Amphetamine Addiction Treatment

Published by John Gillen | Last updated: 19th December 2023 | All Sources

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Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner)

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All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Last Reviewed: 24th November 2023

Before amphetamine rehab and detox can begin, it is important to understand the effects and risks associated with the drug.

Amphetamine is a group of stimulant drugs, also known as speed. Stimulants increase the activity of certain chemicals in the brain and are often taken to stay alert, typically on a night out.

Amphetamine was also once used in diet pills, as one of the effects of amphetamine is suppressed appetite.

Some examples of amphetamine drugs include dexamphetamine which can be used for medical purposes to treat conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), amphetamine sulphate which is mainly known as ‘speed’, and methamphetamine which is a potent form of amphetamine, known predominantly as ‘crystal’, or ‘meth’.

Those under the influence of amphetamine often feel excited, chatty, and energetic.

There are a number of reasons why people take amphetamine, as it can cause a sense of escapism, it can increase confidence and make it easier to socialise, as well as relieve boredom and stress.

It also commonly used as a coping mechanism for people who are experiencing personal issues or mental health problems or are simply consumed out of curiosity.

However, there is also a long “come down” which is experienced after consuming speed, which can cause the user to become irritable, depressed, anxious, and paranoid.

 

What are the Risks of an Amphetamine Addiction?

There are many risks associated with taking amphetamine. These can include:

  • Come down – This can last for several days after consumption and can make it difficult for users to learn or concentrate. It can also be difficult to relax or sleep after taking it and cause poor mental health.
  • Heart trouble – Amphetamine accelerates the heart rate. This can put a strain on the heart, which can lead to long term health problems or other complications.
  • Immune system – Combined with its effect on diet and sleep, amphetamines can lower your immune system, resulting in a higher likelihood of contracting the cold or flu and other illnesses.
  • Depression – Amphetamine use can lead to anxiety, depression, irritability, aggression, paranoia, and increases the risk of developing a mental illness.

Drugaware.com explains that there is no safe level of illicit drug use. All drugs including amphetamines will affect each person differently depending on the person’s characteristics such as physical size, gender, mood, diet, fitness, age, expectations, health, how the drug is taken, and the environment in which is it taken.

Some common short-term effects of taking a high dose of amphetamine include repetitive movement, irregular breathing, panic attacks, pale skin, jaw clamping or teeth grinding, and a very rapid heartbeat.

If you’re going through a long-term amphetamine addiction, it’s likely you’ll experience violent behaviour, periods of psychosis, mood swings, malnutrition and weight loss, emotional disturbances, and delusional thoughts because of this drug.

In the Focal Point Annual Report on gov.UK, it is found that in 2018 Amphetamine was involved in 100 deaths registered in England and Wales. Amphetamine has also contributed to the deaths of 46 people in Scotland in 2018, which is the highest number that is on record.

When we look at drug use among school children, gov.UK states that in a recent survey “15 year olds in England were half as likely to have used amphetamines (including methamphetamine) than cocaine or MDMA, with 1.8% saying they had ever used amphetamines compared to 4.2% for cocaine and 3.9% for MDMA”.

Gov.UK goes on to states that “Wales has the highest proportion of people in the UK starting treatment for amphetamine or methamphetamine use. In 2018, 5.8% of all people starting treatment in Wales reported primary use of amphetamine or methamphetamine, compared to 1.8% in England and 1.5% in Scotland”.

Although Amphetamine use has decreased in recent years, it is still a prevalent drug which can cause addiction and health problems in users. It’s vital that we continue to raise awareness of amphetamine rehab solutions.

We’re here to help those who need it most at Amphetamine rehab. Our rehab facility is the perfect place to recover from addiction and begin the recovery process.

 

How We Can Help

Here at Cassiobury Court, we have a range of drug and alcohol rehab treatments to help with your addiction, including detox, counselling, and holistic therapies.

Every person who walks through our open doors will receive a personalised treatment programme featuring a carefully selected mix of psychological and well-being therapies to suit their specific needs.

Unlike other local health services or outpatient services, we have a dedicated team who can take the time to get to know you before designing your bespoke amphetamine addiction rehab plan.

Our residential addiction programme takes place in our warm and welcoming rehab centre where you can enjoy the privacy of your own room, 24/7 support from our excellent team of recovery workers and have all your housekeeping needs taken care of to ensure the only thing you have to focus on is your recovery from amphetamine addiction.

We provide daily nutritious meals to aid your recovery process and even arrange social activities for you to take part in during your down time. These include quiz nights, film nights, group runs or walks, and family visits should you wish to.

We deliver a wide variety of therapies and will select the ones which we feel will benefit you most to ensure an effective and efficient treatment programme.

These could include cognitive behavioural therapy, stress management, relapse prevention, counselling, art therapy, fitness therapy, relaxation and sleep management and mindfulness.

 

Amphetamine Detox

To start your rehab process, you will first undergo an amphetamine detox to completely withdraw you from the substance and start your recovery.

Although it is a hard process to go through, it is a necessary step which will get you on the road to recovery. You will be surrounded by medical professionals and addiction recovery workers who help you throughout the process.

You can expect amphetamine detox to take around 5-10 days, and afterwards your addiction therapies will begin, including those mentioned above.

There is no need to worry about the detox process, as you are in the safest place to recover. Prescription medications can also be provided to help you manage withdrawal symptoms.

To find out more about the admissions process and to learn about amphetamine rehab and detox, call the admissions line.

 

Get in Touch

Let us help you achieve your long-term recovery with our amphetamine addiction rehab.

For more information call us on 0800 001 4070 or text HELP to 83222. You can also email us at info@cassioburycourt.com.

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John Gillen

John Gillen - Author Last updated: 19th December 2023

John Gillen is a leading addiction treatment expert with over 15 years of experience providing evidence-based treatment methods for individuals throughout the UK. John also co-authors the book, The Secret Disease of Addiction, which delves into how the addictive mind works and what treatment techniques work best.

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Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner)

Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) - Medical Reviewer - Last Reviewed: 24th November 2023

Dr. Olalekan Otulana MBChB, DRCOG, MRCGP, DFSRH, FRSPH, MBA (Cantab)

 Dr Otulana is a highly experienced GP and Addiction Physician. He has a specialist interest in Substance Misuse Management and he has a wide range of experience in the assessment, management (including detoxification) and residential rehabilitation of clients with various drug and substance addiction problems.  His main aim is to comprehensively assess patients with addiction problems and determine their treatment needs for medical detoxification treatments and psychological interventions. He is also experienced in managing patients who require dual drug and alcohol detoxification treatments.

A strong healthcare services professional with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from Cambridge University Judge Business School.