Signs of Amphetamine Use Vs. Abuse Signs

Amphetamine, also commonly known as speed, is a stimulant most commonly used in the past to keep people awake and to assist people achieves weight loss. Amphetamine is also commonly used in medicines, such as Ritalin, which is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Is amphetamine addictive? The answer is yes, used outside of medical supervision, amphetamine is highly addictive and prone to abuse. The more a person takes amphetamine, the more likely they are to feel like they need it. Amphetamine has many different “street names” and is a well-known performance-enhancer.

Understanding Amphetamine Dependency and Tolerance

The more a person takes amphetamine, the more likely they are to become tolerant of the drug. This means they will need higher doses to achieve the same feelings, and in some cases to be able to function what they see as normally. Amphetamine is seen as a party drug, with many people taking it at parties and when enjoying nights out. Because some people associate amphetamine with having fun, it is not always obvious to them that they have developed amphetamine dependence. People who have developed a physical dependence on amphetamine may experience depression, anxiety and fever when they stop taking the drug. If a person begins taking more and more amphetamine, this is usually an indication of physical dependence, says a Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR) website article. Psychological dependence is often much more powerful than the physical, as the person becomes increasingly obsessed with achieving that initial euphoric high again. A person who is pyschologically dependent on amphetamine may also undergo a change of personality and they may display an increasing preoccupation with taking the drug.

Effects/Side Effects

Amphetamine can make a person feel excited, happy, more talkative and generally more confident. The high associated with amphetamine includes feelings of euphoria, intense happiness and contentment. While the amphetamine high has been likened to that experienced when a person takes cocaine, an amphetamine high lasts much longer. A person may also experience dilated pupils, an increased heart rate and restlessness. Amphetamine is commonly taken by people who wish to remain active for long periods. The comedown from an amphetamine high is also known as a crash and burn. This is because coming down from amphetamine is prolonged and can leave a person feeling depressed, burnt out, and agitated. An increase in appetite is also not uncommon, as are angry outbursts. It is the comedown from amphetamine that makes it so tempting for a person to continue to take it, in a bid to deal with the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal and Detoxification

If a person suddenly stops taking amphetamine after prolonged use, they are likely to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. While it is possible for a person to stop taking amphetamine on their own, their chance of returning to the drug is quite high. This is mainly due to psychological withdrawals as oppose to the physical. A person, who has stopped taking amphetamine alone, must learn to cope with old triggers such as friends who also take the drug. Withdrawal from amphetamine can cause symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety disorders, palpitations and overwhelming agitation. Taking part in a professional detoxification program, allows a person access to the medical and psychological help they need to beat their addiction.

Treatment for Amphetamine Addiction

Overcoming the physical withdrawal symptoms experienced when a person stops taking amphetamine is considered to be the easy part of overcoming the addiction, according to the Ambrosia Treatment Centers website. The strong psychological addiction means it is important for a person to receive a combination of treatment, including cognitive and behavioral therapy. This helps a person learn to cope with the stresses of life on their own, without using amphetamine as an escape. Therapists will also work with people to help them overcome their amphetamine triggers. This may mean avoiding people or places where they used to take the drug. In effect, they are retraining their brain. A person can undergo amphetamine abuse treatment in a hospital, a rehabilitation center or under the care of their doctor. It is also possible for a person to undergo supervised treatment in his or her own home. Improved services means people have a lot more choice now, then in the past, when it comes to the treatment that makes the most comfortable. A doctor will always assess the person to ensure their treatment is suitable for their individual needs.

ADHD and Your Child

Courtesy of NayPong.

     

Raising a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be a challenging time for a family and it can be difficult to accept the child is not simply being naughty or badly behaved. A staggering 10-percent of school age children are thought to have ADHD, with boys three times more likely to suffer than girls. While it is completely normal for a child to be naughty at times, children with ADHD will behave this way for greater periods of time and in a number of different situations.

There is no defined test to diagnose a child with ADHD; instead, the child must undergo an indepth evaluation. This usually involves the child being evaluated by several different professionals, including pediatricians, doctors and psychologists. A child must meet a certain criteria before receiving a diagnosis of ADHD

1.       A child’s behavior must display a range of certain behaviors from predefined groups before the age of seven.

2.       These behaviors must not be age-specific and must be severe.

3.       The behavior must continue for a prolonged amount of time, usually at least 6-months.

4.       The behavior must have a negative impact on the child’s school and home life.

As well as meeting the above criteria, a doctor will also do standard tests on the child’s hearing and vision. This rules out other possible explanations for the child’s behavior. The doctor or psychologist will also ask the child’s parents about any issues at home or school. Other stresses, such as bullying, new sibling and any major changes to the child's routine must all be ruled out before an official ADHD diagnosis is made. A full school and educational evaluation is also carried out, this will uncover any underlying problems that could possibly explain the child’s behavior.

It is important for the parents of an ADHD child to realise that their child’s condition is not a result of a poor diet or most importantly, poor parenting. Although the causes of ADHD are unknown at this time, tests and studies indicate it could possibly be a genetic condition. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, with a combination of drug and counseling therapy there is no reason an ADHD child cannot lead a perfectly normal life. There is no cure for ADHD, but it is possible to successfully manage the condition.

Parents of ADHD children should seek the appropriate support and accept the help available, whether this is through family, the child’s school or specialist agencies. If you have a child with ADHD and you are finding it difficult to cope, please feel free to email me at Madeline.Mahoney@yahoo.co.uk