Amphetamine Dependence: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Methamphetamine abuse may also worsen the progression of HIV and its consequences. In animal studies, methamphetamine increased viral replication; in human methamphetamine abusers, HIV caused greater neuronal injury and cognitive impairment compared with non-drug abusers. They are legal when they are prescribed by a doctor and used to treat health problems such as obesity, narcolepsy, or attention deficit how long do amphetamines stay in your blood hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Even though they are prescribed by a doctor, taking a larger dose of a prescription medication than is advised is abuse. Individuals may do this automatically if they notice they are not getting the same benefits from the amphetamine that they did at first. Increasing your dose of amphetamine can lead to tolerance and dependence, and amphetamine abuse can lead to addiction.

In most cases, substance use and conditions like depression are bidirectional. Substance abuse, including amphetamine addiction, causes mood changes, and substance use is a behavior to help alleviate depression. During medical detox, doctors will likely help you stop using amphetamines gradually so you can avoid or reduce withdrawal symptoms. They may also prescribe medications to ease certain withdrawal symptoms.

Notes

Of course it is possible just to take the pills and experience a mild high that way. However, some people crush the pills and snort them, creating a faster, stronger high. One of the quickest ways to get high from amphetamine or methamphetamine is to dissolve the powder in water and inject it.

  • By 2018, an estimated 1.6 million adults in the U.S. aged 18 years or older had reported meth use in the past year.
  • Though it is not as commonly used, it can provide insight into use in the last 24 to 48 hours after intake.
  • Some studies show that this does not harm the development of the baby.
  • You’ll gain access to the most effective treatment options when you go to a professional inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment center that focuses on an evidence-based, holistic approach.
  • Most drug screenings, such as those related to employment screenings, will look for amphetamines present.

You may continue to crave the stimulant even though you know they’re causing persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems. Treatment programs use behavior change techniques through counseling (talk therapy). The goal is to help you understand your behaviors and why you use amphetamines.

What Amphetamines Are Illegal?

After this point, the amphetamines are no longer racing through the body to provide their effects. A good rule of thumb is that if you feel the effects of using amphetamines, it is still possible to detect it in the blood in most cases. The meth detection window may be slightly longer, for example, than dextroamphetamines.

  • While it’s sometimes prescribed as the prescription drug Desoxyn, it’s also sold as an illegal street drug.
  • There are products purchased over-the-counter that some people may try to take that make the test ineffective, for example.
  • Synthetic urine tests may have a similar pH balance, which makes it seem authentic.
  • It’s even possible to develop a use disorder if you take amphetamines according to your doctor’s directions.
  • The FDA says that children under two should not be given any type of cold and flu that contains a decongestant or an antihistamine because of dangerous side effects.

The medications are commonly used for allergies and hives, but can also be used to get rid of nasal congestion. They work in a slightly different way than decongestants, which reduce the swelling of blood vessels in the nasal passages. Antihistamines also reduce swelling and irritation in the nasal passages, but by blocking the chemicals in the body responsible for those reactions. The number of people dying from amphetamine addiction increased by 30 percent between the years 2016 and 2017. Darker hair typically has more methamphetamine in it than those who may have a lighter color hair. That happens just because the drug tends to bind better with darker colors.