Amphetamine Misuse
Amphetamine pills like Adderall, Ritalin, or Vyvanse are usually prescribed for ADHD, narcolepsy, or obesity. When used as prescribed, they are taken in pill form. On the street, these drugs can be swallowed, dabbed on the gums, inhaled, injected, or smoked. Because these pills are so readily available, they are easy to obtain and even easier to abuse.
National Statistics
A study done in 2018 found that there are around 16 million Americans each year using prescription stimulants. Of those who had a prescription:
5 million abused those medications for cognitive enhancement.
0.4 million developed an amphetamine use disorder.
There are around 2.5 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 that regularly take prescription stimulants such as Adderall. Almost 60% of those who misuse amphetamine pills report getting them from a friend or family member for free, and around 20% said they stole or bought them.
In 2010, it was reported that there were around 31,000 ER visits due to amphetamine misuse.
In 2011, there were around 114 daily ER visits of people 18-25 due to amphetamine abuse.
Amphetamine Pills Signs of Misuse
When used as they are intended, amphetamines can help individuals struggling with ADHD. They can minimize hyperactivity, difficulties with attention, irritability, and impulsive behaviors while also increasing the number of nerve connections within the brain and helping promote brain development in children.
When abuse, amphetamines can cause a variety of adverse effects, such as:
Reduced blood flow to extremities
Loss of appetite that leads to malnutrition and weight loss
Acne, rash or hives
Dry mouth and teeth grinding
Tics
Increased anxiety, irritability, and restlessness
Mood swings
Insomnia
Exaggerated sense of one’s own ability or importance
Obsessive behaviors
Psychosis and delusions
Cardiovascular complications
Amphetamine Withdrawal
Amphetamines stimulate an increase in the production of dopamine within the brain. When they are suddenly stopped, there is a sharp decrease in that dopamine. Most people who stop using amphetamines will experience withdrawal symptoms. They can be quite severe, especially for individuals who abused these medications for an extended period of time and can lead to a relapse or overdose.
In general, acute amphetamine withdrawal may last for up to two weeks depending on how long those drugs were used and how much. Unfortunately, people may experience post-acute symptoms for up to a year following abstinence.
The most common amphetamine withdrawal symptoms are:
Increased depression or anxiety
Problems with sleeping, such as insomnia
Nausea or vomiting
Severe fatigue
Twitching or shaking
Muscle aches and pains
Appetite changes
Cravings
Suicidal ideation
Emotional outburst or irritability
Treatment For Amphetamine Abuse
Most people who abuse prescription amphetamines do so because of some underlying condition or cause. Whether that be undiagnosed ADHD, body image issues, or intense work/educational demands, there is typically some cause of this behavior. Because of that, treatment is typically aimed at treating those co-occurring complications alongside amphetamine abuse.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): CBT addresses underlying thoughts that lead to negative behaviors and actions. Clients will work with their therapist to use more positive coping skills to deal with those negative emotions. This can help them stay away from amphetamines, especially if they are not prescribed.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): There is some evidence that EMDR can help improve symptoms of ADHD. This therapy may be worked into a treatment plan.
Yoga or Meditation: Both of these holistic methods can reduce stress, anxiety, and hyperactivity. They ground clients in the present moment and can be used long-term as positive ways of coping with whatever may be causing a person to abuse amphetamines.
Exercise: Any type of fitness or physical activity is naturally going to stimulate receptors in the brain that amphetamines bind to. This can help reduce cravings and make the withdrawal process much easier.
National Amphetamine Resources
Narcotics Anonymous
A website that gives individuals access to meeting locations and times near them.