Amphetamine Dependence and Addiction

Amphetamine Dependence and Addiction

Amphetamine Dependence and Addiction

An amphetamine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that can be used in the treatment of health conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. Amphetamine addiction and dependence is not the abuse of using amphetamines but the dependence on them. It is very hard to quit or control the use of them, but many do with professional help.

Prescription amphetamines include Adderall, methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine, or the inactive prodrug lisdexamfetamine. The street names for amphetamines include uppers, wake ups, whizz, whites, crystal meth, crank, glass, Tina, Christine, and ice. Methamphetamine is a stronger type of amphetamine that is much more addictive and can be lethal. Some versions of it are ecstasy, Molly, and MDMA. Amphetamines can be snorted, injected, ingested orally, or smoked.

At therapeutic doses, amphetamines can enhance alertness and self-confidence. While students think it helps them focus and perform better on exams, they usually do worse if they are already smart.

At chronic dependence levels, amphetamines can be physically life threatening and cause delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations.

According to SAMHSA, “the most commonly used subtype of prescription stimulants among people aged 12 or older in 2015 was amphetamine products”—11.3 million (4.2 %) of the 17.2 million past year users of stimulants aged 12 or older.