Substance abuse remains a significant problem in communities all across the country. Addiction rates continue to rise at alarming rates and affect people from all walks of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, reach out for professional treatment. If left untreated, a substance use disorder will wreak havoc on your physical and mental health or lead to a fatal overdose. Becoming sober and going through treatment can be overwhelming and challenging. With proper care and resources, you can find lasting healing and recovery.
At Washburn House, we understand the toll addiction takes on all areas of your life. Our team is ready to help you overcome your struggles and quit substance once and for all. We provide various substance abuse treatment programs to help patients quit a variety of substances, from heroin to amphetamines. If you are looking for a Worcester drug rehab program, consider Washburn House. For more information or to speak to someone on our team, call us at 855.298.3104.
What Are Amphetamines?
The type of drug you are trying to quit can play a significant role in your treatment and recovery journey. Many different kinds of substances influence your mind and body in various ways. Amphetamines are a type of stimulant drug that is becoming more widely abused. Since they are stimulants, they speed up messages between the mind and body and increase alertness. They can be legally prescribed to treat conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, they are often misused by individuals looking to stay awake, feel more energized, or focus.
Amphetamines work by enhancing the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Dopamine is the chemical messenger in your brain connected to feelings of pleasure and your brain’s reward system. Norepinephrine is the chemical messenger involved in helping you stay alert and focused. When used as a treatment medication, amphetamines can be highly effective in treating or managing certain conditions. However, the impacts on your pleasure feelings, reward system, and energy levels can make it highly addictive.
The Dangers of Stimulant Abuse
Amphetamines and other stimulants are widely abused because the effects can be highly desirable for individuals. They enjoy the high and the increase in alertness and want to repeat them, so they want to take more of the drug. This means stimulants have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Even if individuals think they are being careful, they can easily find themselves with a substance abuse problem. Stimulant abuse can have significant side effects on your physical and mental health.
Some of the adverse side effects of stimulant abuse are:
- Panic attacks
- Hostility
- Violent behavior
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Dangerously elevated body temperature
- Increased cardiovascular risks
- Seizures
Over time, chronic stimulant abuse can lead to tolerance, dependence, or both. When someone develops a tolerance, it means they need to take more of the drug to feel the desired effects. Dependence is when someone becomes at risk of withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the substance. Their mind and body become adjusted to the substance, so when it is not in their system, they experience withdrawal symptoms. If you or a loved one is struggling with amphetamine or stimulant abuse, reach out for professional help immediately.
Enroll in the Washburn House Rehab Program Today
A drug rehab program will provide you with a safe and supportive environment to go through detox and withdrawal. Stimulant withdrawal can be challenging, but at Washburn House, our professional team provides around-the-clock care to monitor patients and help manage their symptoms. Once detox is complete, they can continue their recovery journey in our various programs and services available to help them develop healthy coping mechanisms and learn how to live a new substance-free life. If you are ready to return to your best self, contact us online or call 855.298.3104 to get started.