Amphetamines are a type of central nervous system stimulant that treats attention-deficit disorders, narcolepsy, and obesity. Taking them is popular with students for the increased energy and concentration they provide. One of the dangers of amphetamine use comes from high blood pressure and body temperature, which can greatly increase the risk of a cardiovascular event. If left untreated, amphetamine abuse can lead to significant cognitive decline, respiratory problems, and death.
At Crestview Recovery, we help men and women from all walks of life who are struggling with an addiction to amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, or other dangerous stimulants. When you first arrive at our discreet and comfortable facility, our team will run a full assessment to develop a treatment program based on your individual symptoms. You will work with a behavioral therapist in group and private therapy sessions to beat the addiction. Furthermore, you’ll develop new coping skills that promote a better life and long-lasting sobriety. For more information about our amphetamine addiction treatment program, send us a message online or call 866.262.0531 today to speak with our friendly staff.
What Are the Side Effects of Amphetamines?
Amphetamine abuse has increased steadily over the last decade, with millions of individuals abusing their prescription medication. While taking amphetamines is safe when you follow the prescription, many people will crush up the pills and snort or inject them directly into the bloodstream to increase the stimulating effects.
There are several known short-term and long-term effects of amphetamines that you should be familiar with if you or a loved one is taking this medication. The short-term side effects of amphetamines include:
- Faster reaction times
- Feeling overly excited
- Intense euphoria
- Increased alertness, attentiveness, and concentration
The long-term effects of amphetamines include paranoia, hallucinations, intense cravings, respiratory problems, lack of coordination, and violent behavior. Those who mix amphetamines with alcohol or other drugs put themselves at risk of stroke, heart attack, and death.
The staff at Crestview Recovery have years of experience helping people recover from amphetamine addiction safely with fewer risks of relapse. Our programs combine behavioral and holistic therapies that promote lifelong sobriety and a healthy lifestyle.
The Dangers of Amphetamine Use
Sadly, the state of Oregon is second in the number of overall drug abuse cases in the U.S. Furthermore, it ranks first in methamphetamine and prescription opioid abuse. Fortunately, there are several treatment centers available that can treat the addiction and help people stop the abuse before it’s too late. If you know someone who is abusing amphetamines, here are some of the dangers of amphetamine use:
Physical Dangers
Depending on how a person abuses amphetamines, it can cause several visible side effects like gum disease and tooth decay. Those who inject amphetamines into the bloodstream will have track marks and puncture wounds on their arms, legs, or in between their fingers or toes. Other noticeable signs include significant weight loss, dilated pupils, hyperventilation, dry mouth, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Psychological Dangers
Amphetamine abuse can cause serious mental harm the longer the abuse continues. Paranoia, psychosis, and hallucinations are common, as well as having trouble focusing, completing complex tasks, and unexplained or violent behaviors. Other harmful behaviors include poor eating habits, insomnia, hostility, and altered sexual behaviors.
Knowing the dangers of amphetamine use is crucial if you or a loved one is taking this medication. If the abuse is allowed to continue, the risk of trying harder drugs greatly increases as their tolerance levels build. Why? Because they need to take more to feel the same effects.
Crestview Recovery: Your Top Choice for Amphetamine Addiction Treatment in Portland
Crestview Recovery is a fully accredited addiction treatment facility that is available for anyone who is ready to stop letting their addiction control their lives. Our team is well aware of the long-term effects of amphetamines. They use a combination of behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatment to treat the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Clients gain the confidence and skills necessary to maintain their sobriety no matter what life throws at them.
If you or a loved one is abusing amphetamines and ready to quit, call 866.262.0531 today to enroll in our addiction treatment facility in Portland.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
