Amphetamine Addiction | Signs, Symptoms and Effects

Some of the most well-known amphetamines prescribed in the UK are:

• Adderall: A combination of amphetamine salts that helps people with ADHD concentrate better.
• Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine): Often prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy to enhance focus and energy levels.
• Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine): Prescribed for ADHD and sometimes binge eating disorder because it can improve self-control and focus.
• Ritalin (Methylphenidate): A non-amphetamine stimulant often grouped with amphetamines due to its similar effects and uses.
• Concerta (Methylphenidate): A longer-acting form of Ritalin that provides sustained focus for ADHD patients.
• Evekeo (Amphetamine Sulfate): Prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy to boost attention and reduce fatigue.

In the UK, amphetamines are classified as Class B and Schedule 2 drugs, meaning they are tightly regulated, and misuse or possession without a prescription is illegal. These restrictions are very important because amphetamines can produce a number of serious side effects, including anxiety, heart problems, hallucinations and amphetamine addiction.

Amphetamine addiction happens when someone loses control over their drug use and keeps taking amphetamines despite the harm they begin to cause.

Amphetamines may start out as a legitimate treatment for conditions like ADHD, and the initial boost in energy or focus can be an effective solution. However, if you keep taking amphetamines over a long period of time, your body will start to require more and more, or you won’t feel the same effects. This can then create a vicious cycle of dependence and amphetamine abuse.

Eventually, amphetamines can begin to control you completely as getting and using them becomes all that is important to you. This can lead to physical and mental health issues, strained relationships and struggles in your everyday life.

There are different paths to amphetamine addiction:

• Prescription misuse: Using more than prescribed or continuing amphetamines without medical advice.
• Recreational use or enhanced performance: Using amphetamines to feel high or push through long hours of work or study.
• Self-medication: Trying to manage stress, anxiety or other issues by turning to amphetamines.

To prevent the rates of drug addiction and fatalities from rising, it is important to be able to identify telltale amphetamine addiction signs. Here are some of the most common signs which may emerge at various amphetamine addiction stages:

• An obsession with amphetamines, such as always thinking about the next dose or when you can use them again.
• Struggling to cut down or quit despite wanting to stop.
• Increasing your amphetamine dosage just to feel the same effects as before.
• Missing out on important activities like work or school because of amphetamine use.
• Lying, hiding the extent of your usage or spending time with new people who encourage drug use.
• Running out of your prescription early, even though it should have lasted longer.
• Feeling anxious, depressed or worn out when you’re not taking amphetamines.

If any of these amphetamine addiction symptoms hit close to home, reach out for professional guidance and support before things escalate further.

Amphetamine addiction isn’t just harmful to your health – it can disrupt your entire world. Here are some of the serious risks associated with prolonged use:

At Recovery Lighthouse, amphetamine addiction treatment can be broken down into three important steps.

1. Drug detox is the first phase, where your body rids itself of the drug while medical professionals help ease any withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be very severe, so this medical guidance is crucial for safety.

2. Following detox, you will begin rehab treatment, which focuses on tackling the emotional and psychological reasons behind your addiction. Our drug rehab programme uses different types of therapy to give you the tools to manage life without amphetamines.

3. Finally, aftercare offers the long-term support you will need, including outpatient group therapy sessions for a year. These are totally free of charge for everyone who undergoes treatment at Recovery Lighthouse.