Phenytoin, fosphenytoin, and valproic acid should be avoided due to their ineffectiveness in aborting toxicologic seizures. Naltrexone has been evaluated for this indication based on its ability to decrease the effects of the dopamine reward system. There is an overall paucity of high-quality data from human subjects to base conclusions on naltrexone’s efficacy. As a result, consultation with an addiction specialist, cognitive behavioral therapy, and group therapy remain the primary means to treat amphetamine use disorder.
- They may believe they have failed, but relapse does not point to failed treatment.
- In general, they are closely related in terms of their detection periods.
- The condition requires professional treatment because of its complex effects on physical health and the potential to trigger or exacerbate mental disorders.
- From densely populated urban areas to remote rural communities, the grip of amphetamine addiction is felt everywhere.
Start the road to recovery
These findings demonstrate the efficacy of the two treatments as well as patient engagement in the treatment. Studies indicate a strong relationship between participant retention at follow-up and the efficacy of pharmacological treatments in combination with behavioral interventions for MA patients 24, 25. The review findings indicated that pharmacological treatments alone led to significant reductions in craving, withdrawal, psychosis and depression among amphetamine abusers 14–19. If some medicines can reduce amphetamines-related symptoms, they can be used in drug treatment services. Furthermore, using BCBT is likely to increase the outcome of pharmacological treatments for amphetamines abuse in clinical practice.

The symptoms below are the average symptoms seen for drugs in this family. Amphetamine drugs cause an array of physical symptoms due to their direct effect on the body. These symptoms may differ in their extent slightly depending on which amphetamine drugs are being abused.
- One like Evekeo will show these symptoms, but due to its short-acting nature, they resolve faster than with drugs like amphetamine-dextroamphetamine.
- Additionally, incorporating nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can support brain health and enhance cognitive function, which is often compromised during addiction.
- Amphetamine addiction can be overcome by acknowledging that the problem exists and seeking professional help for appropriate guidance in treating the disorder.
- Original RCTs were included if the control groups had no treatment or received treatment as usual.
- It is important to note that some adverse effects of amphetamine use are also symptoms of ADHD.
Medical Detoxification
The Recovery Village provides comprehensive addiction care with programs focused specifically on amphetamine addiction. As of 2020, roughly 1.5 million individuals ages 12 and older reported facing a meth use disorder, while roughly 758,000 reported misusing prescription stimulants. Overdosing on amphetamine can occur because of the drug’s effects on the heart and brain. Most of the short-term side effects of amphetamines are due Drug rehabilitation to excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the elevation of dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. Like other stimulants, amphetamines can increase focus and improve concentration. When abused, they can also cause feelings of aggression, paranoia, talkativeness, and feelings of being invincible.
Types of Drugs
These mental and emotional changes can be as dangerous as the physical symptoms, sometimes leading to self-harm or suicidal thoughts. There are many reasons a person may fall into a pattern of amphetamine misuse or develop SUD. It is important that a person does not feel ashamed about seeking help or following a program to support their recovery. Treatment may be long-term and may involve periods of difficulty as a person adjusts to their life without substance use. Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.
Inpatient Rehab for Amphetamine Addiction

Representatives at The Recovery Village are always available over the phone at no cost. The Recovery Village,offers an integrated treatment approach for those dealing with co-occurring disorders. Staff members incorporate mental health recovery tactics into client recovery plans from day one. While in inpatient treatment at The Recovery Village, clients stay in comfortable rooms with easy access to amenities. During the day, individuals have the chance to engage in a variety of therapies.
Calls to any general helpline listed on this site may be answered or returned by a paid advertiser that is a licensed treatment provider. There is no obligation to enter treatment, and we do not receive any commission or fee based on which provider you choose. All calls are confidential, and the information on AddictionResource.com is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For additional treatment options, visit the SAMHSA Treatment Locator. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare.
Paying for Treatment
This may include follow-up therapy, support groups and tools to help individuals maintain a healthy and fulfilling life. Staying connected to these resources can make a significant difference in sustaining long-term recovery and personal growth. Detox is a crucial part of treatment, focusing on clearing amphetamines from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms.
It also includes using them in other ways, like smoking or injecting them. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.

It is important to note that there is a significant lack of longitudinal studies regarding long-term efficacy or addiction in the area of prescription stimulants. Due to their ability to boost levels of a few “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, amphetamines are often misused. Although college students may try to misuse Adderall to increase focus levels, people of all ages can abuse these drugs and develop an addiction to them. The Recovery Village Columbus offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. While caffeine increases alertness and energy, it works through different mechanisms and is much milder than amphetamines.
Stimulant Addiction and Abuse
Dependence is likely due to increased tolerance to amphetamine effects and the requirement of escalating doses to achieve the desired effect. While the initial effects of amphetamine use are enjoyable, the high ends with a noticeable crash, leaving addicts irritable and exhausted. It doesn’t take long for the body to build up a tolerance to amphetamines causing a user to increase the dosage to maintain the initial desired effects. Along with tolerance comes psychological and physical dependence and amphetamine addiction. The amphetamine addiction pleasure centers of the brain will begin to crave the speed if it is not regularly supplied. It is the fear of crashing and the unpleasant feelings of withdrawal that keep a speed addict going back for more despite the negative consequences.