Effects of Amphetamines
What Are The Physical Effects of Amphetamines?
Current studies show that nearly 13 million American adults use amphetamines regularly and many of these individuals have developed an addiction to this class of drugs. With a long list of potential health risks, no one should ever use amphetamines recreationally or alter their dosage when prescribed amphetamines by a doctor. Here is a closer look at the physical effects of amphetamines and the most effective options for rehabilitation.
Developing an Amphetamine Addiction
Even those that are prescribed amphetamines by their doctor still run the risk of becoming addicted to these substances. Amphetamines can become habit-forming no matter how much or how little one uses them and most will develop their addiction over a series of steps. These steps could take place across the span of a few days, while others may only experiment with amphetamines for years without developing an addiction. The most important thing to remember is that an addiction has developed when the individual can no longer control their urge to use the substance. They will often find themselves spending all of their time acquiring and using amphetamines even though it is negatively impacting other aspects of their life.
An Amphetamine High
Using amphetamines is often a very intense experience that will last for anywhere from just a few hours to multiple days on end. The feelings that one has will come down to the type of amphetamines that they are using and how they have taken it. Taking amphetamine pills will force the body to metabolize the ingredients for some time but the high will generally last much longer. Smoking or snorting amphetamines will result in a quicker high for a shorter period.
The physical effects of amphetamines will vary slightly between every single person, but the primary purpose of the drug is to force the body into a “fight or flight” mode. In addition to the overproduction of hormones, blood vessels throughout the body will constrict, which means a rapid increase in blood pressure. As a result, the heart will begin to beat rapidly and many experience heart arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
Amphetamines have a variety of side effects that will take place immediately and could result in long-term medical issues. Due to the overproduction of hormones, the individual will often clench their jaw which leads to damaged teeth and gums. This type of drug is also a powerful appetite suppressant which often means unhealthy changes to one’s metabolism and blood sugar with an increased risk of malnourishment. Depending on the dose and type of amphetamines being taken, users can stay awake for days on end followed by a crash that requires days to recover from.
When amphetamines are used regularly, it puts a tremendous strain on the heart. Those that have become dependent on amphetamines will often weaken the walls of the heart which will increase the risk of heart attacks and other pulmonary issues. When the lack of sleep is combined with malnourishment, users increase their risk of contracting other diseases and illnesses as well. Overdosing on amphetamines or binging for multiple days generally results in unpleasant side effects including:
- Psychosis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Chest pains
- Seizures
Signs of Amphetamine Abuse
If you believe that a loved one may be abusing amphetamines, it is important to arm yourself with knowledge and keep an eye out for signs of use. The most common sign of amphetamine abuse is a dramatic shift in energy level. This includes staying up for days on end in a manic phase before crashing and sleeping for 24 hours or more. Users may also begin to let their hygiene decline or forget responsibilities such as their job or meeting with family and friends. While none of these indicate that a person is using amphetamines, those that exhibit multiple signs could be struggling with an addiction.
Recovering From An Amphetamine Addiction
Binging on amphetamines will put the body under a tremendous amount of strain, and this means that a detox specialist or medical professional should always oversee the recovery period. This period generally lasts for around five days with the most severe symptoms taking place a day or two after the last use. The side effects include anything from insomnia and irritability to violent behavior and suicidal thoughts.
Once the body has flushed out the toxins and begun to rebalance itself naturally addicts must take a look at their options for long-term rehabilitation. Many have turned to inpatient facilities that provide support and care around the clock for those that are attempting to rebuild their life. These facilities are designed to be as comfortable as possible with services such as personal therapy, group counseling, holistic healing options, meditation, food plans, and more.
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