Dextroamphetamine Addiction and Treatment
Dextroamphetamine addiction, or Dexedrine addiction, begins once the body has become used to the stimulation of Dextroamphetamine, requires more of this stimulation to feel the same impact, and continues to crave that amplified dopamine and calmness that are the result of the drug. At this stage, the body needs the drug to feel normal. Stopping use of Dextroamphetamine, or detoxing, will come with withdrawal symptoms that can be difficult to regulate without the proper help and drug treatment at a recovery center.
What is Dextroamphetamine?
Dextroamphetamine is a prescription drug and central nervous system stimulant considered to be a controlled substance. This drug may be prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy and can be taken in pill form. The brand name for dextroamphetamine is Dexedrine. This drug works by affecting chemicals in the brain. While Dextroamphetamine helps some feel focused and others sleep, it is highly addictive and has an increased potential for abuse. Because Dextroamphetamine releases dopamine in the brain and keeps it there, those who use the drug are likely to feel the euphoria necessary to become addicted.
Dextroamphetamine Effects
Outside of the desirable effects associated and prescribed with the intended use of this controlled substance, there are serious and impactful side effects associated with Dexedrine abuse. Along with the risk to the relationships of those experiencing addiction and abuse, other effects of Dexedrine include:
- Weight loss
- Distress and hallucinations
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Loss of sleep
- Lack of appetite
- Blurry vision
- Increased blood pressure
- Fever
- Circulation problems
- Tremors
- Dry mouth
- Chest pains
Signs of Dextroamphetamine Abuse and Addiction
While the above symptoms may be apparent, and those struggling with Dexedrine abuse may recognize the negative effects, along with addiction comes dependency. Dextroamphetamine actively changes the brain’s chemistry and restricts the body from feeling at ease without it. In addition to those who use this drug to feel euphoric, others also use Dextroamphetamine for academics, athletic performance, and to lose weight, as it also may be used as the result of an eating disorder. Signs of Dextroamphetamine abuse or Dexedrine abuse include:
- Mental and Physical Complications: Dextroamphetamine abuse can manifest both in health conditions and issues with behavioral health.
- Withdrawn Behaviors: Addiction can consume the lives of those abusing drugs, causing them to spend less time with loved ones and participating in activities they previously enjoyed.
- Dangerous Actions: Many struggling with Dexedrine abuse will experience impaired judgment that can result in continuing to use drugs regardless of negative effects and other behaviors that may become life-threatening.
- Withdrawal: Individuals that are addicted to Dextroamphetamine will notice that when they stop taking the drug they will feel the symptoms of withdrawal and that they will continually need more of the substance to obtain the same effect.
Dextroamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms
After stopping the use and abuse of Dextroamphetamine, withdrawal symptoms will quickly follow. Symptoms associated with Dextroamphetamine withdrawal include:
- Headaches
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia or increased sleep
To circumvent relapse and treat withdrawal symptoms, proper care and assistance may be necessary.
Long Term Side Effects of Dextroamphetamine Abuse
In addition to the side effects listed above, Dextroamphetamine abuse is also associated with long-term side effects. Long-term side-effects for those that have abused Dexedrine include:
- Decreased feelings of satisfaction
- Heart arrhythmia
- Heart failure
- Malnutrition
- Coma
- Seizures and convulsions
- Psychosis
- Difficulty and troubles breathing
- Death
The likelihood and severity of these symptoms is dependent on how long the period of time of abuse was, the frequency of use, and pre-existing risk factors.
Dextroamphetamine Addiction Treatment
Because Dextroamphetamine is a highly addictive drug associated with withdrawal symptoms that are difficult to overcome, those experiencing addiction should seek out types of treatment such as behavioral therapy, 12step programs, drug rehab, narcotics anonymous, and other therapies and support programs.
We are committed to helping people overcome their struggles with drug addiction and drug abuse, including Dextroamphetamine addiction. Our program and treatment facility provides clients with a holistic approach to treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery resources designed to provide individuals struggling with stimulant addiction with healing strategies that support every aspect of their life.
Our treatment center team of medical professionals is dedicated to making the road to recovery monumental, lasting, and impactful, beyond what is found at other rehab centers. With treatment plans designed to best help you and levels of care that fit where you are at, we care about your substance abuse recovery from the moment you walk in and through your continued sober life.
