Understanding Amphetamines and Substance Abuse

 

Amphetamines are a part of a group of psychoactive drugs that are called CNS stimulants. The street term for amphetamines is "uppers" and speed is one of the most well known of the amphetamines. There are several different drugs in the amphetamine group, and they include methamphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

Amphetamines were created in 1887 by a German chemist called L Edeleano, but it was not until several decades later that the CNS stimulating properties of the drug were noticed. In the early days, the drug was actually used as an inhaler to relieve nasal congestion. Later, it was recommended to cure narcolepsy, hangovers, depression, morning sickness and other conditions. Amphetamines were cheap, widely available, and versatile. The potential for addiction and substance abuse was not noticed until the 1980s, when a highly concentrated version of methamphetamine became more commonly prescribed, and addiction became more commonplace.

The short term effects of excessive amphetamine use can include paranoia, an increased body temperature, euphoria, increased blood pressure, palpitations, nausea, headaches, and even cardiovascular system failure. In the long term, behavioral and physiological disorders can develop. Repeated high doses of amphetamines can cause cardiac arrhythmia, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, convulsions, toxic psychosis and skin disorders.

Amphetamines are highly addictive and sudden withdrawal can cause serious physiological problems. For this reason it is a good idea to seek professional medical advice if you or someone you know has an amphetamine problem. A detox clinic can help to manage the withdrawal symptoms and offer advice on how to return to normal society. Often, it is the psychological support that makes the difference between an addict staying clean or returning to their old ways. If you do not diagnose the reason that the drug use started in the first place, a relapse is likely.