With so many drugs on the market, it’s hard for people to keep up with them all. As a result, they may not know what is amphetamine or if it’s addictive. Also, what kind of danger does this drug pose to those who abuse it?
What Is Amphetamine?
Doctors refer to amphetamines as central nervous system stimulants. Some people also refer to them as psychostimulants. These drugs are highly addictive but have medical uses. In fact, doctors often prescribe them to treat hyperactivity disorders, Parkinson’s disease and narcolepsy.
Because of the addictive nature of amphetamines, people who stop taking them typically experience withdrawal symptoms. Thankfully, amphetamine withdrawal symptoms aren’t usually deadly. However, they’re extremely uncomfortable and make people want to keep using drugs to prevent withdrawal. These kinds of symptoms keep people from living normal lives.
Where Does Amphetamine Come From?
Amphetamine comes from ephedra, which is a plant found in Mongolia and China. In fact, many cultures from around the world use ephedra for its stimulant properties. Ancient cultures, for instance, used it to treat asthma and congestion.
Studies show that ephedra contains pseudoephedrine and ephedrine. Both of these chemicals are natural alkaloids, which are compounds that create a physiological response in people. These organic compounds create the basis for amphetamines.
Do Amphetamines Have Side Effects?
When people learn about what is amphetamine, they often want to know if it has side effects. Despite the drug having practical medical uses, it has a number of side effects. One of these is addiction when people abuse the drug.
However, other side effects can still occur even when people take amphetamines as their doctors prescribe. Some of the side effects are pleasant, which is why people abuse these drugs in the first place. For example, taking amphetamine can enhance their mood and increase physical activity and wakefulness.
On the other hand, amphetamines have several bad side effects as well. Some of them include insomnia, irregular heartbeat and cardiovascular collapse. Of course, the longer that people abuse these drugs, the more severe that the side effects become. For example, abusing amphetamine for months can cause permanent brain damage, loss of memory and hallucinations.
Take Your Life Back From Amphetamine Addiction
Do you or a loved one suffer from amphetamine addiction? If so, consider seeking help at Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon. We provide custom treatment plans at affordable prices. A few of the programs that we use include:
- Cognitive behavioral theory
- Group and individual counseling
- Intensive outpatient rehab
- Family therapy
- Aftercare program
Fight back against your drug addiction. Use the knowledge that you learn in rehab about what is amphetamine to live a healthier life. Start treatment today when you call us at 866.262.0531.
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.
