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Amphetamine Abuse
Medical Questions » Amphetamine Abuse
| Name: Amphetamine Abuse |
| Also known as: Speed |
| Synthetic addictive chemical that is available illicitly as tablets (' speed' ), or as a faster acting powder that is smoked (' ice' ). |
Causes of Amphetamine Abuse
Amphetamines are stimulants, that in some situations are used medically (eg. methylphenidate is used for the treatment of attention deficit disorder). Possibly one in every 100 people is dependent upon illicit drugs, and a far higher percentage have experimented with them at one time or another. |
Symptoms of Amphetamine Abuse
When used inappropriately cause increased activity, euphoria and a feeling of increased mental and physical ability. Tolerance develops quickly, and with time, higher and higher doses must be used to cause the same effect. |
Tests for Amphetamine Abuse
Blood and urine tests can detect the presence of amphetamines. |
Treatment for Amphetamine Abuse
The treatment options available are:
Gradual withdrawal while receiving counseling and medical support
Immediate drug withdrawal (' cold turkey' ) while hospitalized
Half-way houses that remove the patient from the environment in which drug taking is encouraged
Individual or group psychotherapy.
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Complications of Amphetamine Abuse of its treatment
Adverse effects include a rapid heart rate, sweating, dry eyes, increased blood pressure that may cause heart problems, confusion and disorientation. Long term use may cause delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, and serious psychiatric disturbances. Withdrawal results in severe depression and drowsiness. |
Likely Outcome of Amphetamine Abuse
Reasonably good. Not as addictive as heroin, but more than marijuana. |
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