Amphetamine addiction

Amphetamines are addictive because they trigger the brain’s reward system, flooding it with dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and motivation. This surge makes users feel energised, focused and euphoric, creating a strong desire to repeat the experience. Over time, the brain becomes less responsive to natural dopamine levels, leading to dependence on amphetamines to feel normal. The need for more of the drug to achieve the same effect, along with withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and depression, traps users in a cycle of addiction.

Amphetamine addiction can have profound and far-reaching impacts on various aspects of a person’s life. Whether someone is using prescription amphetamines, such as Adderall or more powerful, illegal versions like methamphetamine, the consequences can be dire.

Below is a detailed look at how amphetamine addiction can impact different areas of life.

Physical health decline

Amphetamine addiction can cause severe physical health problems, including:

• Cardiovascular issues: Prolonged amphetamine use can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular complications.
• Malnutrition and weight loss: Amphetamines often suppress appetite, leading to dangerous weight loss and malnutrition. Long-term users may suffer from severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
• Sleep disorders: Amphetamines disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to chronic insomnia. Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function, exacerbate mental health issues and weaken the immune system.
• Dental problems: Some people who use amphetamines experience dry mouth, tooth decay and gum disease, particularly those using methamphetamine (known as “meth mouth”).

Mental health deterioration

Amphetamine addiction is often accompanied by a range of mental health issues, including:

• Anxiety and paranoia: Amphetamines overstimulate the brain, which can lead to chronic anxiety, panic attacks and paranoia.
• Depression: Over time, amphetamines deplete the brain’s natural supply of dopamine, leading to mood swings, irritability and intense depression during withdrawal.
• Psychosis: Long-term users may experience hallucinations and delusions, a condition commonly known as amphetamine-induced psychosis.
• Cognitive impairment: Memory loss, trouble focusing and reduced cognitive function are common among those addicted to amphetamines, and these effects can be long-lasting even after stopping use.

Social and relationship damage

Amphetamine addiction can severely affect personal and professional relationships:

• Isolation: Individuals addicted to amphetamines may isolate themselves from family and friends, either to conceal their addiction or due to paranoia and erratic behaviour.
• Work or school performance: While some initially use amphetamines to enhance focus and productivity, addiction often leads to erratic attendance, poor performance and eventually job loss or dropping out of school.

Financial struggles

Amphetamine addiction can lead to devastating financial consequences:

• Cost of drugs: Maintaining an amphetamine addiction can be expensive, leading users to exhaust their savings or accumulate debt.
• Job loss: Chronic use often results in a decline in work performance, absenteeism and eventual termination.

Whether you’re taking legal or illegal amphetamines, it’s crucial to check in with yourself to preempt or even tackle an existing addiction. Amphetamines, whether prescribed or obtained illicitly, can sneak up on you and what may have started as legitimate use can evolve into dependency. If you’re concerned, self-assessment is a great first step.

Here are five questions to ask yourself:

• Do you feel unable to function or perform daily tasks without taking amphetamines?

• Have you found yourself increasing the dosage to achieve the same effects?

• Do you spend a lot of time thinking about or planning how to get more amphetamines?

• Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop or reduce your use?
• Has your amphetamine use negatively impacted your relationships, work or personal responsibilities?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it may be worth seeking further help or assessment.

If you’re struggling with amphetamine addiction, Liberty House is here to help. Our dedicated amphetamine addiction programme offers a comprehensive approach to recovery, starting with a medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal safely.

From there, you’ll engage in a range of therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), designed to address the underlying causes of addiction.
We also provide holistic therapies, such as yoga and art therapy, to support your emotional well-being and overall healing.

To ensure you continue on the right path, we offer comprehensive aftercare services that provide ongoing support for your long-term recovery and sobriety.

If you or someone you love is struggling with amphetamine addiction, don’t wait to get help. Liberty House offers compassionate, expert care with tailored treatment programmes designed to support lasting recovery. Contact us today and let our team guide you through the journey to a healthier, addiction-free life.