Amphetamine Addiction

While it’s easy to think of prescription amphetamines as safe, these drugs can be just as dangerous as their street counterparts. Whether used to manage a medical condition, boost productivity, or simply to get high, amphetamine abuse and misuse can quickly lead to addiction. Over time, amphetamine addiction can take control of your life, posing risks not only to yourself but also to everyone around you. Understanding the dangers of amphetamine addiction and the available treatment options is crucial for protecting both yourself and your loved ones.

Amphetamine-addiction

What are amphetamines?

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that boost your energy levels, helping you feel more awake and focused. They are commonly prescribed to treat medical conditions like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), where they help improve concentration and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder where they prevent sudden bouts of sleepiness.

Some of the most well-known amphetamines prescribed in the UK are:

  • Adderall: A combination of amphetamine salts that helps people with ADHD concentrate better.
  • Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine): Often prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy to enhance focus and energy levels.
  • Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine): Prescribed for ADHD and sometimes binge eating disorder because it can improve self-control and focus.
  • Ritalin (Methylphenidate): A non-amphetamine stimulant often grouped with amphetamines due to its similar effects and uses.
  • Concerta (Methylphenidate): A longer-acting form of Ritalin that provides sustained focus for ADHD patients.
  • Evekeo (Amphetamine Sulfate): Prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy to boost attention and reduce fatigue.

In the UK, amphetamines are classified as Class B and Schedule 2 drugs, meaning they are tightly regulated, and misuse or possession without a prescription is illegal. These restrictions are very important because amphetamines can produce a number of serious side effects, including anxiety, heart problems, hallucinations and amphetamine addiction.

What is amphetamine addiction?

Amphetamine addiction happens when someone loses control over their drug use and keeps taking amphetamines despite the harm they begin to cause.

Amphetamines may start out as a legitimate treatment for conditions like ADHD, and the initial boost in energy or focus can be an effective solution. However, if you keep taking amphetamines over a long period of time, your body will start to require more and more, or you won’t feel the same effects. This can then create a vicious cycle of dependence and amphetamine abuse.

Eventually, amphetamines can begin to control you completely as getting and using them becomes all that is important to you. This can lead to physical and mental health issues, strained relationships and struggles in your everyday life.

There are different paths to amphetamine addiction:

  • Prescription misuse: Using more than prescribed or continuing amphetamines without medical advice.
  • Recreational use or enhanced performance: Using amphetamines to feel high or push through long hours of work or study.
  • Self-medication: Trying to manage stress, anxiety or other issues by turning to amphetamines.

Amphetamine addiction UK

The number of amphetamine prescriptions in the UK has exploded in recent years, particularly for amphetamine that treat ADHD, and this has seen amphetamine addiction rates increase, too. Young people are at particular risk of amphetamine addiction as they are most likely to be prescribed amphetamines for ADHD or to use them as study aids.

In 2022-2023, there were 77 young people in treatment in England for amphetamine addiction but the true number of sufferers is thought to be far higher. This is reflected in the data for amphetamine-related deaths in England and Wales, which shows that 114 people died in 2022 alone.

While these numbers may be lower than some other drugs, they do show that the dangers of amphetamine abuse and addiction should never be taken lightly.

Amphetamine-addiction-tablets

Amphetamine addiction signs

To prevent the rates of drug addiction and fatalities from rising, it is important to be able to identify telltale amphetamine addiction signs. Here are some of the most common signs which may emerge at various amphetamine addiction stages:

  • An obsession with amphetamines, such as always thinking about the next dose or when you can use them again.
  • Struggling to cut down or quit despite wanting to stop.
  • Increasing your amphetamine dosage just to feel the same effects as before.
  • Missing out on important activities like work or school because of amphetamine use.
  • Lying, hiding the extent of your usage or spending time with new people who encourage drug use.
  • Running out of your prescription early, even though it should have lasted longer.
  • Feeling anxious, depressed or worn out when you’re not taking amphetamines.

If any of these amphetamine addiction symptoms hit close to home, reach out for professional guidance and support before things escalate further.

Why are amphetamines addictive?

Amphetamines are highly addictive because of a variety of personal and environmental factors, as well as how the drug is used. People can easily become dependent on amphetamines when they:

  • Snort or inject amphetamines, which leads to faster and more intense effects.
  • Have a history of substance abuse, either personally or within the family.
  • Use amphetamines to self-medicate for mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
  • Have easy access to amphetamines, making it tempting to misuse them.
  • Spend time with friends who also use amphetamines or other substances.
  • Rely on amphetamines to manage the pressures of a stressful life.
  • Have ADHD but misuse prescription amphetamines by increasing their dose or taking them improperly.

The dangerous side effects of amphetamine addiction

Amphetamine addiction isn’t just harmful to your health – it can disrupt your entire world. Here are some of the serious risks associated with prolonged use:

Health risks

  • Heart damage: Regular amphetamine use can put a heavy strain on your heart and cause elevated blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat and potentially even heart failure.
  • Mental health issues: Amphetamine addiction can trigger and amplify extreme anxiety, paranoia, depression, and frightening hallucinations.
  • Physical decline: Amphetamines are appetite suppressants, and this can lead to rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and dental decay.
  • Sleep disturbances: Amphetamines can severely disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to chronic exhaustion and sleep disorders.
  • Amphetamine overdose danger: Taking more amphetamines than your body can process or mixing them with other drugs or alcohol can cause a potentially fatal amphetamine overdose. Symptoms of amphetamine overdose include seizures, high fever and heart failure, so you need to get medical help immediately.

Personal fallout

  • Relationship strain: Amphetamine addiction can cause rifts with loved ones, leading to distrust, broken friendships and family conflicts.
  • Work or school issues: Losing focus and underperforming due to amphetamine addiction can lead to job loss or academic failure, creating long-term financial and personal struggles.
  • Legal risks: Misusing amphetamines can lead to criminal charges as amphetamines are controlled substances, with significant penalties for illegal possession or distribution.

What does amphetamine addiction treatment involve?

At Recovery Lighthouse, amphetamine addiction treatment can be broken down into three important steps.

1. Drug detox is the first phase, where your body rids itself of the drug while medical professionals help ease any withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be very severe, so this medical guidance is crucial for safety.

2. Following detox, you will begin rehab treatment, which focuses on tackling the emotional and psychological reasons behind your addiction. Our drug rehab programme uses different types of therapy to give you the tools to manage life without amphetamines.

3. Finally, aftercare offers the long-term support you will need, including outpatient group therapy sessions for a year. These are totally free of charge for everyone who undergoes treatment at Recovery Lighthouse.

Need help with amphetamine addiction?

Then Recovery Lighthouse is here to offer you a lifeline. We provide all three critical stages of treatment for amphetamine addiction in a safe and supportive environment. Our dedicated team is passionate about guiding you through every step of your recovery journey and helping you to rebuild your life. Ready to start fresh? Contact us at Recovery Lighthouse today to learn more about how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common forms of amphetamines?
The most common forms of amphetamines include prescription medications like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta, which are used to treat conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. Non-prescription amphetamines can also be found on the street, where they are often abused for their stimulating effects. These substances come in pills, powders or capsules and are sometimes misused to increase focus, energy or alertness.
Is it possible to overdose on amphetamines?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on amphetamines. Taking too much can lead to dangerous symptoms like extreme agitation, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, seizures and even death. The risk is especially high when amphetamines are combined with other substances, and it is crucial to seek medical help immediately if you suspect an amphetamine overdose.
What are dextroamphetamines?
Dextroamphetamines are a type of amphetamine commonly used in medications like Dexedrine to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. They work by stimulating the central nervous system, helping to improve focus, concentration and alertness. While beneficial for those with medical needs, dextroamphetamine can be addictive if misused or taken in larger doses than prescribed.

(Click here to see works cited)

  • GOV.UK. “Young people’s substance misuse treatment statistics 2022 to 2023: report.” GOV.UK, 25 January 2024, https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-young-people-2022-to-2023/young-peoples-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2022-to-2023-report. Accessed 11 October 2024.
  • Khoramizadeh, Mansour et al. “Treatment of amphetamine abuse/use disorder: a systematic review of a recent health concern.” Daru : journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences vol. 27,2 (2019): 743-753. doi:10.1007/s40199-019-00282-3. Accessed 11 October 2024.
  • Stewart, Conor. “Number of drug-related deaths due to amphetamine use in England and Wales from 1993 to 2022.” Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/470819/drug-poisoning-deaths-by-amphetamine-in-england-and-wales/. Accessed 11 October 2024.
  • UK-Rehab. “Addiction To Amphetamines | UK Rehab.” UK-Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/drug-addiction/amphetamines/. Accessed 11 October 2024.