced appetite
Sleep disturbances or insomnia
Weight loss
Mood swings
Facial tics
Muscle spasms
Crawling or tingling sensation on or underneath your skin.
If you use amphetamines continuously over a long period, you may experience the following severe health complications:
Depression.
Damaged blood vessels resulting from high blood pressure.
Malnutrition resulting from reduced appetite.
Tooth loss and decay resulting from dry mouth.
Heart damage or failure due to high blood pressure.
Sores that don’t heal quickly because of skin picking and poor circulation.
Tissue and organ damage resulting from elevated temperature.
Tooth picking resulting from crawling sensation.
When you start to see the effects of Amphetamine addiction, you should pursue recovery through rehab programs. However, before you enroll in an amphetamine addiction rehab program, you should make findings of the cost.
The cost of amphetamine rehab programs in Toronto differs based on several factors. Not to worry, you’ll learn more about these factors as we progress in this blog.
Things to Consider Before Joining a Rehab
Rehabs play a major role in your recovery from amphetamine addiction. However, before you move on to pricing for amphetamine addiction treatment, you need to find a rehab that suits your preferences.
Here are some of the elements to consider before deciding on an amphetamine addiction treatment rehab.
What type of treatment benefits you the most?
What type of treatment does the rehab program offer?
What is the cost of amphetamine addiction treatment?
What payment options exist for treatment?
Where is the rehab located?
Does the rehab have experienced staff?
Does the rehab have good reviews?
What to Expect During Amphetamine Rehab
Multiple rehab centers provide amphetamine addiction treatment in Canada. However, before signing up for one, you need to understand rehab is not child’s play. While it’ll help you overcome addiction to drugs, you need to be determined and committed to making things work. A comprehensive amphetamine addiction recovery program should encompass the following:
Assessment
Detox
Rehab (Inpatient or Outpatient)
Support Services
Post-Recovery care and support
When you visit an amphetamine addiction treatment center for the first time, you’ll undergo an examination or assessment. With this assessment, the Amphetamine treatment expert will help you isolate the factors related to your addiction.
Based on the results from the evaluation, they’ll be able to chart a suitable treatment plan for you. After the assessment, you will begin detox. During detox, your body gets rid of the traces of amphetamines in your system.
You should note that during detox, you will experience some withdrawal symptoms. The severity of these symptoms is dependent on the level of your addiction. Symptoms may include:
Anxiety
Cravings for the drug
Depression
Hunger
Fatigue
These symptoms may make it difficult for you to withdraw from amphetamines. Detox may or may not be medically assisted. If it is medically assisted, you may be given some drugs to help you manage withdrawal symptoms that come with detox. Non-medically-assisted detox doesn’t need medication.
Following detox, you’ll be referred to an inpatient or outpatient rehab. During inpatient rehab programs, you have to live within a facility till you recover from addiction. In such facilities, you will be away from triggers that tempt you to indulge in amphetamine addiction and abuse. You will also receive 24-hour medical care and support.
For an amphetamine outpatient rehab program, you don’t have to live in a facility. Instead, you will attend appointments at a designated addiction rehab center. You will also receive medical support and counselling until you make a full recovery from addiction.
Support services will aid your recovery from addiction by connecting you with housing after your rehab program ends. They may also suggest vocational training and education. Generally, these support services work to help you build a foundation that supports drug-free life.
Post-recovery care and Amphetamine support programs will help you stay on the recovery path after treatment. Some of these programs include group counselling, 12 Step support groups, and individual counselling. If you enroll in a good amphetamine rehab, it will include comprehensive aftercare and support services.
How to Determine the Cost of Amphetamine Addiction Rehab
To determine the cost of amphetamine addiction rehab, you need to understand the factors driving it. There is no exact price of addiction rehab as many variables come into play. Hence, it’s best to represent the cost of addiction treatment with a range.
Below are factors affecting how much you’ll pay for amphetamine addiction rehab:
The treatment option you choose
The cost of amphetamine addiction rehab will be higher or lower depending on the rehab treatment option you choose. If you have a long-term Amphetamine problem, it’s best to opt for inpatient rehab because you will be away from the factors pushing you to use the drug.
However, if your addiction is mild or you are new to Amphetamine, an outpatient rehab will suit you just fine. The cost of inpatient rehab is more expensive than outpatient rehab.
Duration of rehab program
The longer you stay in rehab, the higher your chances of making a complete recovery. However, the longer you stay in rehab, the higher the cost.
Hence, the duration of your program plays a role in how much to treat amphetamine abuse in Toronto. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, most individuals require 90 days to stop or reduce drug use significantly. With 90-day programs, you’ll end up paying more compared to 30-day Amphetamine rehab programs.
The facility staff
Inpatient rehabs usually cost more than outpatient rehabs due to the level of care on offer. For one, there’ll be different medical personnel with varying specializations on hand.
The higher the level of specialization necessary to assess and care for you in rehab, the more expensive your treatment will be.
Rehab facilities treating co-occurring health disorders may need to hire specialists. This also increases the cost of Amphetamine addiction treatment. Though outpatient rehabs are less expensive than inpatient rehabs, their prices will be higher if specialized staff are hired to treat or counsel you.
Medication
While recovering from amphetamine addiction, it may be necessary to treat withdrawal symptoms with medication. This medication will help you go through detox comfortably and safely.
Some drugs used for this purpose include methadone, naltrexone, and suboxone. If a rehab center uses these medications to treat your addiction, expect the cost of treatment to be higher.
Amenities in the rehab center
If a rehab facility offers state-of-the-art amenities, the cost of amphetamine addiction services tends to be higher than for a normal rehab without such luxuries. Some of these amenities include swimming pools, spas, massage therapy, recreational facilities, gyms and gourmet dining.
Location
A rehab facility’s location plays a role in the cost of its service. If the facility is located in a large city with a high standard of living, the price will be higher.
On the other hand, if you enroll for outpatient rehab, you may have to travel to an outpatient center far away from your residence. It means you’ll pay more for transportation.
Average Price of Amphetamine Addiction Treatment Programs
The average cost of amphetamine addiction rehab is about $10,000 per month. Inpatient rehabs for amphetamine addiction treatment cost between $10,000-$19,000 on average. Residential rehabs with high-class staff and services may cost between $18,000 to $35,000 per month.
The daily cost for outpatient rehab is about $150, while it is about $750 for inpatient rehab. However, these costs are not fixed and change based on the facilities you choose and your treatment plan.
Other Costs of Amphetamine Addiction
Away from the cost of rehab, amphetamine addiction leads to other “hidden” expenses. These additional costs include:
Monetary cost
Opportunity cost
Health cost
Relationship cost
The monetary cost
Drug addiction costs a lot of money. Firstly, you’ll spend a lot of money buying illegal and non-prescribed amphetamines from street traders. The more you buy and use the drug, the more your body adapts to it. Hence, with time, you spend more money buying higher doses of the substance.
If you spend an average of $15 on amphetamines per day, you’ll end up paying $5,400 per year, which is quite a lot of money. Heavy users of the drug spend much more. The amount they spend per year can be as high as $36,500 or more.
If you continually abuse amphetamines, you may end up overdosing on the drug. This is very dangerous and can lead to extra costs when it happens. The cost of treating an amphetamine overdose can be as high as the cost of amphetamine addiction rehab.
Besides the cost of buying amphetamines and treating an overdose, there are also legal-related expenses associated with amphetamine addiction. If you abuse the drug, you are breaking the law and May find yourself in legal trouble. Hence, you’ll spend money on several legal issues like:
Fines for owning illegal drugs.
Lawyer and court fees for amphetamine-related legal issues.
Divorce-related costs.
DUI cases
The opportunity cost of amphetamine addiction
It is now obvious that the money you spend on buying amphetamines and dealing with the consequences of abusing the drug costs more than rehab. However, take your time to consider the money you will save if you are not addicted to the drug.
Besides that, you may have to take time off work at a point because of addiction. This equates to lost money. Addiction may also cause you to lose your job or spend time in jail.
With compulsive Amphetamine abuse comes a nonchalant attitude toward important areas like career and education. Due to this, you may remain stagnant in your job or even lose it due to a lack of focus. You’ll develop poor work habits and lose promotions due to substance abuse.
Health cost of amphetamine addiction
If you are addicted to amphetamines or abuse them, you risk causing damages to your health. Some of these health hazards include liver failure, heart failure and cancer.
The relationship cost of amphetamine abuse
If you continually abuse amphetamines, it may cause you to lose your relationships with your friends and loved ones. Your spouse may separate from you or file for divorce.
You may become estranged from your children, family, and friends. While you may recover funds lost to addiction, you may never be able to restore lost relationships. Hence, you should try to avoid abusing amphetamines or becoming addicted to them to the detriment of your relationships.
How to Choose an Amphetamine Rehab Center
There are many amphetamine detox and rehab services and centers in Toronto. Due to the high cost of Amphetamine addiction treatment, it becomes doubly important to select the best treatment facility. You don’t want to spend all of that money without achieving long-term sobriety.
Choosing an Amphetamine rehab centre may be difficult, but here are some considerations to make before doing so:
Location
If you are choosing an outpatient rehab program, you should ensure the center is located close to you. With that, you’ll avoid extra expenses in the form of transportation costs.
If you choose an inpatient rehab, it is best if you have friends and family living close to the addiction rehab center. This way, they can visit you regularly and provide valuable support during your treatment.
Effectiveness
You should choose an addiction center with effective treatment programs. Effective programs should solve all of your Amphetamine-related problems.
While one treatment plan may work for one person, it may be ineffective for you. Hence, the amphetamine addiction rehab you choose must meet your specific treatment needs.
Treatment methods
The treatment methods an Amphetamine addiction rehab center employs should be of the highest standard. More importantly, they should be able to fit their treatment program for different addiction issues. Hence, the rehab must adopt as many treatment models as possible to cater to each individual.
Staff
A standard Amphetamine rehab center should have licensed and accredited medical staff. These members of staff should be able to provide patients with adequate and appropriate treatments necessary for addiction recovery. The medical team must be experienced in dealing with amphetamine addiction rehab treatment.
Success Rate
An amphetamine addiction rehab worth the cost is one with a good reputation. It should have positive reviews and be known for its high success rate when dealing with patients.
Before making the final decision, research the rehab centre. Be sure it is reputable and can deal with your kind of addiction.
Cost
You should also factor in the cost of amphetamine addiction rehab programs in the center. You already know addiction rehab can be very expensive. Hence, you must find out the cost of a particular rehab program before enrolling. Check to see if you can afford it or find a more affordable substitute that still meets your addiction treatment needs.
How Can I Afford the Cost of Amphetamine Addiction Rehab?
It may be hard for you to pay the cost of amphetamine addiction treatment services. However, this should not dissuade you in any way from getting addiction treatment. There are multiple options available for you to afford the cost of rehab. Some of these options include:
Private Insurance
This is an insurance plan that the federal government does not subsidize. People usually purchase this type of insurance through their employers.
Based on your plan, you may have to pay a higher out-of-pocket expense for private insurance compared to public insurance schemes. The good news is private insurance covers extensive rehab treatment, including amphetamine addiction treatment.
Public Insurance
The federal government partially or fully subsidizes public insurance. Medicare and Medicaid are the most common public insurance programs.
However, there are a few conditions to meet before public insurance can cover the cost of your addiction treatment. Contact your insurance plan provider to know if it covers amphetamine addiction treatment.
Income-based and low-cost Rehabs
If you cannot afford public or private insurance, you don’t have to give up on getting addiction treatment. There are subsidized rehab centers available for low-income earners. These low-cost and income-based rehabs provide various payment assistance like:
Scholarships
Sliding-scale fees
No-interest payment plans
Income-based fees
After Rehab: What Next?
You must go through rehab to overcome your amphetamine addiction. After rehab, it’s up to you to build on a rigorous learning and sobering program.
Staying sober requires your commitment and dedication. Support and post-recovery groups play a role in keeping you on the recovery path after treatment. To avoid a relapse, you should join such groups.
You should also form healthy habits and hobbies. Make new friends who will not lead you back to addiction. Also, get involved in activities and volunteer for charitable causes. These steps will help with your recovery process and help you prevent a relapse.
Is the Cost of Amphetamine Rehab Worth It?
While the cost of amphetamine addiction rehab may be expensive, it is a worthwhile investment. With rehab, you have access to a stable and structured environment that helps you avoid setbacks on your journey to sobriety. Rehabs also set you on track for a long-term recovery lifestyle.
Rehab programs have several forms of behavioural therapy. These therapies teach you how to cope with living a sober lifestyle. They also teach you how to avoid factors that may trigger a relapse. To cap it off, behavioural therapy sessions will help you learn how to manage stressful situations positively.
The average cost of an Amphetamine addiction rehab program in Toronto is $10,000. However, depending on how severe your addiction is, you may end up paying less. With insurance and other government-sponsored programs, it’s easier than ever before to offset the cost of excellent addiction treatment.
Here at 1000 Islands Rehab Centre, we are ready to help. We offer different payment plans that make it easier to bear the cost of Amphetamine rehab treatments. Contact us today to discuss your options with our friendly addiction professions!
If you are wondering what the causes of Amphetamine addiction are, you have come to the right place. Perhaps you are beginning to feel a strong dependence on Amphetamines. This is not a strange thing, as many people get addicted to Amphetamines.
Substances such as Amphetamines are important drugs. However, using them against the doctor’s prescription can lead to abuse. Abuse sets in once you start using it without a prescription. Also, if you find it difficult to stop amphetamine abuse, it is likely that you already have an addiction.
Although addiction is a serious issue, it is not without treatment. Understanding the causes of Amphetamine addiction will give you a grasp of the treatment you need. It will also help you to know the different addiction stages and what to do at each stage.
This article discusses how you can recognize Amphetamine addiction. We take a look at the factors that encourage amphetamine addiction. It also considers the treatment options and every other thing you need to know about amphetamine addiction.
What is Amphetamine Addiction?
Amphetamines are drugs for stimulating the central nervous system. If you are hyperactive or you have a sleeping disorder, Amphetamines are the go-to drugs. As a stimulant, it causes the user to experience some excitement and a sense of alertness.
There are two common components of Amphetamines you should know about. They are methamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Of the two, methamphetamine is commonly abused. You will sometimes find people selling them illegally. In fact, Canada ranks among the top 10 countries that use Amphetamine stimulants the most.
Since it’s a stimulant, those in the mood to party often abuse the drug. They take the substance so they can dance and party for hours without feeling fatigued. It gets you high, and you have lots of energy to spend.
However, after the “highs” come the “low.” Abuse of Amphetamines can get you high only for so long. When the effects fade, it will erupt a feeling of dejection and sadness. This may lead you to take the same drug to avoid the sad phase.
If you are not careful, constant use will lead to addiction. Amphetamine dependence happens when you cannot function without taking the drug. The clincher is that painful withdrawal symptoms will come if you stop using the substance. Often, when people experience withdrawal symptoms, they end up going back to the substance.
Types of Amphetamine
Various medications contain Amphetamines. Some may contain one of the components, while some others may contain the two. The following are common types of amphetamine which people commonly abuse.
Dexedrine
Adderall
·Vyvanse
Dexedrine
You can also treat ADHD with Dexedrine. It is a stimulant medication that contains dextroamphetamine, one of the components of amphetamine. Using Dexedrine enhances focus and provides the user with more energy. Dexedrine may be stronger than Adderall because it contains dextroamphetamine.
Since it’s a strong stimulant, young adults and teenagers often abuse it. Some students take it under the assumption that it helps them focus on their studies. Situations like this can lead to regular use of the drug, which slowly slips into addiction.
Adderall
Adderall is a medication that is essentially used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This medication increases the alertness of people with this condition, thereby addressing the problem. It causes the release of certain chemicals in the brain, which improves your concentration.
As a result of this, Adderall can be easily addictive. Little wonder it falls under the category of prescription drugs that are being used for illegal purposes. Other drugs that fall in this category include opium and cocaine. Evidence asserts that the number of Adderall users has drastically increased since 2000 by almost 3000%.
Abusers of Adderall use it in different forms. Some grind it and snort. Others crush it, mix with water, and use syringes to inject it in themselves.
Vyvanse
This is also a prescription drug. It is a stimulant that helps to deal with hyperactivity disorder. Vyvanse specifically addresses the problem in children above the age of 6 who suffer attention deficit. The fact that it’s for children, however, doesn’t mean people have not abused it.
The drug has a likelihood of causing addiction. As such, if you use it improperly, you can begin to form a strong connection with it. Some side effects of its abuse include nausea, weight loss, vomiting, and increased heart speed.
Amphetamine is a stimulant that often comes in the form of prescribed drugs. You begin to abuse it when you start to take it against the advice of your doctor. Some people use these drugs as they desire without paying attention to its side effects.
Once you start to abuse the drug, there are some behaviour patterns you will begin to exhibit. The good news about amphetamines is that you can easily identify the symptoms. Spotting these symptoms indicate that you are already abusing the drug. The common symptoms include talking excessively, loss of sleep, and poor appetite.
You can also begin to experience some physical symptoms as a result of the abuse. This includes dilating pupils, increased body temperature and blood pressure. Unchecked abuse will slowly lead you into addiction, after which complete dependence begins.
You can also begin to get aggressive and agitated. You suddenly become restless and feel like doing something. If you are using amphetamines and you experience these, abuse has probably set in. At that point, it will help if you enroll at an amphetamine addiction treatment centre near you.
You should know these drugs readily have the potential to cause addiction. As a result of the “high” effect which they produce, dependence is a possible result. This is why they remain prescribed drugs administered by qualified personnel with adequate experience. Using these drugs because they make you feel good will do more harm than good.
If you are a young adult, you likely fall within the category of potential users of amphetamines. Studies show that young adults are under the perception that the drug helps with their creativity and focus. This accounts for one of the causes of amphetamine addiction. People pass on this unguided belief and consequently encourage the use of amphetamines.
Worldwide, amphetamines have become the second most abused drug by young persons and adults. If you take medications containing amphetamines, you have to do so according to a prescription. This is the only effective way to check whether or not you are abusing the substance. A disregard for a prescription is an invitation to abuse and, consequently, addiction.
Causes of Amphetamine Addiction: The Risk
Various factors can cause amphetamine addiction. These factors indicate that there are certain conditions when you can be at the risk of amphetamine addiction. Sometimes, your environment makes you susceptible to abusing substances. These factors include:
Stressful lifestyle
Suffering any form of anxiety disorder, bipolar, depression, or schizophrenia
Can easily access amphetamines
Stressful Lifestyle
If you have a stressful lifestyle, there is a high chance you may resort to amphetamines to improve your focus. You can start using it so it can stimulate you. However, this may slowly become a regular thing, especially if you use it without the doctor’s prescription.
As such, you have to pay attention to what substance you use. Know the components of the drug you take and always make informed choices. If, after using a medication, it strengthens you and improves your alertness, you need to be more careful. Operating a stressful lifestyle can make it convenient for you to be addicted to amphetamines.
If You Have A Condition
If you suffer a disorder such as bipolar, schizophrenia or depression, you likely will want to feel better. You won’t want to experience your “down” in a sober state. As a result, you may resort to using amphetamines to stay energetic and erase worries. This may work temporarily, but it will gradually lead to abuse.
The period when you are dealing with a condition is when you need to keep a close relationship with your doctor. Using substances to feel good can only serve you for a short period. When it becomes an addiction, you may find it difficult to drop the habit.
Easy Access to Amphetamines
One of the causes of amphetamine addiction is having easy access to it. When you can conveniently get the drug, you stand a high risk of using it at will. Today, several young adults can purchase amphetamines illegally. This increases the possibility of abuse and addiction.
These three conditions increase your dependency risk. Therefore, the best way to prevent abuse is to ensure you prevent an unchecked use of amphetamines.
What are The Effects of Amphetamine Abuse On Your Health?
Dependence is the result of the arbitrary use of amphetamine. Once you are dependent, you can no longer do without the substance. But dependence is not the only result of amphetamine abuse. There are health risks you should know of.
Heart Problems
Amphetamines serve as stimulants and, as such, increase the speed of the heart. When you use it, your heart beats at a faster rate and pumps blood just as fast. This may be a normal thing for a healthy person. However, if you have a heart condition, amphetamines can be of serious concern to your health.
As a stimulant, amphetamines may lead to a blockage of your arteries. This increases your risk of getting heart disease. The blockage of the arteries limits the blood flow that goes to the heart. This may cause heart tissue to die. This kind of heart problem is not one that goes when the “high” comes down. A damaged heart tissue will remain damaged even when you become sober.
Amphetamines are also notorious for cerebrovascular complications. That is, the substance increases the rate at which you can have a stroke. If a person, however, already has a stroke, using amphetamine increases the chances of death.
Amphetamines may even cause more complications when combined with alcohol or other substances. You may want to experience an extreme level of being “high.” If this leads you to mix amphetamine with something else, the health risk associated becomes even bigger.
Short-term effects
Regular use of amphetamines creates a pattern. You begin to increase your doses and also mix with other substances. Maybe this helps you party hard and stay energetic. But what happens when the party’s over?
Amphetamines also lead to other short-term negative health effects. If you use amphetamines to adjust your mood, it will soon start to have negative effects. Such effects include being restless and irritable. Your hands may also begin to shake, and you may cry in severe cases.
You may start having panic attacks. Loud sounds scare you and you begin to lose yourself. This may go one for a short while before you get a hold of yourself. These are some of the short-term effects Amphetamine abuse has on your health.
Amphetamines May Affect Your Mental Health
Some people try to use amphetamines to fight their disorders. This remains one of the most common causes of amphetamine abuse and dependence. However, this often leads to more problems. When addiction sets in, it affects your mental health and puts you in bad shape.
If an amphetamine user readily has a mental condition, amphetamines will only complicate the condition. Common problems include hallucinations, depression, psychosis, violence, and suicidal behaviour.
Effects on Cognitive Abilities
Using higher doses of amphetamines can affect your cognitive orientation. The levels of dopamine in the brain can rise abruptly leaving behind adverse effects. Overuse can lead to a reduction in your cognitive ability, and you may start to act sluggish. It can also cause a breakdown of your muscles.
May Cause Fatalities
The above health risks are enough to establish that an amphetamine addiction can be dangerous. Regardless, it is important to consider whether amphetamine leads to fatality.
In worst-case scenarios, death may result from cerebral hemorrhage or high blood pressure crisis. Similarly, Amphetamine abuse can complicate pre-existing conditions.
There are different causes of amphetamine addiction. However, you are duty-bound to exercise care when taking drugs. It is always advisable to follow prescriptions, so you don’t develop an addiction.
Is There Treatment for Amphetamine Addiction!
Amphetamine can lead to several addiction problems for users. Once you become dependent, you may have to see an expert become free again. It is quite common for those at withdrawal stages to feel the urge to go back.
Although amphetamine addiction can be severe, it is not without treatment. Through treatment programs and therapy, you can begin to live free from substance use. The following are the essential steps you need to take towards getting professional Amphetamine addiction treatment.
Acknowledging the Need For Treatment
The first step to treatment is accepting there is a problem. Once you acknowledge you have an addiction problem, it becomes easy to submit yourself to the addiction treatment program.
Addiction Assessment
After acknowledgment, you can visit an addiction rehab centre. This is the place where you will discuss the addiction problem.
Here, an expert will attempt to understand the causes of your amphetamine addiction. Whether it’s your environment or other factors. At this stage, you will have to discuss the reasons you started using the substance with your therapist.
Discussion is necessary for treatment. Because for treatment to be comprehensive, the expert must have the accurate details of your addiction. So, do not feel shy to talk. An addiction treatment centre is a safe space where you can discuss your addiction challenges.
Remember, a comprehensive treatment model must help you to learn coping mechanisms. These mechanisms will sustain you and prevent you from going back even when you feel an intense urge.
Drug Counselling
Counselling understands the need for a step-by-step process in treating addiction. The eventual goal is to help you completely become free from amphetamines. However, counselling starts by helping you develop strategies to manage difficult situations in-between.
A counsellor seeks to understand the causes of your amphetamine addiction. After that, the counsellor then begins to help you build your self-esteem, so you don’t see drugs as a “messiah.” During addiction counselling, you will challenge unhelpful behaviours that lead you to substance abuse.
Under this process, you will go through a series of psychotherapy and group sessions. The focus of these sessions will be both on your recovery and your self-esteem.
Medical Assistance for Withdrawal
Causes of amphetamine addiction can vary. As such, the intensity of the addiction can be different based on the causes. It is possible that you may require medical assistance and support during your withdrawal stage. This is necessary if you find it extremely difficult to stay away from the substance, even for short periods.
Effective medical support will provide you with a safe environment. You will enroll in a detoxification program which will help you to remove all the substance in your body. The program will also provide support to reduce any symptoms that can take place during withdrawal.
Detox programs can last for different periods. The length of time is based on your level of amphetamine addiction. If it lasts long, you will continue to enjoy a 24/7 support service.
After a successful detox program, you will proceed to therapy sessions. The therapy session will further strengthen your understanding of the causes of amphetamine addiction. It will also help you learn ways you can prevent relapses.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation comes after detoxing. Detoxing helps you to remove all traces of the substance from your system. On the other hand, rehabilitation helps you to understand the cause of your amphetamine addiction.
To achieve the desired result, rehabilitation is tailored to serve your needs. No two rehabilitation programs are the same. Here at 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, we consider every patient with their peculiarities. The goal of doing this is to give you a personalized experience.
One of the major aims of rehabilitation is behavioural therapy. An effective rehabilitation process includes group therapy, in-person counselling, and motivational interviews.
A rehabilitation program will help you build life skills that you can leverage to live a great life. It will also help you learn activities you can pursue post-rehabilitation. Some rehabilitation programs may also include family programs. The family programs help you to reconnect with loved ones and rebuild damaged relationships.
Overall, rehabilitation programs will help put you back in a good state of mind. The aim is to make you better than you came. After you are done with rehabilitation, you should become completely free from Amphetamine abuse.
To Sum it Up
It is difficult to identify specific causes of amphetamine addiction. However, some factors make you more susceptible to the use of amphetamines. These factors may be your environment or the nature of your lifestyle. Whichever is the case, the use of amphetamine can lead to addiction and accompanying side effects.
This article helps you to understand how to recognize amphetamine addiction. It also discusses the causes of amphetamine addiction and the right approach to treatment.
If you are experiencing Amphetamine abuse and dependence, don’t fret. No doubt, addiction can be a severe issue. However, with the right attitude to treatment, you can regain your life once more.
We have a team of experts who are not only understanding but also qualified to treat Amphetamine. More importantly, you have access to world-class facilities that will boost your treatment. Reach out to us to gain back your freedom.
When we think of amphetamine abuse, we tend to think of illicit substances such as crystal meth and ecstasy. But the prescription drug addiction crisis in many parts of the world is showing no signs of slowing down. Furthermore, amphetamine drugs like Adderall and Dexedrine are at the top of the list of abused substances. When the use of prescription medication crosses the line into misuse, it can be all too easy to miss the tell-tale signs of amphetamine addiction.
Not only does amphetamine have high addictive potential, but it can also pose serious long-term risks to physical and mental health. The sooner you are able to recognize amphetamine addiction symptoms, the sooner you can get help for yourself or a loved one.
What Is Amphetamine?
Amphetamine is a synthetic central nervous stimulant that was touted as a cure for nasal congestion in the 1930s. Although it did not prove to be a successful remedy for that purpose, it quickly became apparent that it generated a euphoric feeling.
Over the course of the next few decades, it was marketed to several demographics ranging from soldiers in World War II to housewives in the 1960s. The medical justification for using it was “psychological tiredness”. In fact, the question of amphetamine abuse was not on anyone’s mind.
By the 1970s, though, the medical community was deeply concerned about the addictive potential of amphetamine, and laws were enacted to control its distribution and use.
Today, the only legal way to obtain amphetamine is through a prescription, and many areas in Canada and the USA have implemented strict controls to prevent misuse. The two most common conditions that amphetamines are prescribed for are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
What Is Amphetamine Addiction?
Amphetamine abuse takes two forms. The first is the use of illicit drugs like ecstasy and crystal meth. The second is the misuse of prescription amphetamine drugs.
Use Of Illicit Amphetamines
Amphetamine can be ingested in a variety of ways, each of which comes with its own set of risks. Those who are looking for mild effects will simply take a tablet of something like ecstasy, while those who are craving a stronger and faster rush of euphoria will crush the tablets and snort them or inject them.
Misuse Of Prescription Drugs
Most prescription drug addiction starts with a legitimate use for a specific medical purpose. Proper use becomes misuse when:
You are using the drugs for a purpose for which they were not prescribed
You are using more than the prescribed amount, or are taking extra doses
You are using medication prescribed for someone else
Amphetamines can cause severe long-term physical and mental health problems. Some risk factors can manifest after a relatively short period of use, so it is important to look out for early amphetamine addiction symptoms in those who are known to be using amphetamines.
The risks to physical health include the following:
Elevated heart rate and blood pressure, which may lead to cardiac arrest
Muscle spasms, twitches or tics
Elevated core body temperature, which can damage the organs and tissues
Lack of appetite, resulting in rapid weight loss
Sleep disturbances including insomnia
Risks to mental health include the following:
Rapid mood swings
Depression and anxiety, especially when you are not using the drugs
An over-inflated sense of confidence that may result in you engaging in potentially dangerous activities
Tactile hallucinations that can result in excessive scratching and self-injury
Structural changes to the brain, such as damage to the dopamine receptors
What Are The Signs Of Amphetamine Addiction?
There are several signs of amphetamine abuse that you can look out for, either in yourself or in a loved one.
Elevated heart rate and high blood pressure
Hallucinations that are usually tactile, but can also be visual and auditory
Rapid mood swings
Nutritional and digestive problems, including loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
Inability to fall asleep, sometimes paired with frequent wakening
Dental problems
Crusted skin and blisters around the nose and mouth may indicate that drugs have been snorted
Track marks and collapsed veins can result from intravenous use
Anxiety and paranoia
Irritability and aggression
Amphetamine abuse turns to addiction when the user reaches the point of not being able to function without using amphetamines. The individual may experience intense cravings and extreme fatigue that can only be alleviated through the use of the drug.
Some behavioural signs of amphetamine addiction include the following:
The user consistently fails to meet school, work and family obligations
The user loses interest in activities that were previously important to them
A lot of the user’s time is spent getting the drugs, using the drugs, and recovering from using the drugs
The individual becomes secretive about their activities and starts to spend long periods of time alone
Relationships with friends and family members may suffer, and even break down as loved ones start to fear for their physical or emotional well-being
Prescription drug users seek refills frequently
Money goes missing from family bank accounts with no explanation as to what it has been used for
The user experiences intense cravings and may become anxious and aggressive when they do not have fast access to drugs
Amphetamine Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one are showing amphetamine addiction symptoms, you should seek help as soon as possible. The most effective help takes the form of an inpatient addiction treatment for amphetamines. This includes a rehab program that is tailored to each individual. This is broken down into three broad phases: detox, rehab, and aftercare.
Medical Detox
Amphetamine withdrawal can be intensely frightening. In fact, users who attempt to quit by themselves have a very high probability of suffering a relapse within days or even hours.
While the drug withdrawal experience varies from person to person based on the length of the addiction, the typical usage amount, and the individual’s original state of health, some common withdrawal signs include:
Extreme fatigue
Muscle twitches and spasms
Dulled reaction times
Aches and pains
Agitation and aggression
Insomnia and/or vivid dreams
Depression
Cravings
Suicidal thoughts and actions
Because the body and mind react so strongly to withdrawal after an extended period of amphetamine abuse, medical supervision is recommended. A doctor will keep you safe and treat symptoms as they arise.
Rehab
Once detox is complete, the addict is ready to move onto amphetamine addiction treatment and rehab. Because addiction is such an individual condition that affects everyone differently, rehab is most effective when it is customized. Based on the signs of amphetamine addiction a user exhibits, the treatment will be customized.
Therapeutic modalities that are commonly incorporated in an amphetamine addiction treatment plan include:
Individual, group and family therapy
Creative therapy that uses music, art and dance
Yoga, meditation and mindfulness
Fitness and nutrition coaching
Life coaching and life skills training
Various education sessions and workshops
One of the primary purposes of addiction rehab is to guide the addict through the process of delving into the underlying causes of their addiction. Rehab programs also teach addicts how to cope with the stresses and rigours of daily life without needing to use drugs.
Aftercare
Amphetamine addiction treatment is not over when rehab comes to an end. For many people, recovery is a lifelong process that takes a lot of dedication and support. Most inpatient rehab facilities offer some form of aftercare, which may include some or all of the following:
Access to an emergency support line for those who are in immediate danger of relapse
Ongoing therapy and progress monitoring sessions
Support and education for loved ones of addicts
Transitional programs that allow for gradual reintegration into the real world
Some facilities offer a second rehab stay at a discounted rate in the event of a relapse
At 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre, we provide a safe, supportive environment, qualified and compassionate staff, and fully customized addiction treatment plans for all of our clients.
If you think you might be addicted to amphetamine, or are worried about a loved one who is showing signs of amphetamine addiction, call us at 855-601-0555. We are ready to discuss your addiction treatment needs!
