Dexedrine Abuse in Baltimore
Dexedrine abuse is a serious problem that affects many high school and college students, even those who have been prescribed the medication. Dexedrine is an amphetamine stimulant medication prescribed for the management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Because Dexedrine increases wakefulness, improves focus and attention, and suppresses appetite, it is frequently abused by high school and college students.
Even individuals who have been legitimately prescribed Dexedrine are often prone to eventually becoming addicted to the medication. Dexedrine can be difficult to quit, because users suffer excruciating withdrawal symptoms they discontinue using the medication. With the help of Alcohol Treatment Centers Baltimore, addicted individuals can achieve long-term recovery from Dexedrine abuse.
The Path of Dexedrine Abuse and Addiction.
Many stimulant addicts can trace the beginning of their addiction to an ADHD medication that they were prescribed on the recommendation of a teacher. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Often, children as young as 7 years old are prescribed stimulant medication such as Dexedrine, Ritalin, Concerta, or Adderall to improve their focus and concentration.
They continue taking these drugs on a long-term basis to minimize the effects of ADHD. This long-term use of stimulants can take a devastating toll on users' mental, emotional, and physical well-being, as individuals slip into stimulant abuse or addiction.
The Birthplace of Dexedrine Abuse.
When a child is prescribed the medication for their ADHD, it helps to improve their overall focus and ability to sit still in class. Relieved that they are getting better grades and are no longer getting into trouble because of their inability to focus, most kids faithfully take their meds as prescribed. As time goes on, Ritalin no longer works effectively as children build up a tolerance to its effects. By the time they reach high school, the prescription has been changed to Adderall or Dexedrine. This is where the serious addiction is prone to set in.
As young adults, these individuals end up craving their stimulant medication even when not in school, thus finding themselves unable to quit without going through intense withdrawal. Dexedrine is so addictive that even patients who take the medication exactly as prescribed are at risk of becoming addicts. Once patients start taking Dexedrine, their bodies can become tolerant to the drug, meaning that they need more of the drug to achieve the same effects.
Physical dependence can also develop with Dexedrine, where patients taking the drug on their regular schedule begin to experience withdrawal symptoms before it is time for their scheduled dose. As soon as patients notice signs of increasing Dexedrine tolerance or physical dependence, they should speak to their doctor about their concerns. Abusing Dexedrine to manage symptoms by taking higher doses of the drug or taking it more frequently than prescribed, is only going to make matters worse.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Dexedrine Abuse
If you are wondering whether someone you know is abusing Dexedrine, there are certain warning signs that can help you to recognize if a person has a problem. Dexedrine abuse affects users' mental well-being, emotional stability, and overall physical health. The physical signs of Dexedrine abuse include:
• Excessive weight loss
• Seizures
• Muscle weakness
• Blurred vision
• Tremors
• Decreased sleep
• Elevated temperature
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
Along with the above physical signs, look for these mental and emotional signs that indicate Dexedrine abuse:
• Delusional thoughts
• Hallucinations
• Mania/manic episodes
• Abrupt mood swings
• Aggression (verbal and physical)
• Psychosis
• Homicidal or suicidal thoughts, topics of discussion, or other tendencies
Dexedrine Addiction Withdrawal.
Anyone who has been taking Dexedrine for a long time is going to experience withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly discontinue its use. The level of severity for Dexedrine withdrawal symptoms is determined by each individual's pattern of drug abuse. Dexedrine withdrawal symptoms include a variety of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that can begin to appear after a mere 6 to 12 hours after the last dose was taken. These symptoms include intense cravings for the drug, hunger, irritability, mental fog or confusion, extreme fatigue, irrationality, violent outbursts, paranoia, depression, and psychotic episodes.
Dexedrine Addiction Treatment.
Treatment options are available to those whom are struggling with Dexedrine addiction. Alcohol Treatment Centers Baltimore can provide effective help that includes helping you find a treatment facility that will best suit all your needs.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25295651
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/prescription-stimulant-medications-amphetamines