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What is amphetamine dependence? Amphetamines are a type of stimulant. They treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. They’re also sometimes used by
medical professionals to treat other disorders. Dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine are two types of amphetamines. They’re sometimes sold illegally. Both prescribed and street amphetamines
can be misused and cause use disorder. Methamphetamine is the most commonly misused amphetamine. Amphetamine dependence, a type of stimulant use disorder, occurs when you need the drug to
function on a daily basis. You’ll experience symptoms of withdrawal if you’re dependent and you abruptly stop using the drug. What causes amphetamine dependence? Using amphetamines
frequently and for a long time can cause dependence. Some people become dependent faster than others. You may become dependent if you use these drugs without a prescription. You can also
become dependent if you take more than prescribed. It’s even possible to develop a use disorder if you take amphetamines according to your doctor’s directions. Who’s at risk for amphetamine
dependence? You may be at a higher risk of developing amphetamine use disorder if you: * have easy access to amphetamines * have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or
schizophrenia * have a stressful lifestyle What are the symptoms of amphetamine dependence? If you’re dependent on amphetamines, you may: * miss work or school * not complete or perform
tasks as well * not eat and lose a lot of weight * have severe dental problems * find it difficult to stop using amphetamines * experience withdrawal symptoms if you don’t use amphetamines *
have episodes of violence and mood disturbances * have anxiety, insomnia, or paranoia * feel confused * have visual or auditory hallucinations * have delusions, such as the sensation that
something is crawling under your skin How is amphetamine dependence diagnosed? To diagnose amphetamine use disorder, your doctor may: * ask you questions about how much and how long you’ve
been using amphetamines * take blood tests to detect amphetamines in your system * perform a physical exam and order tests to detect health problems caused by amphetamine use You may have
amphetamine use disorder if you’ve experienced three or more of the following symptoms within the same 12-month period: BUILDUP OF TOLERANCE You’ve built up a tolerance if you need larger
doses of amphetamines to achieve the same effect that lower doses once created. YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS AFFECTED Withdrawal may be characterized by: * depression * anxiety * fatigue * paranoia
* aggression * intense cravings You may need to use a similar drug to relieve or avoid amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. INABILITY TO CUT DOWN OR STOP You may be unsuccessful at cutting down
or stopping your use of amphetamines. You may continue to crave the stimulant even though you know they’re causing persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems. LIFESTYLE
CHANGES You miss out on or don’t go to as many recreational, social, or work activities because of your amphetamine use. How is amphetamine dependence treated? Treatments for amphetamine use
disorder may include a combination of the following: HOSPITALIZATION If you experience strong drug cravings, you may find it easier to go through amphetamine withdrawal in a hospital
setting. Hospitalization may also help if you have negative mood changes, including aggression and suicidal behavior. THERAPY Individual counseling, family therapy, and group therapy can
help you: * identify the feelings associated with amphetamine use * develop different coping mechanisms * repair relationships with your family * develop strategies to avoid amphetamine use
* discover activities you enjoy in place of amphetamine use * get support from others with use disorder as they understand what you’re going through, sometimes in a 12-step treatment program
MEDICATION Your doctor may prescribe medication to ease severe symptoms of withdrawal. Some doctors may prescribe naltrexone to help with your cravings. Your doctor may also prescribe other
medications to help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and aggression. What are the complications of amphetamine dependence? Consistent amphetamine dependence and use disorder can
lead to: * overdose * brain damage, including symptoms that resemble Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, or stroke * death Can I prevent amphetamine dependence? Drug education programs may reduce
the odds for new amphetamine use or a relapse, but study results are mixed. Counseling for emotional and family support can also help. However, none of these are proven to prevent
amphetamine use in everyone. What’s the long-term outlook? Amphetamine use disorder can be difficult to treat. You may relapse after treatment and start using amphetamines again.
Participating in a 12-step treatment program and getting individual counseling may reduce your chances of relapse and improve your chances for recovery.