Dextroamphetamine Addiction and Treatment

What is Dextroamphetamine?

Dextroamphetamine is a prescription medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD and narcolepsy. It is a central nervous system stimulant that can affect certain brain chemicals associated with impulse and hyperactivity control. It is highly effective in treating ADHD by promoting focus and calmness. Dextroamphetamine also produces wakefulness and energy in those with narcolepsy or other sleeping disorders. Stimulants like dextroamphetamine also have a high potential for abuse and addiction because the brain can become physically dependent on it to function. Prescription stimulants dextroamphetamine is available in pill form, extended release capsule, and liquid solution which are all taken orally. It is one of the medications in name brand prescription Adderall, which is also used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Name brands of dextroamphetamine found in the US include:

• Dexedrine
• Dexedrine Spansules
• Zenzedi
• Liquadd
• Dextrostat
• ProCentra

Effects of Dextroamphetamine

Effects of Dexedrine, or dextroamphetamine, differ depending on what the person needs the prescription for or if they are not prescribed it, such as in Dexedrine substance abuse. Desirable effects of Dexedrine in those with ADHD include feeling less impulsive, less restless, and calmer. In those with narcolepsy, desirable effects of Dexedrine include alertness and wakefulness. However, in individuals who abuse prescription stimulants, they experience increased concentration, improved mental performance, a reduction in need to sleep, and a rush of euphoria. Other effects of Dexedrine include:

• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Restlessness
• Uncontrollable shaking or feeling jittery
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Changes in sex drive
• Constipation

Signs of Dextroamphetamine Abuse and Addiction

Prescription stimulants such as dextroamphetamine are often called “study drugs” because Dexedrine abuse is common among college students who use it to increase focus and reduce the need to sleep in order to have more intense study sessions. Dexedrine abuse also happens for boosting athletic performance, losing weight, and for staying awake, such as night shift workers. Drug abuse and drug addiction may require help from a treatment center and if you see some of the following signs, you should seek addiction treatment help:

• Unable to stop using even when there’s a desire to
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using
• Having cravings
• Needing more of the drug to get the same effect, also known as tolerance
• An effect in performance at school or work
• Physical and psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, and heart palpitations
• No longer participating in activities once enjoyed due to dextroamphetamine abuse

Dextroamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms

Dextroamphetamine abuse, including taking large doses or for extended amounts of time, can lead to dependence which causes withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking. Signs and symptoms of dextroamphetamine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep issues, either insomnia or sleeping too much
• Slow movements
• Increased appetite
• Agitation
• Vivid dreams
• Compulsive skin picking, which may be a reaction to hallucinations of insects under the skin

Long Term Side Effects of Dextroamphetamine Abuse

• Depression and anxiety
• Violent, unpredictable, and erratic behaviors
• Hallucinations (auditory and visual), paranoia, and obsession with their own thoughts similar to schizophrenia
• Heart problems due to higher blood pressure and heart rate
• Changes in sex drive or reduced sexual function

Dextroamphetamine Addiction Treatment

Drug rehab centers offer various forms of addiction treatment for dextroamphetamine addiction and Dexedrine abuse. When attempting to stop using dextroamphetamine, it is important to seek help from a drug and alcohol treatment facility because of the potential of dangerous withdrawal and detox symptoms during drug detox. During medical drug detox, medical professionals will monitor your vitals, create treatment plans to ease your withdrawal and detox symptoms and be able to administer life saving medical care in case of emergencies. Drug detox only takes care of the physical aspects of drug addiction, you should also participate in a drug rehab program to address the behavioral and psychological aspects of drug addiction. Drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, group therapy, 12step programs, family therapy, and holistic treatments. Dual diagnosis programs can help treat co occurring disorders that are often present in drug addiction including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. There are several levels of care available to fit your stimulant addiction recovery needs including inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient program (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), outpatient rehab, and virtual rehab. The sooner you get help for drug addiction, the better the chances of successful stimulant addiction recovery.

If you or a loved one would like more information about stimulant addiction, please give us a call at Quantum Behavioral Health Services, our addiction specialists are available to answer your questions about rehab.